Week of Monday, March 25, 2024 | |
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Sneak peek at what's in this newsletter:
Tiny Bookshelf: Audiobooks!
Messages: Have you seen our broadfork?; Extreme Weather recording is now available; PML Book Group meets this week; they don't know where they're walking, but they're still walking; photos of Cumberland gardens wanted; PML's cookbook club
Adult Programs: Maine's Changing Bird Populations; What is AI?; Author Talk with Debra Spark; solar eclipse talk rescheduled; Writing Grief Into Art rescheduled; Upcoming events
Youth Services: What's up with the solar eclipse?; Fergus is back; Kids Chess, Storytimes; Pokemon, and more
Teen Services: A PML teen newsletter; a book group for teens; Lit Loot; Chess for Teens, and more
Community News
Bits and Bobs and Reminders from your friendly neighorhood library.
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Tiny Bookshelf: Women in History | |
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Devil with a pitchfork?
(Well ... not gonna lie ... yes.) But really, it's just Kelly, showing off PML's new broadfork.
A broadfork is handy, hearty garden tool used to aerate soil without overturning it. It's the perfect tool for today's brand of low-input, low-maintenance gardening. Fewer weeds seeds are overturned with this style of gardening. And because the broadfork is a tool that most people will only use once a year or so, it's perfect for borrowing from the library.
PML's broadfork is available for 1-week checkout periods to library cardholders. Find it in our growing Library of Things, where you can also find games, puzzles, a telescope, and more!
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Extreme weather recording is worth a listen
We've uploaded a recording of Understanding & Preparing for Coastal Maine's Extreme Weather Events, the first installment in the Weathering Climate Change series, offered in partnership with Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust, along with the Town of Cumberland's Sustainability Committee (a subcommittee of the Lands and Conservation Committee), and the Chebeague Climate Action Team.
Did you know that you can access all sorts of recordings on the PML website, at https://www.princememorial.org/recordings.
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PML Book Group meets this week
The PML Book Group meets this Thursday, March 28, to discuss The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon. All are welcome. The group meets at 11 a.m. and at 3 p.m. Choose the time that best suits your schedule. No need to let us know when you're coming.
In related news, Maine State Library interviewed the author recently. If you've read the book, you might enjoy a listen.
Want to get on the book group email list? Reach out to Kelly at kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com.
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Thursday Striders is still meeting to walk
Did you know that PML has a weekly walking group? We meet at 9 a.m. on Thursday mornings. Depending on the time of year and the walking conditions, we meet in different locations. This weather has thrown us a bit. On Thursday, March 28, it's anyone's guess where we'll be. For the best information, reach out to Kelly at kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com to get the latest walking news.
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In search of garden photos for an exhibit
Carolyn Currie is putting together an exhibit for Cumberland Town Hall. She is looking for photographs of beautiful Cumberland gardens. The title of the exhibit will be “Secret Gardens of Cumberland.” If you have photos you would like to share, contact Carolyn at ccurrie@cumberlandmaine.com.
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Cookbook Club
Second Mondays, 5:30 to 7 p.m. (Next meetup: April 8)
North Yarmouth Community Center, No. Yarmouth
Have you heard about our cookbook club? Discover new recipes and share them with others.
For our April 8 meetup, we're cooking from Cool Beans by Joe Yonan. Kelly's got the cookbook on her desk. If you'd like to join us, stop by to take a look and claim a recipe.
Prepare your dish at home, then bring it to the meeting. We'll enjoy the food together then chat about what worked or didn't work. New members are welcome.
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Coming Soon: Adult Programs | |
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THIS WEEK
Maine's Changing Bird Populations
Saturday, March 30 at 1 p.m.
In-person at PML. Free.
Maine's birdlife is undergoing rapid changes, largely due to dramatic shifts in the climate and the increased pace of development. Some birds are 'new on the scene' and others are disappearing. Other populations are increasing, while many more are decreasing. We'll look at some of the most familiar changes — from increasing Northern cardinals to disappearing evening grosbeaks — and discuss the hows, the whys, and what you can do to help our feathered friends.
Derek Lovitch owns and operates Freeport Wild Bird Supply, a retail store that caters to birders of all levels. He is an avid bird enthusiast with a couple of books to his name, including Birdwatching in Maine: A Site Guide, which was revised and updated with a 2nd edition published in February 2024.
Add this learning event to your digital calendar.
Offered in partnership with Chebeague and Cumberland Land Trust and Sustainable Cumberland, ME.
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What is AI?
How Do We Use It For Good?
Wednesday, April 3 at 6:30 p.m.
Virtual via Zoom
Registration is required.
Explore Artificial Intelligence in its historical and current contexts and examine the scope of how AI could change society. Along the way, we'll ask and address: Who owns AI? What are the ethical issues that come with using it? Should we be skeptical of the good and bad potential of AI, and what is required for using AI for the common good?
Dr. Raj Saha is a research manager at the New York Times and a lecturer in data science and AI at The Roux Institute at Northeastern University.
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Debra Spark shares her experience writing and researching her new book
Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m.
In-person at PML
No registration required. Free!
Debra Spark's new book Discipline is a propulsive literary mystery about family strife and devotion, ambition and authorship, and the abiding and mysterious power of art.
Inspired by the life and family of Walt Kuhn (the painter responsible for the 1913 Armory Show that introduced Americans to modernism) and the scandal-ridden Elan boarding school that was forced to shut down in 2011, this richly drawn, suspenseful novel shows Spark at her most masterful.
She'll talk about her experiences researching and writing this deeply engaging novel and read excerpts from the book.
Debra Spark is the author of four novels, two collections of short stories, and two books of essays on fiction writing. Her most recent books are the novel Unknown Caller and the essay collection And Then Something Happened. With Deborah Joy Corey, she co-edited Breaking Bread, a book of food essays by Maine writers. She lives in North Yarmouth.
Add this learning event to your digital calendar.
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What's up with the solar eclipse?
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
In-person at PML.
No registration required.
Multigenerational. Free.
Maine is in the path of totality for a solar eclipse on April 8. Ron Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomers will take us on a journey into space to discover what this incredible phenomenon is all about.
Add this learning event to your digital calendar.
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THIS WEEK
Writing Grief Into Art
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, April 27 at 10 a.m.
In-person at PML.
No registration required.
Local author and psychologist Mary Plouffe will talk with two recently published memoirists — Melanie Brooks and Anne Pinkerton — about the journeys that gave voice to their grief in the pages of their books.
They will discuss the transformative and redemptive process of remapping the intimate lived experience of loss into writing that addresses the shared human search for meaning.
The authors will demonstrate how creating art that intersects with our collective experience of the world has healing possibilities for both writers and readers.
Add Writing Grief Into Art to your digital calendar.
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Coming Up. Stay tuned!
PML Concert Series
Bowdoin College Men's A Cappella Group: The Meddiebempsters
Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m.
A compilation written in honor of the victims, survivors, and families of the Lewiston shooting
Saturday, April 20 at 1 p.m.
The State of Casco Bay: Climate Challenges and Solutions (Virtual. Registration required.)
Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Living Soils and Water-Wise Gardening (with Aaron Parker)
Sunday, April 28, 1 p.m.
At the Cumberland Community Orchard site on Stiles Way in Cumberland. A work session follows for those who'd like to stay to help.
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News from Youth Services
Kids, through age 11
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What's up with the solar eclipse?
RESCHEDULED: Saturday, April 6 at 1 p.m.
In-person at PML
A family learning event
Maine is in the path of totality for a solar eclipse on April 8. Ron Thompson of Southern Maine Astronomers will take us on a journey into space to discover what this incredible phenomenon is all about.
Add this learning event to your digital calendar.
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Read to Fergus!
Registration is required.
Have you met Fergus, the dog? Bring a book to read, or choose one from our collection. Fergus loves a good story (and a good belly rub)!
Fifteen-minute timeslots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.:
- March 9 &13
- April 6 & 27
- May 11 & 25
- June 8 & 22
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Storytimes with Melissa
For all days and locations listed below:
Baby and Toddlers: 10 a.m.
Preschool Storytime (ages 3 to 5): 11 a.m.
No registration required.
Stories, songs, fingerplays, rhymes and more with Melissa. We've added new days and locations to our storytime schedule. Wednesday and Saturday Storytimes will mirror what is offered at the library on Tuesdays.
- Tuesdays at PML
- Wednesdays at No. Yarmouth Community Center
- Third Saturdays at PML
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Baby & Toddler Hangouts
Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
10 a.m. Age 0-3.
No registration required.
Kids ages 0-3 and caregivers, come hang out in our activity room and enjoy all it has to offer. We have a play kitchen, dolls, puzzles, duplos, a train table, and an art station. So much to do! This is a low-key time for both kids and caregivers to socialize and connect. No registration required. Just drop in!
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Process Art for Littles
2nd and 4th Thursdays
10:30-11 a.m. Age 0-5.
Drop-in format. No registration required.
Let's get messy! Art is about the process, not the product. Let's explore different materials, experiment, and play! Join Melissa on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month (holidays excepted) to let loose and create. Please wear clothing appropriate for messy play.
Add Art for Littles to your digital calendar.
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Chess Club
Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
Drop-in format. No registration required.
New to the game of chess, or looking to sharpen your skills? Join us for a fun and relaxed group for kids interested in chess. We will play at the long tables near Luna's terrarium.
Add Chess to your digital calendar.
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Lego Club
Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
Drop-in format. No registration required.
Free build with friends using PML's large collection of Legos. We will meet at the long tables near Luna's terrarium. Creations will be displayed at the library for one week.
Add Legos to your digital calendar.
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Pokemon Club
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.
Drop-in format. No registration required.
Chat with friends about all things Pokémon. This is a casual group for kids to share thoughts, trade cards (with permission), and connect with other Pokémon enthusiasts. Kids need to bring their own Pokémon cards to the group. We will meet in the Prince Room.
Add Pokemon to your digital calendar.
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Little Roots Family
First Thursdays, October – May
10 - 11 a.m.
At Wescustogo Hall & Community Center, N. Yarmouth
Drop-in format. No registration required.
In partnership with 317 Main Community Center
Simple songs, rhymes, and movement activities for kids ages 0 - 5 years with caregivers. Note: The location of this offering is at the community center in North Yarmouth.
Add Little Roots to your digital calendar.
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Help us fend off the hangries!
We are still (and always) gratefully accepting donations of snacks/drinks for kids' and teens' afterschool programs and hangouts. Perhaps you might consider making a recurring, monthly donation? We would be so appreciative! Take a look at our Amazon wish list for ideas here: https://a.co/dJjAgNQ
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News from Teen Services
Teens, Ages 12 – 19
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Find information about our teen programs on the teen page of our website. |
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Sign up for a PML teen newsletter
Did you know PML now has a monthly e-newsletter just for teens in grades 6-12? Find out the latest information about teen happenings, programs, and volunteer opportunities.
Teen emails preferred. I promise not to spam your teen's inbox!
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Loosely Bound
A Relaxed Book Group for High Schoolers
Next meetup: Thursday, March 28
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. (Pizza!)
For High Schoolers, grades 9 – 12
In the Teen Room at PML
No registration required
Two books this month! The first book is the February pick Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. The next book is The Odyssey by Homer. Questions? Reach out to Jennifer at jbenham@cumberlandmaine.com
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Chess for Teens
2nd and 4th Thursdays
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
In the PML Teen Room
Teens, grades 6 – 12
Drop-in format. No registration required.
New to the game of chess, or looking to sharpen your skills? Join us for a fun and relaxed group with our incredible volunteer Jay.
Add Chess for Teens to your digital calendar.
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Teen Leadership Council
Select Saturdays. Next meetup: March 30
2 to 3 p.m.
In the PML Teen Room
Teens, grades 6 – 12
No registration required.
Teens, let your voices be heard! Hang out with friends and help make the library work best for teens. Give your input about teen programming, and print and digital resources that are available at the library. Volunteer to help out at selected kids' programs. New faces are always welcome.
Add TLC to your digital calendar.
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Lit Loot!
Lit Loot is a book subscription box for teens in grades 6-12. Register and complete a short survey by the 21st of the month. Lit loot boxes will be available for pick up at the library on/after the first of the following month.
What's in the box?
Each Lit Loot box will have 2 library books, based upon the preferences indicated in your survey, and a selection of small goodies to keep. Return the books and box by the due date, and keep the goodies.
** You must fill out a registration form for each month that you wish to participate in Lit Loot.**
Sign up by April 21 for May Loot.
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Strategies for dealing with
Invasive Species in Your Garden
Wednesday, May 15 at 6:30 p.m.
North Yarmouth Community Center
Free. Open to all.
An overview of gardening and landscaping with an eye toward how to deal with invasive species that might already exist in your space. Learn to create a plan to eradicate or skillfully manage those species.
Speaker: Pamela Hargest, a horticultural professional with University of Maine's Cooperative Extension
Sponsored by the North Yarmouth Parks Committee and the local volunteer group IPA (Invasive Plant Annihilation).
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Bits and Bobs: Reminders and Such | | |
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Print versions of this newsletter are available
If you know someone who would prefer to receive a printed version of this newsletter, ask them to call or stop by the library and ask for Kelly: 207-829-2215.
| Weekly offerings for adults | |
Mah Jongg (American-Style)
Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.
Knitting
Wednesdays at 1 p.m.
Mah Jongg (Asian-Style)
Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
PML Striders Walking Group
Thursdays at 9 a.m.
Meetup location TBA. Email Kelly for details: kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com
Classic Games
Thursdays, 1 to 3 p.m.
Mexican Train, Rummikub, Flinch, Sequence, Parcheesi & more. They are happy to teach (or learn) new games.
Bridge
Fridays at 1 p.m.
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Cookbook Club
Second Mondays, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Wescustogo Hall & Community Center, No. Yarmouth
Have you heard about our cookbook club? Share the joy of a new or favorite recipe with others. Every month features a different cookbook that we all cook from. Prepare your dish at home, then bring it to the meeting. We'll enjoy the food together. New members are welcome.
The cookbook sits on Kelly's desk at the library. Stop by to take a look and claim your recipe.
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Movies are available on cloudLibrary!
PML patrons now have access to a wide variety of video content, including movies, documentaries, and series. Fans of BBC will find lots of content available to enjoy.
Log into your cloudLibrary account with your library card number to access this new and exciting service! Audio and e-books, digital comics, and a newly launched Kids Mode are also ready for you to explore: https://www.yourcloudlibrary.com/
Let us know what you think!
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Now you can book a passport appointment online
PML is a passport acceptance facility, offering services by appointment only. To learn more about the service and to book an appointment, check out our website.
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PML offers a delivery service for those who need it.
SPREAD THE WORD
We are thrilled to announce that we are launching a home delivery service for residents of Cumberland and North Yarmouth who are confined to their home, either temporarily, due to illness or accident, or permanently, due to age, disability, or other mobility problems.
You must enroll in the program to participate. It's easy to enroll. Simply fill out an enrollment form online (hard copies are available at the library). Or call the library to enroll by phone. Once we've received your form, we'll call you to discuss your reading preferences and get you on a delivery schedule.
Pass the word along to someone you may know who could use this service. For more information, visit our website.
This service is offered in collaboration with Aging in Place, Cumberland and Living Well in North Yarmouth.
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PML Afternoon Book Group
The group meets last Thursdays at 11a.m. or 3 p.m., September–May. Choose the time that best suits your schedule.
Sign up to receive email updates on books we're reading and upcoming meetings. FMI, contact Kelly at kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com.
Here's our early 2024 lineup:
Dates listed are the dates that we will discuss the book.
March 28: The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
April 25: Democracy Awakening by Heather Cox Richardson
May 30: Symphony of Secrets by Brendan Slocumb
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Social Topics in Lit Book Group
explores topics of social interest in adult (and some YA)) fiction and nonfiction. What does that mean? Race, equity, poverty, addiction, gender, sexuality, women's issues, etc. You get the idea.
The group meets virtually the second Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m., October - June. New members welcome. Contact Kelly at kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com.
Dates listed are the book discussion dates:
April 10: Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
May 8: Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H.
June 12: Ghost::Seeds (Poems) by Sebastian Merrill
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We have State Park Passes and Museum Passes
(Courtesy of the Friends of PML)
Each pass is unique and offers its own set of discounts and terms of use. You can find details on all of the passes on the Museums and Park Passes page of our website. Please note that we are only able to give one pass per day per museum.
The following museum and cultural sites are included in our Museum Pass Program:
- Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine (Portland)
- Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay)
- Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland)
- Maine Maritime Museum (Bath)
- Maine Wildlife Park (Gray)
- Portland Museum of Art (Portland)
- Maine State Parks Vehicle Pass
Ask at the circulation desk or visit our website for more information.
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Recordings available on our website
Did you know that you can watch recordings of some of our virtual programs? We don't always record what we offer, but sometimes we do. You can find recordings of some of our most recent events on our website: https://www.princememorial.org/recordings/
What you'll find:
- Understanding & Preparing for Coastal Maine's Extreme Weather
- Food Waste Reduction
- Food Forest Design
- From Africa to Maine series
- Gardening for Wildlife Habitat
- Your Fuel-Efficient Home
- Invasive Pests
- Power in Aging
- Southern Maine Trails: 10 Great Trails
- Invasive Plants with Gary Fish, Maine's state horticulturist
- Native Journey: A Conversation with Barry Dana
- Climate Courage and Mental Health with Dr. Anne Hallward
- Archaeology of Casco Bay, Parts 1 & 2
- Coyote: America's Song Dog
- A Trash & Recycling Primer from ecomaine
- The ChangeMaker Series (1 and 2)
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Images of America: Cumberland is available at the library for $23.20 (includes tax) Cash or checks (payable to Town of Cumberland) are acceptable. All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the renovation of the Cumberland Historical Society building at its new location next to our library.
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Fully tagged CLYNK bags are available in the Friends of PML book sale room. All proceeds from donated bottles benefit the Friends of PML. Thank you!
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PML is a Passport Acceptance Facility
Check out our website for information or to make an appointment.
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Check out the ongoing book sale at PML
The Friends of Prince Memorial Library holds a book sale all year in the hallway to the right of the circulation desk. Great books (like new!) and puzzles for super low prices. We are always restocking the shelves, so stop by frequently. Proceeds benefit programming at Prince Memorial Library.
For more ways to support The Friends of PML, check out their website.
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Accepting donations of books, DVDs, and puzzles
The Friends of PML gladly accepts donations of gently used books, DVDs, CDs and puzzles (up to 2 small boxes or 2 shopping bags at a time), which are in good to excellent condition. Items for all ages are welcome.
The following are not accepted: Encyclopedias, magazines, textbooks, Bibles, VHS Tapes, outdated self-help or medical advice books, reference, technology or computer books, books which are written in, torn, moldy, musty, water or smoke damaged.
Please do not place donations in the Book Drop as space is limited for patrons' items. Bring donations into the library.
Thank you!
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Contact Us:
207-829-2215
library@cumberlandmaine.com
princememorial.org
Library Hours:
Tuesday – Thursday: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday and Monday: CLOSED
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Thomas Bennett
Director
tbennett@cumberlandmaine.com
Stacy Mazur
Assistant Director
smazur@cumberlandmaine.com
Kelly Greenlee
Community Outreach Librarian/Newsletter Editor
kgreenlee@cumberlandmaine.com
Jennifer Benham
Youth & Teen Services Librarian
jbenham@cumberlandmaine.com
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