Butterfly Storytime @ Head of the Tide Preserve
2019-08-02 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York)
Belfast Free Library Friday Storytime — 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 2 @ Head of the Tide
Storytime moves outside this week! Join us at the Head of the Tide Preserve for a joint storytime with butterfly experts from Coastal Mountains Land Trust. It’s monarch butterfly season! The preserve is a great place to spot some of these special butterflies.
Park along Doak Road on the preserve side.
All library programs are free and open to the public. FMI: 207-338-3884 ext. 24

Universe of Stories! Stories in the Sky - NASA Challenger Center
2019-08-08 15:30 - 16:30
A Universe of Stories! Belfast Free Library’s Summer Reading Program features special events and presentations for kids, families, and teens
Stories in the Sky – NASA Challenger Center
Join educators from the NASA Challenger Center to learn about star types and constellations. Includes hands-on activities: pinhole planetarium, constellation creation, and more.
Kids and Families Program Schedule
Thursdays – 3:30 — 4:30
7/11 Indigenous stories – Starr Kelly, Abbe Museum
Stories from the Wabanaki, the Indigenous peoples of Maine, and other contemporary Native American stories from Indigenous authors.
7/18 Harry Potter Universe
Hogwarts potions class, golden snitches, crafts, and challenges.
7/25 Mooncakes – Jennifer Armstrong
Musician and storyteller Jennifer Armstrong presents “Mooncakes,” a family music and story program.
8/1 “Cleo’s Egyptian Tale” Little Red Wagon Theater Company
In this unexpected quest, Cleo crosses paths with a variety of creatures who teach her important lessons about acceptance and friendship.
8/8 Constellation stories in the sky – NASA Challenger Center
Learn about star types and constellations, includes hands-on star activities
8/15 Galaxy Slime
Make your own sparkly galaxy slime! Materials provided.
8/22 Meteorites! – Jon Wallace, NASA Solar System Ambassador
See rocks that have fallen to Earth from asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, as well as meteorites found in Maine and find out how to search for them.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more information 207-338-3884

Universe of Stories! Make Your Own Galaxy Slime
2019-08-15 15:30 - 16:30
A Universe of Stories! Belfast Free Library’s Summer Reading Program features special events and presentations for kids, families, and teens
Galaxy Slime
Did you know that our universe is stretching out in all directions? It’s true! Ever since the universe began about 13.8 billion years ago, it’s been stretching out and expanding.
Even today, as we use telescopes to see galaxies far away, we see they are moving away from us. And that’s not all. The farthest galaxies are moving faster than the ones close to us.
This happens because of how the universe began, which we sometimes call the “Big Bang.” In this activity, you’ll make your own stretchy universe slime.

Kids and Families Program Schedule
Thursdays – 3:30 — 4:30
7/11 Indigenous stories – Starr Kelly, Abbe Museum
Stories from the Wabanaki, the Indigenous peoples of Maine, and other contemporary Native American stories from Indigenous authors.
7/18 Harry Potter Universe
Hogwarts potions class, golden snitches, crafts, and challenges.
7/25 Mooncakes – Jennifer Armstrong
Musician and storyteller Jennifer Armstrong presents “Mooncakes,” a family music and story program.
8/1 “Cleo’s Egyptian Tale” Little Red Wagon Theater Company
In this unexpected quest, Cleo crosses paths with a variety of creatures who teach her important lessons about acceptance and friendship.
8/8 Constellation stories in the sky – NASA Challenger Center
Learn about star types and constellations, includes hands-on star activities
8/15 Galaxy Slime
Make your own sparkly galaxy slime! Materials provided.
8/22 Meteorites! – Jon Wallace, NASA Solar System Ambassador
See rocks that have fallen to Earth from asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, as well as meteorites found in Maine and find out how to search for them.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more information 207-338-3884

Universe of Stories! Meteorites – Hunting and Identification – John Wallace
2019-08-22 15:30 - 16:30
A Universe of Stories! Belfast Free Library’s Summer Reading Program features special events and presentations for kids, families, and teens
8/22 Jon Wallace Meteorites – Hunting and Identification
Come and have an ‘out of this world’ experience – literally! See rocks that have fallen to Earth from asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, as well as meteorites found in Maine. Find out how we search for them and details about the fireball seen over Maine in 2016. You’ll also get to start your own collection with a free meteorite specimen (while supplies last)!
Jon Wallace has a passion for geology which began with a third grade teacher’s excitement about the subject. Since then he has pursued a degree in Geology from the University of Connecticut and then other degrees in the physical sciences. He was an award-winning high school science teacher in Meriden, Connecticut for over 32 years. He is past president of the Connecticut Association of Physics Teachers and was an instructor in Wesleyan University’s Project ASTRO program. He has managed the Naugatuck Valley Community College observatory and run many astronomy classes and training sessions throughout Connecticut. He began collecting meteorites at this time to use when weather didn’t cooperate for observation sessions and found his passion for geology re-ignited. He has collected many specimens as well as thin sections for study and education. Currently, he is searching for and has found micrometeorites in various locales around Maine. Other interests include optical and radio astronomy, raising arthropods (“bugs”) and insectivorous plants. Jon has a BS in Geology from the University of Connecticut; a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education from Southern Connecticut State University and a Certificate of Advanced Study (Sixth Year) in Science (Astronomy) from Wesleyan University. He currently lives in Maine and gives free presentations in schools, libraries and other venues in the Freeport area.
Kids and Families Program Schedule
Thursdays – 3:30 — 4:30
7/11 Indigenous stories – Starr Kelly, Abbe Museum
Stories from the Wabanaki, the Indigenous peoples of Maine, and other contemporary Native American stories from Indigenous authors.
7/18 Harry Potter Universe
Hogwarts potions class, golden snitches, crafts, and challenges.
7/25 Mooncakes – Jennifer Armstrong
Musician and storyteller Jennifer Armstrong presents “Mooncakes,” a family music and story program.
8/1 “Cleo’s Egyptian Tale” Little Red Wagon Theater Company
In this unexpected quest, Cleo crosses paths with a variety of creatures who teach her important lessons about acceptance and friendship.
8/8 Constellation stories in the sky – NASA Challenger Center
Learn about star types and constellations, includes hands-on star activities
8/15 Galaxy Slime
Make your own sparkly galaxy slime! Materials provided.
8/22 Meteorites! – Jon Wallace, NASA Solar System Ambassador
See rocks that have fallen to Earth from asteroids, Mars, and the Moon, as well as meteorites found in Maine and find out how to search for them.
All programs are free and open to the public. For more information 207-338-3884

Chess Club
2019-09-20 12:30 - 14:00
BFL Chess Club — With Bruce Haffner
12:30 – 1:30 All players
1:30 – 2:00 Advanced players
Grades 3 – 5. All are welcome. Drop in program. No pre-registration required.

Cartooning Club
2019-09-24 15:30 - 16:30, 2020-02-04 15:30 - 16:30
Cartooning Club with James Quigley
Explore drawing techniques and exercises to develop the imagination: Comic strips, autobiographical illustration, transforming stories to sequential art, and more. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged. Drawing materials provided.
Drop-in program. Join anytime. Ages 8 and up.
Recommended for grades 3 and up. Younger kids are welcome to attend with an adult.

Halloween Crafts
2019-10-16 15:30 - 17:00
Join us for an afternoon craft program featuring a variety of creative ideas to celebrate Halloween.
Recommended for ages 8+ or 5+ with a parent or caregiver.

An Allagash Haunting -- Live Radio Classic
2019-10-25 18:30 - 20:30
Author Tim Caverly presents — An Allagash Haunting-A Radio Classic
A damping cloak of darkness approaches and brings a new meaning to the old saying “in the eye of the storm…Canoe with Olivia as she’s paddles in the worst storm ever…Through a radio broadcast, hear snapping campfires, ghostly music and the call of a loon while over 120 pictures display across screen. Viewers will experience New England’s wild river in a whole new way as they go with the flow and as some say, ‘back into time.’

Holiday Crafts for Kids
2019-12-10 15:30 - 17:00
Join us on the children’s floor on Tuesdays, December 10 & 17 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. for holiday craftmaking. Paint your own ornaments and sew and fill ornamental sachets to give as holiday gifts or decorate your home. All materials will be provided. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Younger participants are welcome with an adult helper.
All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information: 207-338-3884 ext. 24.

Mr Drew and His Animals, Too
2019-12-30 13:00 - 14:00
Belfast Free Library welcomes animal educator Mr. Drew and His Animals, Too on Monday, December 30 at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Drew organizes educational programs about exotic animals. He is also a rehabilitator and outreach program facilitator for injured, neglected and unwanted exotic animals, either finding them good homes or adding them to his shows for educational purposes.
Drew has worked in the animal industry for over 30 years, publishing magazine articles and appearing on CNN with advice about, “Keeping reptiles healthy and warm in the winter.” Additionally, he is an Educational Technician, merit badge counselor and a guide for Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary and Mt. Apatite Geological Park.
Drew delights all ages with his unique style, energy, knowledge and love for learning. All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information: 207-338-3884, ext. 24

Maine Student Book Award Reading Group
2020-02-06 15:30 - 16:30
Scheduled Thursdays 3:30 – 4:30
February 6 ~ Bob by Wendy Maas and Rebecca Stead
March 6 ~ Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
March 19 ~ Dry by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman
Sign up & request copies of the books at the Children’s Floor desk.
Come to ONE book group discussion or all THREE. Snacks and good conversations every time.
Students grades 4 – 8 who read three or more MSBA books are eligible to vote for their favorite book at their school or public library.
Voting deadline April 1, 2020.
Recommended for: Bob – Grades 3 – 6, Merci Watson Changes Gears – Grades 4 – 8, Dry – Grades 5 & up.
All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information: 207-338-3884 ext. 24.

Preschool Storytime
2020-02-07 10:00 - 11:00
Preschool Storytime every Friday at 10:00
Stories, songs, rhymes, special guests, and new crafts each week.
Develop early literacy skills and make new friends!

Midcoast Music Together
2020-02-11 10:00 - 11:00
The Belfast Free Library offers free family music and movement programs once per month with Jess Day, Director of Midcoast Music Together. Come sing, jam and play together in the library’s Abbott Room on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 am. Children ages newborn to five with parents, grandparents, and caregivers are invited to join in the fun. Older siblings are welcome, too. All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information: 338-3884 ext. 24

Chess Club
2020-02-14 12:30 - 14:00
BFL Chess Club — With Bruce Haffner
12:30 – 2:00
Grades k – 8. All are welcome. Drop in program. No pre-registration required.
