#BathME - #RepairCafe

Saturday, April 4th, 2026
10am-12:30pm

#PattenFreeLibrary
33 Summer Street
Bath, 04530

"Share, Care for and Repair Your Items We host a number of swaps to help you share your unused or gently used consumable items. Look for our quarterly plant swap, weekly hardware swap, and weekly art supply swap on our calendar. We do not accept certain items like old paint that need to be disposed of elsewhere. Instead, learn where to recycle them with the #recyclopedia, and next time you buy do so with thought to the end of life of your product. We also do not accept large amounts of quality items; those are better to give to Habitat for Humanity, Goodwill or other local schools and nonprofits. Care for items you want to keep with our repair cafes and repair kits in our library of things.

What is a Repair Café? A Repair Cafe is a community-based initiative designed to encourage people to repair broken or damaged items rather than discarding them. These events are typically hosted in libraries, community centers, or local spaces and bring together skilled volunteers (repair experts) and community members who need help fixing everyday items. What is the goal of a Repair Cafe? The goal of a Repair Café is to promote sustainability, reduce waste, and foster a sense of community by encouraging people to repair, reuse, and learn new skills.

We can help with:

Electronics & computers
Clothing and leather goods
Small appliances & lamps
Wooden furniture
Knife Sharpening
3D-printed repairs"

Source:
https://curtislibrary.com/adults/repair/

#SolarPunkSunday #BuildingCommunity #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule #ReduceReuseRepair #RepairCafesMaine

#RockportME #BookSale - #RockportPublicLibrary

March 28 @ 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

"Like the daffodils and tulips, the first Friends of the Rockport Public Library Book Sale of the year is a beloved harbinger of spring. This year’s event will be held in the Rockport Library’s lower level on Friday and Saturday, Mar. 27 and 28, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"As always, tables will be filled with extraordinary deals on thousands of books, #CDs, #DVDs, #puzzles, and #audiobooks. Planning to buy a lot? Join the Friends of the Rockport Public Library for $20 and receive a purple tote to fill up with books at no additional charge. Refill the tote at book sales in June and September for only $10. If you already bought your tote in December, don’t forget to bring it back for your $10 refill.

"The Friends will have an especially large selection of puzzles, DVDs, and audiobooks at this sale, thanks to generous donations. Spring is also a great time to stock up on #GardeningBooks and #Crafting books (graduation and wedding season is just around the corner — time to make something special).

"All proceeds from the sale will benefit the Rockport Public Library. Only cash and checks are able to be accepted."

FMI:
https://www.rockportlibrary.net/event/spring-book-sale-2/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule #UsedBooks #GoodCause #MaineEvents

#PortlandME - Posting for an early #SolarPunkSunday (event is Saturday, March 21st).

#KitchenGarden #SeedSwap

Mar 21 2026 Sat
Saturday, March 21, 2026
11:00am–12:00pm

Program Type: Other
Age Group: Adults (Ages 19+)

Event Details

"Calling all seed harvesters and kitchen gardeners! Join us at the #RivertonBranch for our first annual Kitchen Garden Seed Swap. Arrive with any labeled* seeds you'd like to share with your fellow gardeners and leave with what others bring to share. Come for the seeds, stay for the conversation (which we hope will be full of neighbor-to-neighbor tips for beginners and advanced gardeners and seed harvesters alike)!

*Please feel free to drop by the Riverton Branch any time we're open to pick up empty seed packets to fill with your own seeds before bringing them to the swap. If you use your own packets, please make sure to include the following information:

- Seed Type
- Date Collected
- Growing Notes (optional)
- Your name or initials (optional)

Also welcome at the swap are any seed-starting or gardening supplies in good condition that you would like to re-home. Any items left over at the end of the swap will be considered for our #LibraryOfThings or donated.

Leftover seeds will be used to seed our new Riverton Branch Seed Library."

Source:
https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/kitchen-garden-seed-swap-9960

#MaineLibraries #SeedSwaps #BuildingCommunity #PortlandPublicLibrary #PPL #RivertonBranch #SeedLibraries #GardeningForPollinators #SeedExchange #SwapDontBuy #CircularEconomy #GardenToolsSwap

#NatureExplorerBackpacks

"#MaineAudubon #NatureExplorer Backpacks are designed to encourage children and families to explore the outdoors together while learning about wildlife and habitat. Each backpack includes authentic scientific tools and resources, along with a custom-made user’s guide that walks the borrower through each item in the backpack and provides activities, games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for spending time outdoors with children, seasonal exploration prompts, nature journal templates, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with wildlife.

We currently offer:

- Library packs for public library patrons to borrow and use in their communities (see a list of participating libraries below)
- #GilslandFarm packs for sanctuary visitors to check out for a small fee to use on-site
- A set of student packs at #FieldsPond to help educators facilitate field work and nature-based STEM learning with their classes

For more information, or to purchase Nature Explorer Backpacks for your library, please contact Molly Woodring at [email protected].

Library List

Albion Public Library, Albion
Bangor Public Library, Bangor
Berwick Public Library, Berwick
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library, Boothbay
Bremen Library, Bremen
Brewer Public Library, Brewer
Buck Memorial Library, Bucksport
Cary Memorial Library, Houlton
Casco Public Library, Casco
Chase Emerson Library, Deer Isle
Dyer Library, Saco
Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth
Fort Fairfield Public Library, Fort Fairfield
Harrison Village Library, Harrison
Julia Adams Morse Memorial Library, Greene
Lewiston Public Library, Lewiston
Liberty Library, Liberty
McArthur Public Library, Biddeford,
Millinocket Memorial Library, Millinocket
Norridgewock Public Library, Norridgewock
Old Town Public Library, Old Town
Orono Public Library, Orono
Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland
Readfield Community Library, Readfield
Rockland Public Library, Rockland
Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough
Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta
Skowhegan Free Public Library, Skowhegan
Springvale Public Library, Springvale
Thomas Memorial Library, Cape Elizabeth
Thomaston Public Library, Thomaston
Thompson Free Library, Dover-Foxcroft
Vassalboro Public Library, Vassalboro
Veteran’s Memorial Library, Patten
Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook
Waterboro Public Library, Waterboro
Windham Public Library, Windham
Winterport Memorial Library, Winterport
Zadoc Long Free Library, Buckfield

Nature Explorer Backpacks are made possible by the Stephen & Tabitha King, and the Leonard C. & Mildred F. Ferguson Foundations."

Source:
https://maineaudubon.org/education/early-childhood/nature-explorer-backpacks/

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #NatureBasedLearning #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule! #AdventureBackpacks #BorrowingBeyondBooks #BorrowDontBuy #AdventureBackpacks #WildlifeBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #Birding #PlantIdentification #NatureBasedLearning

#RocklandME - #NatureBackpacks for outdoor fun and learning available to check out from #RocklandPublicLibrary

Sun, 03/20/2022

ROCKLAND — "Rockland Public Library announces a new item now available for circulation: #MaineAudubon #NatureExplorerBackpacks.

'Check out a backpack and a world of wildlife will open up for you and your family,' said the Library, in a news release.

Each pack has a custom-made user’s guide that walks you through each item in the backpack and provides #activities, #games, book lists, and more. You’ll find tips for families on how to enjoy #nature, nature journal templates, simple activity ideas, and even ways to use your smartphone to connect with #wildlife.

'Now, your outdoor time can become a science-based experience that fosters #EnvironmentalLiteracy,' said RPL.

Available to Rockland Library cardholders only.

The backpacks have seasonal themes and right now, three are available to borrow

Birds Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Binoculars
- Birds of Maine checklist
- Bird photo cards
- Colored pencils
- Lapboard and paper
- User’s guide

Wildlife Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Tracks rubber stamps
- Colored pencils
- Magnifying glass and specimen box
- Lapboard and paper
- User’s guide

Plants Backpack contains:
- Field guides and books
- Sorting sheet
- Colored pencils
- Magnifying glass and specimen box."

Source:
https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/nature-backpacks-outdoor-fun-and-learning-available-check-out-rockland-public-library/158220

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #AdventureBackpacks #LibrariesRule! #MaineLibraries #BorrowingBeyondBooks #BorrowDontBuy #AdventureBackpacks #WildlifeBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #Birding #PlantIdentification #NatureBasedLearning

#OgunquitME - New #NatureAdventureBackpacks

"Thanks to a grant from the Maine State Library and their Maine Public Library Fund we have 6 new backpacks with the following themes: #Birding, #NatureHikes and #Tidepooling / Rocks of the Marginal Way. Each theme has 2 backpacks; one backpack containing contents for adults and one backpack with more child-friendly contents.

Here are the new Birding Packs!"

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/ogunquitmemoriallibrary/posts/pfbid02VzuvVobjUx8fYRge8tfKaQKi8f7ciqkQR2fJdQ7jMypsUi1tixjiLHzMvcmw8VbAl

#SolarPunkSunday #SpendTimeInNature #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule! #BorrowingBeyondBooks #BorrowDontBuy #AdventureBackpacks #NatureBackpacks #PlantIdentification

#AugustaME - Thanks to the generous support of The Friends of #LithgowLibrary, we now have a #LibraryOfThings!

"A Library of Things allows you to borrow non-traditional library items such as snowshoes or a sewing machine. More than a 'try before you buy' opportunity, the Library of Things aligns with the mission of our library — to offer a collection of materials that meets the needs, interests, and abilities of our diverse #community. A Library of Things promotes sharing with community members, #sustainability, and trying new things. We hope you enjoy!

Interested in donating? Please let us know what you have in mind and we will see if we are able to add it to our collection. Thank you!

Library of Things Policies

- Eligibility: You must be a Lithgow cardholder for at least 3 months and in good standing (current card, no outstanding fees, etc.). Some Library of Things items are strictly limited to Adults only (18+).
- Availability: The Library of Things items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Items may not be reserved & are not available through interlibrary loan.
- Borrowing: You may borrow 5 Library of Things item at a time for up-to two weeks. Items may not be renewed.
- Returning: Library of Things items should be returned in-person only (not in the drop box.) Items should be returned on-time and as a complete kit (all parts included.) Failure to follow the return policy may lead to repair/replacement cost and/or impact borrowing privileges.
- Loss or damage: The card holder is responsible for any repair or replacement due to loss or damage. The card holder is responsible for any injury, loss, or damage that may occur from use of equipment."

Learn more:
https://www.lithgowlibrary.org/library-of-things/

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule! #BorrowingBeyondBooks #CircularEconomy #BorrowDontBuy

So, this makes my heart happy! The local library now has a #LibraryOfThings!!!

🔭✨ New at the library! ✨🔭

"Thanks to a generous donation from the #LibraryTelescopeProgram, the West Buxton Public Library now has a telescope as part of our Library of Things!

You can borrow it for one week at a time to explore the stars and the moon. (Please remember: never look at the sun.) Be sure to check out the instruction booklet and constellation guide in the attached pouch.

A huge thank-you to Marc Stowbridge and the Library Telescope Program for this wonderful addition!

For more information about the Library Telescope Program, please head to their website:
https://www.librarytelescope.org/

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/wbuxtonpubliclibrary/posts/pfbid02cx7jp45f2LLCWza7ixTepnvqGxugBH4oKATKKcwNpPJCjdzYHS7SnhsvVM4kj3hml

#SolarPunkSunday #MaineLibraries #SpendTimeInNature #Stargazing #LearningWithNature
#WestBuxtonPublicLibrary #LibrariesRule

#Maine - Want to try something new in the new year? Check out a ‘library of things’

#Libraries are expanding their offerings beyond books and audiotapes, broadening the potential pursuits of patrons.

by Sophie Burchell, January 2, 2026

CUMBERLAND — "If your New Year’s resolution is to try a new hobby — cooking more diverse recipes, taking up knitting or digging into gardening — but you are not yet ready to make a commitment for all of 2026, there is a shelf at the library for you.

"Stacked with items including a #MortarAndPestle, a #SpinningWheel and a #broadfork, the #LibraryOfThings at Cumberland’s #PrinceMemorialLibrary has objects for all types of pursuits ready for patrons to borrow like they would a book.

" 'The tortilla press is quite popular. A lot of people, they want to have a taco party or something, they want to try it out,' said Kelly Greenlee, community outreach librarian at Prince Memorial Library, which serves #CumberlandME and #NorthYarmouthME.

"Categories of 'things' include arts and craft supplies, science and technology devices, health and wellness equipment and home and garden tools. When acquiring items for this collection, librarians look for items that are typically only used once or twice a year, or things that someone would want to test out before they purchase it for themselves. The collection is intended to save library patrons time and money, as well as broaden their horizons — much like books.

" 'It’s designed to encourage people to have a #SharingEconomy, essentially,' said Greenlee. 'Libraries have always been about sharing resources, and it’s really just an extension of that.' "

Read more:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/12/30/want-to-try-something-new-in-the-new-year-check-out-a-library-of-things/

Archived version:
https://archive.md/cWBiQ

#SolarPunkSunday #LibrariesRule #MaineLibraries #LibrariesOfThings #BorrowDontBuy

#BucksportME! "The #Bucksprouts #SeedLibrary is now open! Community members can come take seeds to plant and grow their own flowers and vegetables. Our initial seed donation was through the generosity of #HighMowingSeeds with additional seeds donated by #Mainescape and other patrons. Our intent is for gardeners to learn how to #SaveSeeds so that we can provide this resource for years to come. Many thanks to all of our dedicated volunteers who made this possible. Come take some seeds, learn gardening tips, and network with others who garden too."

Learn more:
https://www.bucklibrary.org/for-our-patrons/bucksprouts-seed-library

#SolarPunkSunday #Gardening #MaineLibraries #LibrariesRule #SeedLibraries