What's NEW this month: Pondering Poetry, a monthly group for folks to get together and share poems that resonate with them. So often poetry feels inaccessible, but this group is for EVERYONE, and is based in connecting people and emotions building a community of curiousity. Join us for our first on January 20th at 11am in the Wheeler Room. Bring a hot beverage for a true hygge experience! Learn More about Pondering Poetry.
We've also got programs about AI, Wabanaki Sovereignty in Maine, a new Art Exhibit, and an Irish Authors Book Club led by none other than Deborah McDermott, all the way from Ireland. 🍀
GUESS WHAT! We're turning the Library into a miniature golf course. But just for two days! Have you ever played mini-golf in a Library? We thought not.
February in Maine is a bit of a bummer. The Holidays are over, the days are cold and short, and it's a long slog 'til spring. Even the most introverty introverts need a break from reading at home night after night. So get ready to par-tee: on February 2-3, your library is turning into an 18-hole mini-golf course, spanning both levels.
Here's the basic schedule:
FRIDAY NIGHT, FEB 2 - Clubhouse Night for ages 21 and up. For $50 per person, tackle the course with friends, graze on delicious food and drink from the talented folks at the Sundrop at our "19th Hole" Clubhouse, win prizes, and enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience that supports YPL.
SATURDAY, FEB 3 - Today is Take your Child to the Library Day, and YPL's FREE Family Fun Day of mini-golf! Sign-up is recommended, link coming soon!
In this talk and subsequent discussion, Alan Jamieson, Director of Computing Programs at Northeastern University's Roux Institute in Portland, ME, will share an accessible overview of
artificial intelligence’s current state, impacts on society and potential integration of artificial intelligence’s impact on daily life. This discussion includes some cool* examples, demonstrating an “under the hood” peek at common artificial intelligence uses. The conversation concludes with Jamieson’s optimistic predictions from the rapid progress of artificial intelligence, including positive impacts for society and, importantly, why it doesn’t mean the end of the world. There will be time for questions and follow up surrounding the intersection of artificial intelligence and society.
* He thinks they’re cool, your mileage may vary.
Sat. 1/13
Lotus Lantern Craft
Saturday, Jan. 13
1:00 PM
Community Room
Participants will learn step by step how to make a traditional lotus flower lantern using colored paper and a pre-made wireframe via live stream. All materials are provided. A short documentary film is played toward the end of the class which shares some back ground on Korea's unique history and culture.
Registration is required to ensure sufficient supplies.
Let’s talk about planning the your garden space, ordering gardening supplies and seeds, and starting your seeds. Bring your questions! We will finish up with poems to warm the heart and soul.
From January 2023 through May 2023, Deborah McDermott (formerly our York Weekly/Portsmouth Herald reporter) will be offering a 5-month series of an Irish Authors Book Group. These will be on Zoom, with Deborah facilitating each session all the way from Ireland!
“This book was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and received the George Orwell Prize. It’s very short, almost a novella; most people could read it in a couple of days easily. But it packs a wallop. Among the places that a coal merchant makes deliveries to is a Magdalene laundry, where he makes an appalling discovery.”
--Deborah McDermott
Sat. 1/20
Listening to Tribal Perspectives:
Continuing the Push for Maine
to Recognize Wabanaki Sovereignty Saturday, Jan. 20
2:00 PM
Community Room
As the Legislature once again addresses the future of Maine's Tribal Nations, hear from tribal leaders regarding their long journey toward self determination and what is currently at stake. Moderated by York's own Rep. Holly Sargent, this program will feature Aaron Dana, Passamaquoddy Tribal Representative to the 131 Maine Legislature, and Michael-Corey F. Hinton, Attorney and Head of the Tribal Nations Practice Group, Drummond and Woodsum.
Tues. 1/9
Art Exhibit: Community Collects
Norman West: a Retrospective January - March 2024
Upper Level
Join us as we celebrate the opening of our 2024 Community Collects Exhibit. Norman West was a prolific painter who was a part of the art scene in Maine between 1974 and and his death in 2016. He was a minimalist and a colorist who painted the atmospheric effects of light and ocean. He was a significant figure in the Ogunquit Art Association during his active years, and, to quote a 2015 article from Seacoast Online, "Norman West is a voice calling out to cherish Ogunquit's place in American art history." Join us for an opening reception on Tuesday, January 9 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM.
Art Exhibit: Norman West: A Retrospective, on display until March 25.
UPCOMING YOUTH PROGRAMS
Thurs. 1/11
Hibernation Storytime
with York Land Trust
Thursday January 11
10:30 AM
Join a York Public Library librarian for stories, songs and rhymes at York Land Trust headquarters. We'll meet for stories, an activity. This month we'll hear stories about hibernation! This is an OFF-SITE program at York Land Trust.
Join Barb in our pop-up kitchen to learn how to make some afterschool snacks. This month we are making assorted savory and sweet dips! This program is suitable for elementary age students who will be cooking with their caregiver. Please register.
Lego Builders: Wednesdays, January 10, 17, 24 & 31 at 3:00 PM
* Please note we are taking a break during the first week of January.
Mon. 1/8
Teen Advisory Group (TAG): Do you want to contribute your ideas and voice to help develop the teen spaces and collection at the Library? Join our Teen Advisory Group! TAG is open to students in 5th - 12th grade.
Our next meeting is Monday, January 8 at 3:00 PM. There will be snacks.
Stop by the Library and give your brain a break from your midterms with some fun activities. Need a brain boost? Gather with your study group to get ready for your exams. Unwind with crafts, enjoy snacks, coffee, cocoa or tea. Borrow our craft supplies for a project.
