.png)
Director Updates:
August 2026
The Library Lookout
Official Newsletter of the Skowhegan Free Public Library
Upcoming Events:
If you ask us, August might just be the busiest month of the year at the library.
We're still up to our eyeballs in the Summer Reading Challenge while also planning fall programs, preparing for a new school year, and weeding the collection in anticipation of one of our favorite annual traditions—our 6th Annual Free Book Giveaway! During Skowhegan Fair week, Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, we'll once again line the library walkway with tables overflowing with free books. These books come from donated materials that weren't added to our collection, along with library items that have been withdrawn to make room for new titles. Every year we hear someone say, "I didn't know you did this!" So, we're spreading the word early—mark your calendars!
There will be hundreds of books available, completely free of charge. A few things to keep in mind:
-
Please, no early birds.
-
We cannot hold books for anyone.
-
We have no way of knowing whether a particular title has been donated, so you'll have to stop by and browse for yourself.
Other than that, have fun! Take as many books as you'd like. Every book that finds a new home is one less that has to be recycled at the end of the week.
To make the week even sweeter, we'll also be hosting our annual Bookworm Bake Sale on Monday and Tuesday, August 17–18. All proceeds will go toward restoring and re-patching the library's historic granite foundation.
Come for the books, stay for the bake sale, and leave with a smile.
(Above) Miss Emily celebrated her one year workiversary at the library! Here’s to another great year Miss Emily! Congrats!
Recurring:
Every Wednesday- Storytime @ 10:30AM
Every Friday- Sit & Knit @ 1 - 3PM
8/4 - Within the Whale at Margaret Chase Smith Library @ 10AM
8/5 - BooOOooks in the Basement @ 6:15PM
8/6 -Matt Cost Author Talk @ 6PM
8/14 - Dino-rama Showcase
8/14 -Last day of Summer Reading Program
8/17-8/21 - Annual Book Giveaway
8/17 & 8/18 -Bookworm Bake Sale
8/20 - Northern Stars Planetarium at Margaret Chace Smith Library @ 10:30AM
8/20 - Connelly Connections Storytime @ 3PM
8/27 - DIY Bag Stamp Adult Craft @ 12:30PM
~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~
Closures:
8/24- Closing at 2PM for staff training
Library Updates
Library Updates
_edited.jpg)
News from Emily Ecker, Youth Services Librarian
We're in the Summer Reading home stretch! In July, kiddos learned how to excavate artifacts of both the fossil and cookie variety, and they were able to meet TWO authors! Josh Funk read his picture books at Coburn Park, and Betty Culley (and her husband) led an insightful discussion here at the library about the environmental impacts of landfills that inspired her most recent middle grade novel.
In August, we'll be finishing things off with our two program collaborations with the Margaret Chase Smith Library (Within the Whale on the 4th and the Northern Stars Planetarium on the 20th), and our Dino-rama showcase on the 14th! We can't wait to see the dioramas everyone creates based on their favorite reads of the summer!
News from Bree Bussell-Fitzgerald, Adult Services
Summer Reading is going strong! August 31st is the last day to collect bingo prizes so be sure to stop by and grab a gift card for all your hard work. Don't forget we have local author Matt Cost stopping by on the 6th at 6pm so be sure to come hear the latest on his newest books! Our latest crafting events have been wildly popular and I'm always looking for new ideas so if there's something specific you'd like to create, let me know and I'll try my best to make it happen! August also means that Books & Brews is coming up next month so be on the lookout for September's read!
News from Nikki Bulmer, Tech Services Librarian
The cabinets are all set up in the basement preparing for Library of Things! One step closer to being able to lend more than books, movies and games!
BooOOooks in the Basement will be reading ‘The Spite House’ by Johnny Compton for our September 2nd meeting.
September's book is: 'The Spite House' by Jonny Compton
Fundraising Updates
For August, our fundraising partnership is with Lakewood Theater! See below for details!
Staff Book Picks for August 2026
Angie-
Trad Wife
by Saratoga Shaefer
Nikki-
A Witch's Guide to Magical Inkeeping
by Sangu Mandanna
Emily-
Verity Fox and the Curse of Foxfire
by Don Martin
Bree-
God's Country
by William Kent Krueger
Our mission
At the Skowhegan Free Public Library, our mission is to foster a community where the freedom to read and access information is paramount. We are dedicated to providing a well-rounded and diverse collection of resources that cater to the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of all our patrons. Our library serves as a welcoming space for every community member, promoting inclusivity and accessibility. We are committed to sustainable practices, ensuring that our operations and services contribute positively to the environment and the well-being of future generations. Together, we empower minds, inspire lifelong learning, and build a brighter, more informed world.
The Library Lookout
9 Elm Street
Skowhegan, ME 04976
Library Staff
Director: Angie Herrick
Adult Circ: Breanna Bussell-Fitzgerald
Youth Services: Emily Ecker
Technology Librarian: Nikki Bulmer
Volunteer: Janet Mayhew
President: Lynda Quinn
Devin MacMichael
Debra Sterling
Lynn Perry
Maureen Provencal
Noella DesPres
Robert Washburn
Kristina Canon
Patricia Horine
Bloomfield Academy Trustees