Hello!
  
The spring weather has been such a welcome change--and it certainly doesn't seem to be keeping our patrons from visiting their library! To our absolute delight, we've had so many visitors this month! (People! In real life! Can you imagine?!)
 
Below you'll find some of the Library's latest news and updates. Notably, our cherished, beloved, incomparable, irreplaceable Children's Librarian Miss Kathleen will retire on May 15th. Pop in for a goodbye visit... and read her "Goodbye" Shelf Life column if you dare. Be sure to have tissues at the ready. 
 
With affection,
 
York Public Library
 
In this Issue
New for May
Ongoing Programs
Children and Young Adults Updates
Coming Soon!
Community News
New for May
Black Owned Maine: Overcoming Economic Racism
Wednesday, May 12 @ 7:00 PM
 
Join Black Owned Maine to discuss how they support Black Mainers. Co-directors Rose Barboza and Genius Black will also explore the history and implementation of systemic racism in Maine and beyond. You will be equipped with recommendations and action steps to counteract inequality.
 
About Black Owned Maine (BOM):
Black Owned Maine understands how deeply racism is embedded into economic practices and recognizes how that harms Black communities. They work to disrupt those patterns of racism in order to open greater stability, opportunities, and growth for Black people. By connecting disparate communities of black Mainers, they help to create productive paths to financial freedom. They increase awareness of institutional racism throughout Maine and offer solutions to counteract it.
 
Meet the BOM Co-Directors:
Genius Black is an artist and entrepreneur with a keen eye on lessons learned from the past, as well as creating an equitable future. Genius brings his motivational and storytelling style to Black Owned Maine, focusing on collaborating and connecting in the business community. 
 
Rose Barboza  is a marketer, entrepreneur, and mother to a young son. Her passion lies in connecting the dots in nontraditional ways and creating her own modalities of engagement while honoring the lessons of those who came before her.
 
This is an online event, register here.
 
The Might of Tiny Gardens with Acadia Tucker
Thursday, May 20 @ 7:00 PM
 
Cultivating your own food is a meaningful way to promote resilience in your household. By sharing your knowledge with neighbors—along with the fruits and vegetables of your labors—it can do the same for your community. But what if you don’t have a yard?
 
In this session, Acadia Tucker talks about the tools and instructions needed to grow your own tiny "victory garden" both indoors or out--a garden that can supply you with as much or as little food as you’d like, and that's grown in a way that helps the planet and builds more resilience into your life.
 
Acadia Tucker is a regenerative farmer, climate activist, and author. Learn more on her website.
 
Register here for this online program.
Ongoing Programs
Mid-Day Meditation with Brian Bliss
May 4, 11, 18, 25 @ 12:00 - 12:15 PM
 
Fifteen minutes may feel like a small amount of time, but even a short meditation can reset the tone of our busy and distraction-filled day. Guided sessions with practitioner Brian Bliss provide an opportunity to practice mindfulness, reduce stress, regain focus, boost productivity, and to be fully present.  
 
To join a meditation, click here ahead of the session to participate via Zoom. 
 
Meet our meditation leader, Brian Bliss 
Trivia Night
Thursday May 27 @ 7:00 PM
 
From the comfort of home, compete individually or form a team with members of your bubble. One lucky team will take home a voucher for free flights of beer at York Beach Beer Co. and SoMe Brewery!
 
This is an online event held via ZOOM. Click here to register.
 
Read more about Trivia Nights with YPL
More Upcoming Programs
Stay tuned for upcoming programs and events, and remember you can check out our Events page any time for all the latest happenings at YPL. Have an idea for a program? Email us at info@yorkpubliclibrary.org to share your thoughts.
Children and Young Adults Updates
Miss Kathleen is leaving us, and we're not okay with it.  
 
After more than 20 years with York Public Library, Miss Kathleen is preparing for a very well-deserved retirement. Her last day is Saturday, May 15. If you're feeling brave, find a quiet spot, grab some tissues, and read her farewell column, "Leaving the 100 Aker Wood." And be sure to plan a visit to the Children's Room to wish her well on her next adventure!

 
Roblox: "Freeze Tag" and "Hide and Seek Extreme" 
Thursday, May 27 @ 3:30 PM
5th and 6th Grade

Join us on Roblox! Play together, chat with friends, and have fun - all on the Library's private VIP servers. Chat will be available through Zoom or in-game.
 
Register online here!
What is Roblox?
 
Read More from our YA and Children's Departments

Catch up on all the latest from our Youth Librarians in this month's YA Newsletter and Children's Newsletter.
 
 
Coming Soon!
Tiptoeing to "Normal"
 
In June, York Public Library will be expanding its public service hours! While we will not be completely back to life as usual,  additional hours and added capacity will take us one crucial step closer to being fully open. More details to come!
 
Visits to the Library are still subject to time limits and masks must be worn at all times. The number of people allowed in the building will increase based on staffing and State guidance regarding capacity.
 
 
Can I Donate Books Yet?!

You've been asking, and we're ALMOST there. We'll begin taking book donations in a few weeks, please stay tuned for more information. 
JOIN THE DISCUSSION: York Public Library is participating in READ ME, a statewide summer reading experience! 
 
Read ME is a statewide summer reading experience presented by the Maine Humanities Council and Maine State Library. Each year, a well-known Maine author recommends two titles by lesser-known Maine authors to be featured in libraries across Maine. Libraries and their patrons are invited to participate in online discussions as well as a special broadcast of Maine Calling featuring all three authors. Learn more
 
Community News
Native Plants and More 
Join our friends at York Land Trust for some amazing upcoming events:
 
“Know Your Land”: Discussion of Traditional Indigenous Sustainability Practices
Thursday, May 6 | 5pm – 6pm 
 
Gardening with Native Plants
Friday, May 7 | 1pm - 2pm
 
Native Plant Sale
Saturday, May 8 | 10am - 2pm
 
Visit yorklandtrust.org for more information and to register.
Love Food, Recycle Food Waste
 
York EcoHomes' Action of the Month is Composting Food Waste. Did you know there's free composting available at the Witchtrot Transfer Station? Utilizing the town service, hiring your own residential service, or doing it yourself at home are all great ways to reduce filling landfills and contributing to global warming. 28% of trash picked up in York is food waste, let's get to work!
 
CURRENT HOURS
Hours for In-Person Services:
 
Tuesday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
 
Visits are limited to 15 minutes in duration. The number of people in the building at once time is subject to staffing and CDC guidance. Learn more
 
Holiday Closure

We will be closed on Saturday 5/29 for Memorial Day Weekend. 
   
15 Long Sands Road | York, Maine 03909
 207-363-2818 | info@yorkpubliclibrary.org
yorkpubliclibrary.org