Summer Reading Is Off to a Great Start at PML

Our Summer Reading Challenge is off to an amazing start. In just one week, more than 375 kids have signed up, and together they have logged over 500 hours of reading. We are well on our way to reaching our shared goal of 2,026 hours read this summer.

Helping keep track of all that progress is Flickerflash, our Summer Reading Program dragon. You can spot Flickerflash in the children’s area, where his scales change color with every 100 hours read, shifting from red to orange to yellow as the total grows. It’s a fun way to see just how much reading the kids are doing together.

There is still plenty of time to join. Kids can sign up anytime by stopping by the library to pick up a reading tracker and their first set of collectible fantasy cards.

While the main goal focuses on kids, readers of all ages can join in the fun. Teens and adults can earn Summer Reading raffle tickets for our August prize drawings just by reading and participating.

Stop by, get started, and help us keep Flickerflash glowing strong all summer long.

Make the Most of Summer with PML

Looking to make the most of summer without overfilling your calendar? Prince Memorial Library is offering a variety of relaxed, welcoming events for all ages. All programs are free and easy to drop into, so come with family, bring a friend, or just show up.

Community Bingo returns Monday nights in July from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at North Yarmouth Community Center with a fun and friendly, low-key twist on the classic game - and a community prize table!

On Wednesday, July 15 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm, enjoy Campfire Songs on the PML lawn with local musician Robbie Neeb. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and plan to sing along. Please register at princememorial.org so we can be sure to have plenty of s’mores supplies.

On Thursday, August 6 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Peter Boie brings his Magician for Non-Believers show to PML, blending humor, storytelling, and surprising illusions in a program for all ages. Rain or shine.

Round out the season at our Star Party at Twin Brook Recreation Area on Saturday, August 22, from 7:15-9:30 p.m., featuring ice cream from Toot’s, and a guided look at the night sky with the Southern Maine Astronomers starting around 8:15 pm(ish) when the skies are dark. Register for email updates or stay tuned to our Facebook page or website for weather cancellations. Cloud/raindate: Sunday, August 23.

Find full details at princememorial.org.

More to Borrow: PML Libby Collection Expands with Kennebunk

Exciting news, starting July 1, Prince Memorial Library will share its Libby collection with Kennebunk Free Library, giving PML patrons access to an even larger selection of eBooks and audiobooks.

Libby is a free app that lets you borrow digital books from the library. If you already use Libby, the expanded collection will appear automatically. No extra cards or steps are needed. If you haven't tried Libby yet, this is a great time to check it out.

Need help getting started? Find helpful instructions and tips here.

PML’s New Website Goes Live This Week

We’re excited to share that the new princememorial.org website goes live on Wednesday, July 1, with a fresh, easier way to find what you need. Our web address will stay the same, and you should not experience any interruptions as we make the switch.

You’ll find more in-depth information about everything we offer, now organized under three simple categories: Borrow, Gather, and Discover. It will be easier to browse events, search our catalog, and learn about all the resources and amenities available at PML. Whether you are looking for your next read or next fun event, the new site will help you get there more quickly.

We hope you’ll take a look when it launches. If you have questions or feedback, please reach out - we’d love to hear from you!

Game On: World Cup Reading Picks

Here are a few reads for soccer fans of all ages—perfect for getting into the World Cup spirit, whether you’re watching every match or just catching the highlights. Each captures a little bit of what makes the game so loved around the world.

Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez

Goal! by Mina Javaherbin, illustrated by A.G. Ford

The Ball Is Round: A Global History of Soccer by David Goldblatt

Adult Happenings @ PML

Read 'em and Reap Raffles for Adults

Now-August 15

Summer reading isn't just for kids. Adults can earn a raffle ticket for each book they read or listen to. We've got a great lineup of 24 (!) prizes. Choose the prize(s) you'd like to win, and place your raffle tickets all summer long. The more you read, the more chances you have to win.

Raffle tickets are available through August 15. We'll announce the winners during the week of August 17-21.

View the prizes at PML (on the large print stacks). Tickets are available at the library or complete your tickets online here.

Paper Pop-Up Card Workshop

Tuesday, June 30

1-3 p.m. @PML

Registration required

Have fun making a special and unique pop-up card! You decide the occasion. Discover how to create a pop-up that looks quite complicated, but is actually fairly simple, after you learn the basics. Pop-ups are magic and make everyone smile. Led by Allison Villani, an art teacher and sculptural book artist who loves inspiring creativity and imagination in others. Register at princememorial.org

Out Together: A Casual LGBTQ+ Adult Meetup

Wednesday, July 1

6:30-7:30 p.m. @PML

Out Together is a new and welcoming monthly gathering for LGBTQ+ adults (18+) to connect, meet new people, share experiences, discuss challenges, celebrate good news, and build community in a relaxed, respectful, and inclusive setting. This new group will meet the first Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at PML.

Shakespeare Table Reading

Tuesday, July 7: Much Ado About Nothing

2-5 p.m. @PML

Registration required

Re-acquaint yourself with Shakespeare. Join us for a casual gathering of enthusiasts as we read Much Ado About Nothing 'round a table. No acting experience is required.

We're allowing for three hours to read the play from cover to cover. We'll have snacks. Join us. It'll be fun!

Parts will be assigned, depending on how many we have register, so please register at princememorial.org.

Discovery Walk:

Wild Edible Plants

Tuesday, July 7, 9–11 a.m.

@Chandler Brook Preserve

Registration required

We're hunting for wild, edible plants, and we'll stop to look at other tiny, beautiful things along the way. Julia Walters from Snapdragon Homestead will guide our group through the lovely Chandler Brook Preserve in North Yarmouth. Bring your cameras and your muck boots!

Please register at princememorial.org so we can contact you in case of tricky weather conditions.

Pictionary: Teens vs. Adults

Thursday, July 16 & 30

6-7:30 p.m. @PML

Registration required

We're pitting adults vs. teens in the style of the classic game of Pictionary.

Can you draw? No? No matter. It's more fun that way, anyway. Are we going to be a little fuzzy with the rules? You bet! Why not?

More people is better. We need a minimum of six people to make this happen. Spread the word. Join us!

Please register at princememorial.org so we'll have pizza and treats for everyone.

Nature Journaling

Friday, July 17

10a.m. - 12 p.m. @Knight's Pond Preserve

Registration required

Are you curious about the natural world? Would you like to enhance your time outside and grow your ways of seeing what’s there? Join us to learn about nature journaling, a flexible practice available to anyone. Together we will consider the benefits of observing the natural world around us, get tips on how to start a nature journal, and share ideas that can help guide our entries. We will slow down and take time to notice what’s around us and note our discoveries.

In case of rain, the event will be held at PML. Please register at princememorial.org

Teen Happenings @ PML

Teen Services has a newsletter, just for teens!

Check out the latest one here: June's Teen Newsletter

Get teen info sent directly to your inbox: sign up for the Teen Newsletter here.

Summertime Teen Re-Fashion

Wednesday, July 8 & 22

6-8 p.m. @PML

Let’s get creative with old clothing! In this hands-on program, you’ll learn basic hand-sewing techniques to create patches and appliqué designs that can give your worn items a fresh new life. No sewing experience is necessary.

We’ll have supplies on hand to make denim fabric collage patches for anyone who doesn’t have a specific project. These patches can later be sewn onto jeans, backpacks, tote bags—whatever you’d like to personalize. Find more info here.

Teen Trivia Night

Thursday, July 9

6:30-7:30 p.m. @PML

Registration required

Test your knowledge at our teen trivia night! For teens in grades 6-12. Pizza! Slushies! Prizes! Please register at princememorial.org so we know how much pizza to buy. It's a fun time.

Pictionary: Teens vs. Adults

Thursday, July 16 & 30

6-7:30 p.m. @ PML

Registration required.

We're pitting adults vs. teens in the style of the classic game of Pictionary.

Can you draw? No? No matter. It's more fun that way, anyway. Are we going to be a little fuzzy with the rules? You bet! Why not?

More people is better. We need a minimum of six people to make this happen. Spread the word. Join us! Please register at princememorial.org so we'll have pizza and treats for everyone.

Youth Happenings @ PML

Summer Programming for Kids

PML is offering a wide variety of programs for young children, including littles, preschoolers, and school-age kids—perfect for families looking for activities after summer camp. Programs include both weekly sessions and recurring events held on select days throughout the summer. Please visit our website for full details and registration links.

Summer Storytime: Tuesdays, 10:30-11 a.m. (all Summer Storytimes will be held at PML)
Messy Makers: Tuesdays (July 7 & 21, August 4 & 18), 6-6:30 p.m.
Makerspace Mess Around: Tuesdays, 4-5 p.m.
Waterworks Wednesdays: Wednesdays (beginning July 1), 11-11:30 a.m.
Bookworms! Reading Buddies: Wednesdays in July, 12-1 p.m. Please sign up for a time slot.
Fun and Games for Kids: Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.
Zen Coloring for Kids: Fridays, 4-5 p.m.
Nature Strolls: Fridays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. – locations change each week, please see our events calendar for location.
Read to Nora: Please visit our website to see when Nora will be at PML and sign up for a time slot.

And mark your calendars for a full line-up of summer events for kids at PML, including:

University of Maine Touch Tank: July 8, 3 p.m. at PML
Touch a Truck: Saturday, July 11, 10-11 a.m. @ North Yarmouth Community Center; Saturday, July 25, 10-11:30 a.m. @ PML
Mr. Drew & His Animals Too: Tuesday, July 21 @PML
Raise a Monarch Butterfly at Home: Week of July 28

Visit our website for full details. Let's have a fun summer together!

Weekly Offerings for Adults

Mah Jongg (American-Style)

Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at PML

Knitting

Wednesdays at 1 p.m. at PML

Mah Jongg (Asian-Style)

Thursdays at 1 p.m. at PML

Classic Games

Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m. at PML

Mexican Train, Rummikub, Flinch, Sequence, Parcheesi & more. They are happy to teach (or learn) new games.

Bridge

Fridays at 1 p.m. at PML

Book Groups

PML offers book groups to suit different schedules & tastes. Newcomers welcome. While several of our book groups take a summer hiatus, we continue to offer many opportunities to read and connect with others. Visit princememorial.org for current info on our Book Groups.

The Kids are in School!! Book Group

First Tuesdays

at 1 p.m.

Contact Kelly to be added to the email list.

July 7: Heart the Lover by Lily King

Social Topics in Lit Book Group

Second Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m.

New members welcome. Contact Kelly for details.

July 8: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Men's Book Group

Third Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.

Our newest book group, for men. Led by Steve Berry (North Yarmouth). Register to get added to the email list.

July 16: The Wager by David Grann

Read-Aloud Collective

Fridays

11 a.m.-Noon

A read-aloud and discussion group for curious people. This group will explore poetry, short stories, plays, novels and non-fiction. Contact Kelly for more info.

Saturday Morning Book Chat

First Saturdays at 10 a.m.

Contact Stacy to be added to the email list.

July 11: Wanderlust by Rebecca Solnit

Bits and Bobs: Reminders & Such

Make the Most of Summer with State Park and Museum Passes

Courtesy of the Friends of PML

Planning weekend or summer outing? Borrow a State Park or Museum Pass from the library and enjoy free or discounted admission to great destinations.

The following museum and cultural sites are included in our Museum Pass Program:

Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland)
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland)
Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
Maine Wildlife Park (Gray)
Portland Museum of Art (Portland)
Maine State Parks Vehicle Pass

Ask at the circulation desk or visit our website for more information.

You can book a passport appointment online

PML is a passport acceptance facility, offering services by appointment only. To learn more about the service and to book an appointment, check out our website.

PML offers home delivery service

The PML Home Delivery Service provides free library delivery services to individuals who are residents of Cumberland or No. Yarmouth who are generally confined to their residence, either temporarily, due to illness or accident, or permanently, due to age, disability, or other mobility problems. Contact Kelly for more information at 207-829-2215 (ext 4) or via e-mail.

News from the Friends of Prince Memorial Library

Seeking PML Garden Volunteers

Take a moment on your next visit to stop by the Friends of PML Becca Hilton Memory Garden. It’s blooming and so colorful this time of year. Thanks to the Friends of PML Board, it’s a beautiful and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy.

Interested in lending a hand? Whether you have a green thumb or just want to learn alongside experienced gardeners, the Friends of PML welcome volunteers. If you have a few hours to share, they would love your help caring for the garden. Drop them an email at friendsofpml@gmail.com to connect and learn more.

Friends of PML Welcome Book and Puzzle Donations

The Friends of PML gladly accepts donations of gently used books and puzzles (up to 2 small boxes or 2 shopping bags at a time), which are in good to excellent condition. Items for all ages are welcome.

The following are not accepted: Encyclopedias, magazines, textbooks, Bibles, VHS Tapes, CDs, DVDs, outdated self-help or medical advice books, reference, technology or computer books, books which are written in, torn, moldy, musty, water or smoke damaged.

We appreciate your donations! Please bring them into the library rather than placing them in the Book Drop, which is reserved for patrons’ materials. To protect your items, please do not leave them outside after hours or during inclement weather. Thank you!

For more ways to support The Friends of PML please visit their website.

Check out the Friends of PML Book Sale

The Friends of Prince Memorial Library holds a book sale all year in the hallway to the right of the circulation desk. Great books (like new!) and puzzles for super low prices. We are always restocking the shelves, so stop by frequently. Proceeds benefit programming at Prince Memorial Library.