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Director Updates:
February 2026
The Library Lookout
Official Newsletter of the Skowhegan Free Public Library
Welcome to 2026! When I was born, way back in the 1900s, I always thought that I would be zooming around in a flying car or giving orders to my robot butler, but unfortunately, that is not the case. The library was built in 1889 and I bet the very first Library Director would be in awe of all of the changes and advances at the library in the past 137 years. One thing that has stayed the same though is our belief that books and information are worth preserving and sharing with our community.
We just spent the last week of January doing inventory of the entire library collection. Over 24,000 items were scanned and accounted for. We do this to make sure our shelves are correct and identify and fix any discrepancies. We also were able to get in some staff training and programming planning for upcoming months while we were closed.
Our friend Jett stopped by the library to provide some much needed moral support to the hardworking librarians during inventory.
One of the exciting programs we chatted about in our meeting was the return of the Cabin Fever Craft Workshops. We know that winter in Maine is hard, so we want to encourage people to come out, socialize, and maybe even learn a new skill. (Or at the very least have fun trying!)
Our workshops will include:
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Diamond Art Bookmarks 2/17
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Flower Frogs 2/25
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Pressed Flower Lanterns 3/5
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Felt Cord organizers 3/12
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Beaded Plants 3/17
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Mini Embroidery 3/27
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Cork Trivets 4/2
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Kinusaiga 4/10
Upcoming Events:
Recurring:
Every Wednesday- Storytime @ 10:30AM
Every Friday- Sit & Knit @ 1 - 3PM
2/04- BooOOooks in the Basement @ 6:15PM
2/10 - Learn Fly-Tying (W/Skowhegan Outdoors) @ 5PM
2/17- Cabin Fever Craft Series: Diamond Art Bookmarks @ 3:30PM
2/19 Books & Brews at Joe’s Flat Iron Cafe @ 6:30PM
2/20 - Stuffy Sleepover Storytime @ 5PM
2/25 - Cabin Fever Craft: Flower Frogs @ 1PM
2/26 - LEGO Club @ 3:30PM
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Closures:
2/16- Presidents’ Day
Library Updates
Library Updates
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News from Emily Ecker, Youth Services Librarian
The new year so far has brought us a new Toniebox and seven new literary Tonies to pair with picture books. We also hosted local author, Megan Caudill, for a book talk to celebrate her newest YA release. During LEGO Club, we saw a lot of creative ways to build self-portraits!
In February, you'll see brackets displayed with books nominated by the staff for our upcoming March Book Madness program, so get a jump on reading any new-to-you titles before the voting period begins on March 2nd! On February 20th from 5-6pm, we're hosting a pajama storytime/stuffy sleepover where the stuffies will spend the weekend at the library and get up to all sorts of after-hours fun. Space is limited, so call the library early to claim a spot! LEGO Club will be on the 26th from 3:30-4:30pm and returns to regular scheduling on the last Thursday of the month unless otherwise posted. And, of course, the Doodles continue with a new theme.
News from Bree Bussell-Fitzgerald, Adult Services
Books & Brews is still going strong! We have some really cool themes and topics picked out for future reads, everything from Realistic Fiction and Coming of Age stories to Seasonal titles and Through the Decades. If you ever have a suggestion, we'd love to hear it and incorporate it into the title rotation!
I'm already starting to plan for programs this summer and if there's an author you'd like to see or a craft you'd like to do, let me know and I'll see what I can do. I want to offer what folks want to do and see here at the library.
Interlibrary Loan deliveries have slowed down a bit due to circumstances beyond our control, so wait times have been extended. Please keep that in mind if you're looking for titles we don't currently have. We'll do our best to get it for you in a timely manner but we definitely suggest ordering ahead of time so you don't run out of reading material!
News from Nikki Hathaway, Tech Services Librarian
We’re still accepting donations for our food cupboard at the library; it continues to see frequent use, and I find myself refilling it multiple times per day. Some popular items seem to be: Pasta, shelf-stable milk, oil, canned meat and fish, soups, and breakfast items. Every bit helps!
Another library offering we’re working on is a Library of Things. This allows you to borrow an item instead of purchasing it for a project, one-time use, or just to try before you buy. If you have an item you’d like to see or donate to the Library of Things, please let us know!
BooOOooks in the Basement is discussing ‘People who Eat Darkness’ on February 4th and should be getting copies of our March book on the February 10th delivery date.
Fundraising Updates
For Fundraising in February, we wanted to remind you of our online Bonfire store! We have a wide range of products available to suit any style (library polo anyone?). Scan the QR code below to browse our online store and maybe pick something up for that special someone AND benefit the library at the same time!
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Another ongoing fundraiser we have is our partnership with Skowhegan Redemption. Located in the same shopping plaza as Label Shopper and Tractor Supply. Simply drop off your bottles/ cans and tell them you’re donating them to the Skowhegan Free Public Library!
We also wanted to say a big thank you to everyone who supported the library through our Annual Appeal. Your donations make a huge difference in allowing us to offer quality programs, purchase new books, and staff the desks to provide you prompt service!
Staff Book Picks for February 2026
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Angie-
The Wedding People
by Alison Espach
Nikki-
The Everlasting
by Alix E. Harrow
Emily-
A Psalm for the Wild Built
by Becky Chambers
Bree-
The Crossroads
byC.J. Box
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 Hathaway
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