Ocean Park Maine Let's Talk About It

"Let’s Talk About It"

The Mirror of Maine: The Maine Community in Myth and Reality

"Let’s Talk About It", a free, facilitated book discussion program for adults, has been hosted by local libraries all over the state. This program is undertaken in conjunction with the Maine State Library and the support of the Maine Community Foundation. This season’s series is “The Mirror of Maine: The Maine Community in Myth and Reality” The Mirror of Maine opens new doors to Maine’s literature and her extraordinary history and culture.

These books that reveal aspects of life in our state can bring deeper knowledge and appreciation for what makes Maine a special place and for authors who express those ideas. Even as we adjust to social and technological changes in our time as others adjusted before us, we are reminded how influential books have always been and how great stories provide an opportunity to discuss continuity and change in Maine life as we enter the next millennium. These books, ranging from the turn of the twentieth century to modern times, allow a century-long view of community life. Issues to be discussed include the following: What defines a community? What values have been associated with the community in Maine life? How many of these values still exist today? What forces of contemporary culture have undermined community, and how? What are the confinements or darker realities that exist in Maine communities?

Since most of these books are based on actual towns, readers can consider what is real and what is myth about Maine towns, their patterns of daily life, and the values held by the residents. King’s story, with evil masked as the commonplace, provides a foil for the discussions.

July 12 Lura Beam. A Maine Hamlet

July 19 Joyce Butler. Wildfire Loose: The Week Maine Burned

July 26 Stephen King. Salem's Lot

August 2 Ruth Moore. The Weir

August 9 Wesley McNair. Twelve Journeys in Maine

August 16 Richard Russo. Empire Falls

This discussion series is made possible through a grant from the Maine Humanities Council. The books in this series are available at the OPA office or the Memorial Library.

Participants are invited to any one or all of the programs. All meetings are on Thursdays from 10:45 am to 12:00 pm. The dates are July 12, 19, and 26, and August 9, 16, and 16. Once again, our discussion leader is Jeff Aronson, an educator and independent scholar from Vinalhaven, ME. This program is undertaken in conjunction with the Maine State Library and the support of the Maine Community Foundation, and supported in part by the Hilma and Alfred Barrett Fund.

Carolyn Barstow Librarian

The Memorial Library
Opens June 25th

The library is located at Furber Park across from the Ocean Park Variety store and Soda Fountain. Carolyn Barstow, an English teacher in Scarborough, Maine, is in her 34rd year as librarian. Carolyn Craley is the library assistant.

Current children's and adult books, as well as daily newspapers, are available. The library is open to the public Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from Noon to 9:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, closed all day Wednesday and Sunday. Library rates for a family are: season, $10.00; month, $7.00; and week, $3.00. 934-1853.

“Tails to Read” at the Memorial Library. 4:30 - 5:00 pm
July 3,10,17,24,31; and August: 7,14,21,28.
Every Tuesday starting July 3rd until Labor Day. The program is designed to give children the opportunity to read aloud to an attentive, patient and non-threatening audience – a certified Therapy Dog. Gracie and Jasper will be returning this summer with their Therapy Partners Carol and Peg. Children will need to register for an appointment at the Library. Sign-ups will be available on Monday at noon for each Tuesday session. Children will have 10 minutes of 1:1 time with the dog of their choice (and their human partner). They should choose a book before their appointment. Improve your reading skills and confidence by reading a tale to someone with a tail! Furry hugs and kisses for all of our readers!

"Let’s Talk About It"

The Memorial Library Opens June 25th

The Memorial Library
Opens June 25th