Author Cathie Pelletier to speak at Stockton Springs Community Library on Sunday, July 28th at 2 PM

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present author Cathie Pelletier discussing her work on Sunday, July 28th at 2 PM. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Stop into the library or call 207-567-4147 during open hours to reserve your seat.

Cathie Pelletier is the author of sixteen books beginning with The Funeral Makers, her first novel published by Macmillan in 1986. Her most recent book is Northeaster, A Story of Courage & Survival in the Blizzard of 1952. She and theoretical physicist S. James Gates, Jr. co-authored Proving Einstein Right, released in 2019 by Public Affairs. The book was awarded the Brown University Book Award for 2020. Also released in 2019 is The Ragin’ Cajun, a memoir she wrote with her friend fiddler Doug Kershaw (Mercer University Press). A Middle Grade novel, Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune, was released in July 2023 by Down East/Rowman & Littlefield. Evangeline’s Journey is due in 2024.

Producer Gabrielle Tana has recently optioned Pelletier’s novel The Funeral Makers for Doug Liman to direct and Pelletier to adapt. She has worked on several film projects with Grammy-winner and AFI founder George Stevens, Jr. She and the late Donald Sutherland collaborated on one of her original screenplays. Under the pseudonym of K.C. McKinnon, Pelletier wrote Dancing at the Harvest Moon and Candles on Bay Street, both with Doubleday, the latter earning a million dollar advance. Harvest Moon was printed in 22 languages and was a CBS film starring Jacqueline Bisset and Valerie Harper. Candles was translated to 16 languages and was a Hallmark Hall of Fame film starring starring Alicia Silverstone.

Two of her novels received notable mentions from the New York Times Book Review. Her third novel The Weight of Winter, won the New England Booksellers Award. In 2006 Running the Bulls won the Paterson Prize for Fiction. Her first middle grade novel, The Summer Experiment, was published in 2014. Pelletier was privately hired to write a memoir, now finished, that centers on the Vietnam War.

Cathie created and sold to Simon & Schuster a book for country music icon Tanya Tucker, titled 100 Ways to Beat the Blues. She co-wrote The Christmas Note with her friend, and Grand Old Opry legend, the late Skeeter Davis. She has co-written songs that were recorded by David Byrne (of the Talking Heads), the Texas Tornadoes, and others. She and Tanya Tucker are working on a children’s book.

A book-signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available to purchase.

Be sure to pre-register at 207-567-4147 to reserve your seat for what promises to be a very interesting afternoon!

Stockton Springs Community Library Hiring

Library Director

  • Library: Stockton Springs Community Library
  • Town: Stockton Springs, ME
  • Library Type: Public
  • Position Type: MLS Preferred
  • Deadline: Open until filled

Description, How to Apply, and Contact:

The Stockton Springs Community Library Board of Directors is seeking a part-time Library Director. This is a newly created position in a small, vibrant coastal town. SSCL has a dedicated team of volunteers who currently staff and manage the library.

The Director will be responsible for the overall day to day operations of the library including specific responsibilities such as:

  • budgeting, programming, scheduling volunteers, recommending policy adjustments to the Board and working cooperatively within the community to further the library’s programs and services to meet community needs.
  • Previous experience and knowledge in the library field is a definite plus.

This position is for 10 hours per week at $20 per hour.

Please send a letter of interest, resume and three references to the Search Committee at: ssclboard@stocktonsprings.lib.me

Or mail to:

Stockton Springs Community Library
Attn: Director Search Committee
PO Box 293
Stockton Springs, ME 04981

(207) 567-4147

**Stockton Springs is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary: $20 per hour

Website: https://stocktonspringslibrary.org/

Summer Reading Program at Stockton Springs Community Library Begins Tuesday, July 9th

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a Summer Reading Program on Tuesdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM from Tuesday, July 9th to Tuesday, August 6th.

We will explore themes such as endangered animals, ways to repurpose, recycle, and reuse, and more. There will be stories, activities, snacks, and lots of fun. 

Come to one session, all sessions, or come whenever you can! 

This is a free program and open to all.

For questions contact the library at 207-567-4147.

Art Exhibit and Silent Auction by Mark Quigley at Stockton Springs Community Library Starting June 22nd

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will exhibit paintings by Stockton Springs resident Mark Quigley starting Saturday, June 22nd. Some of the artworks will be in a silent auction throughout the exhibit. The last opportunity to enter a silent auction bid will be Saturday July 27th at 3:00 PM when the library closes. Proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the all-volunteer library.

Mark Quigley is a retired teacher and Stockton Springs resident. Paintings in the exhibition include local landscapes and other familiar Maine locations, such as Schoodic Point.

The exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours: Mon. & Wed. 3 – 5 pm, Tues. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. SSCL is located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs at the corner of Station St. and Main St. 

SSCL is also currently engaged in a raffle to raise funds for the all-volunteer library. Tickets are $1 each and can be purchased at SSCL during open hours. The drawing for a $100 gift card to Sweet Cheeks Bakery will take place on June 8th at SSCL’s annual Pie & Art Festival on August 17th at 2 pm.

For more information phone 567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale at Stockton Springs Community Library June 1st

 On Saturday, June 1st from 9 am to 1 pm the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host its very popular Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale. This event provides an opportunity to stock up on books in all genres, a wide variety of plants, and delicious home baked goods. There’s always a range of sweet and savory baked goods available. It’s also a chance to reconnect with friends and neighbors after the long winter.

June 1st is also the last day of the “Art in the Stacks” exhibition in the nonfiction room at SSCL. The exhibition features works by the SSCL Wednesday Art Group. The event will also feature a drawing for the winner of the raffle for a $100 gift card to Stone Fox Creamery.

The Stockton Springs Community Library was founded in 2001 and is located in the historic Colcord House, which is owned by the Stockton Springs Historical Society. The library is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome. For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Silent auction of painting by William Landmesser to benefit Stockton Springs Community Library will end December 21

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is currently presenting works by artist William Landmesser in an Art in the Stacks exhibition through Thursday, December 21st. One painting, “Endangered Species” is featured in a silent auction as a fundraiser for this all-volunteer library. The silent auction ends on December 21st at noon. Winning bidder will be notified on that day.

The Art in the Stacks exhibit may be viewed and silent auction bids may be placed during regular library hours: Mon. & Wed. 3 – 5 pm, Tues. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. SSCL is located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs. For more information phone 567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Special Holiday Film Screening of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at the Stockton Springs Community Library 

Everyone’s invited to the Stockton Springs Community Library for a holiday screening of the original animated film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” on Friday, November 24th at 6:00 PM.

“How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a classic 1966 animated film based on the children’s book of the same name by Dr. Seuss. It is the story of The Grinch trying to take away Christmas from the townsfolk of Whoville below his mountain hideaway. Boris Karloff, in one of his final roles, narrates the film and also provides the speaking voice of The Grinch. 

In addition to the film screening there will be snacks and an activity.

The event is free and all are welcome.

For more information call 567-4147

William Landmesser Art in the Stacks Exhibition at Stockton Springs Community Library

Please note the change in date. The Meet and Greet with William Landmesser has been rescheduled to be held Sunday, October 8, from 1 to 3 pm.

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present works by artist William Landmesser in an Art in the Stacks exhibition beginning Monday, October 2nd through Thursday, December 21st. The library will host a Meet & Greet event with the artist on Sunday, October 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. All are welcome.

    Born in Albany, New York, William Landmesser grew up immersed in the visual beauty of northern New York State and New England.  Childhood summers were spent in Searsport, Maine.   At Dartmouth College Mr. Landmesser studied with Hannes Beckmann, Varujan Boghosian,  Ashley Bryan, and Gary Milek.  For three years following graduation while teaching at private secondary schools, community art classes increased his zeal to pursue visual art.  In 1977 Landmesser enrolled full time at the Art Institute of Boston, studying with Nathan Goldstein and Patricia Cobb.   Eager to learn independently, the student moved to Woodstock, Vermont where the Upper Connecticut River Valley and Dartmouth College environs served as his muse.   

    While spending time in 1980 on Long Island’s East End, Landmesser experienced a spiritual awakening. He also began receiving recognition from Hirschl & Adler Gallery (New York City) and Martha White Gallery (Louisville), where his work was shown with that of Fairfield Porter and Robert Dash. Included in the 1981 exhibit, Sunlight on Leaves, the Impressionist Tradition (Museum of Fine Arts, Houston), Mr. Landmesser was referenced as “one of the promising young artists of the next generation.”   Desiring to integrate his faith and work, he entered Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he led the student fine arts committee, continued painting, and received a Master’s degree in Theological Studies.   In 1989 the artist and his wife moved to Stockton Springs, Maine.  A former garage was moved to their land and converted into a studio/gallery.   Another structure was moved onto the property and evolved over time into the home they refer to as Fern Hill.

Alluding to geographical landmarks and spiritual realities, Mr. Landmesser renamed his gallery in 2017. Narrows Art Gallery is situated near the Penobscot River as it cuts through steeply wooded hills before emptying into Penobscot Bay. Spiritually, a “Narrows” has come to denote for the artist those moments when God’s mercy awakens one to ultimate reality. The process of “seeing” is a metaphor for and manifestation of this Mercy. Looking back over his life and work, the artist acknowledges with gratitude a journey which has not been taken alone. Learn more about the artist at www.landmesserfineart.com

The sale of artwork will benefit the library and the artist. One painting will invite bids in a silent auction which will take place throughout the exhibition. The Art in the Stacks exhibit may be viewed during regular library hours: Mon. & Wed. 3 – 5 pm, Tues. 4 – 7 pm, Thurs. 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Sat. 9 am – 3 pm. SSCL is an all-volunteer library located in the heart of downtown Stockton Springs. For more information phone 567-4147 or visitwww.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Stockton Springs Community Library Hosting THE GREAT EVENT Saturday, September 9th

THE GREAT EVENT, hosted by the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will take place on the grounds of the library and town office on Saturday, September 9th from 8 am until 2 pm. The event provides a festive atmosphere with something for everyone.  

THE GREAT EVENT is a celebration of the spirit of community which features a large community yard sale, live music, barbeque, homemade donuts, strawberry shortcake, bake sale, children’s activities, and more. It’s a great opportunity to find some bargains, enjoy great food and music, and have fun connecting with friends and neighbors.

There are still some spaces available in THE GREAT EVENT large community yard sale. Spaces are 10 feet by 15 feet and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Spaces are $30. Crafters and organizations are welcome to reserve spaces. Library hours are Monday 3 – 5 pm, Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, Wednesday 3-5 pm, Thursday 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm. 

Everyone’s invited to come out and see what’s so great about THE GREAT EVENT!

SSCL is a nonprofit all- volunteer library.  For more information call SSCL at 207-567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org