Beflast Free Library

Does Anything from the Year 1776 Matter Today? with Liam Riordan
2025-06-12 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Abbott Room
This Maine Speaks event with Liam Riordan, Professor of History at the University of Maine, is presented by the Maine Humanities Council and the Belfast Free Library. The program will take place in the Abbott Room with a Zoom option.
Register for the Zoom link here.
This illustrated talk looks at the text of the Declaration of Independence (“all men are created equal . . . with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”) and considers some of its late-eighteenth century context. This will set the stage for a discussion about the meaning of the Declaration’s political ideals as well as its more sordid qualities for US public life today.
Liam Riordan is a history professor at the University of Maine who specializes in the American Revolution. He is the co-editor of What We Know, What We Wish: Maine Statehood, Historical Commemoration, and the Urgency of Public History, forthcoming from UMass Press in June 2025.

Genealogy group meeting~ “Ghosted”: Let's Talk about Genealogic Vanishing
2025-06-18 14:00 - 15:30 | Abbott Room
All genealogists have them—ancestors who seemingly vanish all of a sudden, sometimes with no mention, sometimes with an explanation that feels inadequate, as if they have just “ghosted” us. Join us for a conversation about our “ghosted” ancestors.
All are welcome! This is a hybrid meeting, with the option to join in-person in the Abbott Room or to join online over Zoom. To receive the Zoom link or for more information, please email Sharon Pietryka at spietryka@belfastlibrary.org.

"Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: 200 Years of the Murch Family in Belfast"
2025-06-23 19:00 - 20:00 | Abbott Room
“Ordinary People, Extraordinary Lives: 200 Years of the Murch Family in Belfast” will be the topic of the Belfast Historical Society’s meeting at 7:00 pm, June 23, in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library. Dana Murch, local genealogist and historical society member, will present the program will include stories about the Mayflower; the War of 1812; pump and block making; lawyers and judges and postmasters; Gettysburg; poetry; ice-making; hydro-electric generation; weather-keeping; shoe shops; the Pygmy Circus; and World War II.
The Belfast Historical Society presents talks of local historical interest on the 4th Monday of the month from April through October. All presentations are at 7:00pm in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library and are open to the public. Seating is limited to 75.
FMI visit BelfastMuseum.org or call 207 338-9229. These programs will be recorded and can be viewed on Belfast Community Television and on the museum website.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
2025-06-24 16:00 - 18:00 | Plaza in front of the Library
All are invited to celebrate the recent installation of a state-of-the-art heat pump system at the Belfast Free Library, the result of a collaboration between the Belfast City Council and the Library Board of Trustees. Please join us at the open house and ribbon cutting for this successful community project on Tuesday, June 24th from 4-6 pm.

Adult Summer Reading Bingo Starts!
2025-06-25 08:00 - 17:00
Pick up your Bingo Card at the main circulation desk and join the fun!

The Wheelbarrow Poets Meet
2025-07-01 09:30 - 11:00 | Abbott Room
The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings by Belfast Poet Laureate Maya Stein, and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email jkaber1948@gmail.com for more information and to register.

Genealogy Group Discussion: Brick Walls
2025-07-16 14:00 - 15:30 | Abbott Room
Does a genealogical brick wall have you stumped? Have you hit dead-end after dead-end in the course of your research? Or maybe you have no idea where to even begin? At this month’s meeting, we will brainstorm ideas to address the questions and problems that come up. Genealogists of all experience levels, from complete beginner to seasoned professional, are welcome!
This is a hybrid meeting, with the option to join in-person in the Abbott Room or to join online over Zoom. To receive the Zoom link or for more information, please email Sharon Pietryka at spietryka@belfastlibrary.org.

Film: The Buzz on Native Plants
2025-07-22 18:30 - 20:00
In collaboration with the Native Gardens of Blue Hill the Belfast Free Library will show the film, The Buzz on Native Plants.
Panel discussion to follow the film with Avy Claire and Cathy Rees co-founders of the Native Gardens of Blue Hill and Pete and Julie Beckford, owners of Rebel Hill Nursery in Liberty, Maine.
The Buzz on Native Plants explores the relationship between native plants and pollinators and how they can benefit local ecosystems in our ever changing climate.
Be inspired by these passionate Maine residents who are making a difference in how climate change is affecting our communities. See how a few small acts of planting with native plants can make a huge difference in flooding, erosion, draught, and wildlife. And what kind of difference we can make in our own backyards.

Senior College Film Series: Three Films from our Northern Friends
2025-07-28 13:00 - 15:00 | Abbott Room
Despite the strong influence of US culture, Canada has never been “our 51st state” and has produced some unique cinema voices in scripts, directors, and actors. This series will offer a short taste of some of the range of films from our northern neighbor.
This free series, open to all and co-sponsored with the Belfast Free Library and Senior College. There will be short introductions and a discussion at the end of each movie.
Monday July 28 – REMEMBER (2015)
With the aid of a fellow Auschwitz survivor and a hand-written letter, an elderly man with dementia goes in search of the person he believes to be responsible for the death of his family in the death camp. In English, close-captioned with subtitles.
Instructor: Paul Sheridan-
Paul Sheridan has a B.A. in art and an M.F.A. in photography. He was on the faculty at the City University of New York, and has taught several courses at Belfast Senior College, notably on photography, driver safety, and a number of well-received film courses.
Registration is OPTIONAL for this FREE series and you don’t have to be a Senior College member. We welcome you to sign up to let us know you are coming, or you may just drop in at one or more sessions.
The series continues on:
Monday August 4 – MY INTERNSHIP IN CANADA (2015)
An independent, moderate Member of Parliament from northern Quebec unexpectedly finds himself in the position of becoming the tie-breaking voter on whether Canada will go to war in the Middle East. His life is complicated/aided by his newly arrived student intern from Haiti. In Quebecois and English, with subtitles.
Monday August 11 – MY LIFE WITHOUT ME (2003)
A young woman, living a modest life with her two kids and her husband, is told by her doctor that she has cancer and only two months to live. She compiles a list of things to do before she dies, to live her life with a passion she never had before. In English, close-captioned with subtitles.

“Belfast – Biggest Little City in Maine Before MBNA Came A’ Calling”
2025-07-28 19:00 - 20:00 | Abbott Room
July 28:
“Belfast – Biggest Little City in Maine Before MBNA Came A’ Calling” will be the topic of the Belfast Historical Society’s meeting at 7:00 pm, July 28, in the Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library. Megan Pinette, Historical Society president, will present a program taking a look at the years preceding the arrival in 1995 of MBNA, the Delaware based company that was a national leader in the sale and servicing of credit cards to affinity groups. Prior to their arrival, Belfast had experienced both boom and bust years.

Senior College Film Series
2025-08-04 13:00 - 15:00 | Abbott Room
Monday August 4 – MY INTERNSHIP IN CANADA (2015)
An independent, moderate Member of Parliament from northern Quebec unexpectedly finds himself in the position of becoming the tie-breaking voter on whether Canada will go to war in the Middle East. His life is complicated/aided by his newly arrived student intern from Haiti. In Quebecois and English, with subtitles.
Despite the strong influence of US culture, Canada has never been “our 51st state” and has produced some unique cinema voices in scripts, directors, and actors. This series will offer a short taste of some of the range of films from our northern neighbor.
This free series, open to all and co-sponsored with the Belfast Free Library and Senior College. There will be short introductions and a discussion at the end of each movie.
Instructor: Paul Sheridan-
Paul Sheridan has a B.A. in art and an M.F.A. in photography. He was on the faculty at the City University of New York, and has taught several courses at Belfast Senior College, notably on photography, driver safety, and a number of well-received film courses.
Registration is OPTIONAL for this FREE series and you don’t have to be a Senior College member. We welcome you to sign up to let us know you are coming, or you may just drop in at one or more sessions.

Senior College + Library Book Discussion
2025-08-06 13:00 - 15:00
Facilitated by Mayo Bulloch and Karen Wigglesworth, the group will discuss the book The Lost Letters from Martha’s Vineyard by Malcolm Callahan and share good ideas for fun summer reading. Bring along a list of your recommended summer books.
This FREE session, open to everyone and co-sponsored with the Belfast Free Library, is also a chance for the public to learn more about the offerings at Senior College.
Registration is required, but you do not have to be a Senior College member.
Books can be reserved through the library.

Senior College Film Series
2025-08-11 13:00 - 15:00 | Abbott Room
Monday August 11 – MY LIFE WITHOUT ME (2003)
A young woman, living a modest life with her two kids and her husband, is told by her doctor that she has cancer and only two months to live. She compiles a list of things to do before she dies, to live her life with a passion she never had before. In English, close-captioned with subtitles.
Despite the strong influence of US culture, Canada has never been “our 51st state” and has produced some unique cinema voices in scripts, directors, and actors. This series will offer a short taste of some of the range of films from our northern neighbor.
This free series, open to all and co-sponsored with the Belfast Free Library and Senior College. There will be short introductions and a discussion at the end of each movie.
Instructor: Paul Sheridan-
Paul Sheridan has a B.A. in art and an M.F.A. in photography. He was on the faculty at the City University of New York, and has taught several courses at Belfast Senior College, notably on photography, driver safety, and a number of well-received film courses.
Registration is OPTIONAL for this FREE series and you don’t have to be a Senior College member. We welcome you to sign up to let us know you are coming, or you may just drop in at one or more sessions.

No Knitting Group August 13th.
2025-08-13 16:00 | Abbott Room
Knitters, crocheters, yarn enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome to join us every Wednesday , from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Abbott Room.
This drop-in event is a chance for knitters- and crocheters too- of all ages and experience levels to chat, get tips, and learn from each other while working on their own projects. Library staff will have computers available to demonstrate how to use Ravelry.com and other websites to help find patterns and organize your work. Registration is not required. For more information please call 338-3884 ext.10
Contact bharrington@belfastlibrary.org to sign up to to join the knitting group.

Me and Martha in concert
2025-08-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Abbott Room
