Most folks know by now that Arlene Arris, our beloved library director and long-time Town of Freeport employee, has retired. Her last day was on December 31st and since then she’s enjoyed reading by her wood stove and spending time with her family. We miss her cheerful energy and steadfast loyalty, but we’re also ready to embrace change and look toward the future.
I’m honored and thrilled to announce that I was selected among a pool of candidates to be the next director. When I came to FCL in 2017, I had over a decade of experience in other libraries and industries. It didn’t take long for me to realize that Freeport is a very special place and I decided then and there that this would be my forever library. Five years later, I still feel that way. The library staff are the friendliest, most dedicated bunch I’ve ever worked with, and the enthusiastic community support we receive inspires and sustains us. Thank you for making our jobs so worthwhile.
Over the next few months, the staff and I will be reviewing current programming and services, planning for the spring, and connecting with local partners and stakeholders to see how we can best support this amazing community. Perhaps an injection of sunshine and warmer weather will usher in healthier days and a return to more familiar times. As always, FCL will continue to deliver terrific customer service; supply you with the books, movies, and digital services you love; and we will look for new and different ways to bring FCL to you – both inside and outside of the building.
Be well,
Courtney
Seeking new members for the Library Board of Trustees
Did you know that FCL has an advisory board that meets the 1st Monday of the month at 6:00PM?
Joining the board is a great way to support the library!
The time commitment is small - you decide what works for you.
Please ask to speak to Courtney or fill out an application at the front desk.
Thank you!
Check out BookPage!
BookPage is a free monthly publication featuring upcoming titles, author interviews, & reviews of that month's latest books in children's, teens & adult fiction & non-fiction. Copies of the newest issue are available at FCL each month while supplies last.
Can't get to the library to pick up the latest BookPage? You can view current and past issues online here.
Museum Passes
The Friends of Freeport Community Library and the Freeport Conservation Trust generously donate several family museum and park passes each year to patrons of Freeport Community Library. All passes are good for either free or reduced admission.
It’s easy to reserve your pass. Simply pick a date and contact the library to see if the pass is available. When you stop by the library to pick up the pass make sure to bring your library card. Passes can only be issued to card holders in good standing. We are only able to issue one pass a day for each attraction so if your plans change, let us know so that the pass may be used by others. Please give us a call at (207) 865-3307 to reserve a pass or for more information.
February Spice Club: Hungarian Paprika
Pickup begins Thursday, February 24 at 10:00AM
Spice Club is a monthly take-and-make craft for adults. Swing by the library to pick up the month's unique spice and try one of the included recipes, or seek out your own inspiration!
The featured February spice is Hungarian paprika. This month is quite special, because a Hungarian-American Freeporter has supplied a recipe for us! Spice Club kits include pre-portioned spice in a reusable 4 oz. Ball jar as well as regional/historical background and at least two recipes printed on cardstock. Pickup begins February 24 at 10:00AM and will continue until supplies run out. This take-and-make craft is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the library, call 207-865-3307 or visit freeportlibrary.com.
Find your next seasonal read.....
Paper Honeycomb Grab-and-Go Craft
Tuesday, February 1 at 5:00PM
What starts as a stack of paper bags magically becomes a 3D marvel! This craft is easy but looks complex and very cool. This grab-and-go craft will be available at the Youth Services desk on Tuesday, February 1 starting at 5:00PM while supplies last. It is for kids ages 5 and up.
For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
Universal Yums Grab-and-Go: Poland
Wednesday, February 2 at 2:15PM
Taste treats from around the world! Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders can get at least three treats from Poland in this month’s Universal Yums grab-and-go bag. Then, they’ll fill out a survey to record their thoughts—Yum? Yuck? Weird? The bags will be available for pick up at the Youth Services desk starting on Wednesday, February 2 at 2:15PM and will be available while supplies last. There will be thirty bags available. Keep watch for one more Universal Yums grab-and-go from a new country on March 2.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
Beading Frenzy Grab-and-Go Craft
Wednesday, February 9 at 3:15PM
Choose from tons of colorful beads at the bead bar. On Wednesday, February 9 at 3:15PM, stop by the Youth Services desk to pick out your creation, the beads to make it, and a gift box to put it in. Choose from a keychain, a bookmark, a necklace, a bracelet, or make your own creation from scratch! It could make a great gift for a friend or for Valentine’s Day. This grab-and-go craft is for kids ages 8 and up.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
Maker Cart During February Break
Tuesday-Thursday, February 22-24 11:00AM - 3:00PM
Saturday, February 26 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Come try a self-guided activity from the Maker Cart! Each day the cart will be stocked with new activities. They may be crafty or science-related but will always be creative and fun. Choose one day during February break to come or visit more than once to try them all! The Maker Cart is set up in the Youth Services wing of the library with all the supplies for a variety of activities. It’ll be offered daily February 22-24 from 11:00AM to 3:00PM and Saturday, February 26 from 11:00AM to 1:00PM. Ages vary by project.
This event is free and open to the public. For questions or directions to the Library, visit www.freeportlibrary.com, call (207) 865-3307, or stop by the library at 10 Library Drive, Freeport, ME 04032.
