Category: Stockton Springs Maine

Art in the Stacks at Stockton Springs Community Library Features Binders Keepers Altered Books

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present a special Holiday Art in the Stacks exhibition featuring altered books by Stockton Springs artist and entrepreneur Chelsea Porter from Monday, November 29th until Thursday, December 23rd.

Porter’s business, Binders Keepers, features books cut and folded into intricate designs. She started using this art form in 2017 when she learned the basic technique from her mother and aunt. Each book is measured, marked, and then folded page by page to make the design. Porter is able to create nearly any design imaginable and is able to personalize the artwork by folding in names or special dates.

Crafting an image or word into the book can take between four and twenty hours to complete. Porter acknowledges that it is time consuming yet therapeutic. Though each design varies, each requires a hardcover book with a minimum of 500 pages. She mainly uses books that are poised to be thrown away. 

Porter markets her work through an Etsy site: www.etsy.com/shop/BindersKeepersArt

Despite the pandemic, Porter has seen her online sales increase, and since joining the platform in 2017 she has shipped her creations to customers in 43 states.

Holiday Art in the Stacks will be open for viewing during library hours: 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.

Sale of Porter’s work will benefit the library and the artist.

SSCL is an all volunteer library located in the heart of Stockton Springs. For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org or phone 207-567-4147.

Tai Chi in Stockton Springs

Tai Chi has been fantastic at Stockton Harbor this summer and fall. We had over 20 participants. The healthy practice and camaraderie were appreciated by all. We thank the Town of Stockton Springs for supporting this program.

  • Photo credit: Barbara Clemens
  • Photo credit: Barbara Clemens
Tai Chi at Stockton Harbor

We will begin our Zoom Tai Chi sessions for the winter on Tuesday, October 26th, meeting all winter via Zoom on Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11:30 am. We will return to the harbor in the late spring. These Zoom sessions will serve all our members, including year round and summer people.

If you are not already a member of the Stockton Springs Tai Chi group and would like to join please call the library at 207-567-4147 to register.

Mac Smith to Speak About His Latest Book at Stockton Springs Community Library November 7th

“Maine’s Hail to the Chief: A History of Presidential Visits to the Pine Tree State” is a new book by Mac Smith of Stockton Springs. He will present his first talk and reading at the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) on Sunday, November 7th at 2 pm. Autographed copies of the book will be available for purchase.

A visit from the President of the United States always brings excitement with it. In Maine, part of that excitement stems from the fact that presidents rarely visit the state – only 18 of the 45 presidents have visited Maine in the nation’s 244 year history.

Many of these visits came at significant points in a presidency; and some visits had controversy, conflict, and ironic twists. Each of Maine’s presidential visits left us with great stories, and a detailed view of Maine’s lively history. Mac Smith will share some of these stories at SSCL on November 7th.

Mac Smith is a Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and former reporter for The Bar Harbor Times. He lives in Stockton Springs in the village of Sandy Point and serves as Town Manager for Stockton Springs. He is also the author of Mainers on the Titanic and Peyton Place Comes Home to Maine.

Seating is limited to 25 so pre-registration is necessary to reserve your seat. Call 207-567-4147 to register. The presentation is free and all are welcome. Masks will be required. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Stockton Springs Community Library Story Time First Saturday of the Month Begins October 2nd

The Stockton Springs Community Library will host a monthly STORY TIME on the first Saturday of each month from 10 AM to 11 AM starting Saturday, October 2nd.

STORYTIME will include stories, snacks, and activities. The program is free and open to all.

Masks will be required of children and parents who attend.

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

THE GREAT EVENT Returns to Stockton Springs September 11th

THE GREAT EVENT, hosted by the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL), returns to Stockton Springs on September 11th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, after a year’s hiatus due to Covid. The grounds of the Library and Town Office will once again be filled with a Giant Community Yard Sale, Barbecue, Bake Sale, Homemade Donuts, Children’s Activities, and much more.

Celebrate the spirit of community at this festive event. Find bargains, enjoy good food, see old friends and meet new ones at THE GREAT EVENT!

This year THE GREAT EVENT honors the late Basil Staples, one of the library’s founders and creator of SSCL’s hugely successful “Basil’s Bottles for Books” cart, which has allowed the library to offer the latest books, audiobooks, and DVDs. Basil embodied the spirit of volunteerism, which is what allows SSCL to thrive.

SSCL’s 2021 raffle tickets will be available for purchase throughout the event and the drawing will be held that day. Prizes are an adult tricycle and a Peter Rabbit baby quilt by E.J. Pikulski. You do not have to be present to win.

There are still a few spaces available in the yard sale. If you’d like to rent a space at THE GREAT EVENT Giant Yard Sale you should come to the library soon during open hours. Library hours are Monday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Tuesday 4:00 – 7:00 pm, Wednesday 3:00 – 5:00 pm, Thursday 9:00 am – Noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. To reserve your space you must fill out an application and pay in advance either by check or cash. Spaces are approximately 10’ x 15’. Cost is $30. Organizations and crafters are also welcome to rent space in the Giant Community Yard Sale. THE GREAT EVENT will happen rain or shine. For more information call 567-4147. 

We’ll see you on Saturday, September 11th in Stockton Springs for THE GREAT EVENT!

8th Annual Pie and Art Festival at Stockton Springs Community Library August 21st

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host its 8th Annual Pie and Art Festival on Saturday, August 21st from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm. This popular fundraising event provides an opportunity to feed your body and soul, offering a variety of homemade pies and fine art from outstanding Maine artists.

Participating artists are Judy Belasco, Mary Braun, Sarah Faragher, Sue Garrett, Bill Landmesser, Scott Moore, Chelsea Porter (aka Binders Keepers), Betty Schopmeyer, Anne Spencer, Dawn Staples-Knox, Jo Swift, Peter Walls, and Anne Marie Welsh.

Following the event, remaining artwork will be displayed in the library’s non-fiction room for “Art in the Stacks.” It will be available for viewing and purchase during the library’s open hours through August 28th. Sale of artwork will benefit both the library and the artists.

2021 Copyright Judy Belasco. Painting. Stockton Springs Maine

SSCL is an all-volunteer community library. For more information call 207-567-4147.

Stockton Springs Community Library Now Reserving Spaces for The Great Event Community Yard Sale

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is currently reserving spaces in the community yard sale at The Great Event, its popular fundraising event and community gathering. The event did not take place last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, so the library volunteers and community are excited to welcome back The Great Event on September 11 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm this year.

The Community Yard Sale at the Great Event takes place on the grounds of the Library and Town Office. Spaces are 10 feet by 15 feet and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Spaces are $30 before July 31st and $35 after July 31st. 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. 

The Great Event includes the giant community yard sale, BBQ, bake sale, children’s events and more. SSCL is currently selling raffle tickets for a drawing which will take place at The Great Event. Tickets are $1 each and may be purchased at the library and you do not have to be present to win. Raffle prizes are an adult tricycle and a handmade Peter Rabbit baby quilt by E.J. Pikulski.

SSCL is a nonprofit all- volunteer library. All proceeds from The Great Event and Raffle will benefit the library.

For more information call SSCL at 207-567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Tai Chi at Stockton Harbor

Yes! We are going to be practicing tai chi outside at the harbor. This is truly one beautiful place. Please join us. All levels are welcome. There is plenty of level space, and you can social distance as much as you like.

Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11 starting Tuesday, June 8. In case of bad weather, we will be meeting at the town hall, lower level.

Pre-registration is required. Contact Stockton Springs Community Library to be added to the email list and receive additional information.

Tai Chi at Stockton Harbor

SSCL Virtual Story Hour – September 19, 2020

Join us on Facebook Live Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 10:00 am as Patsy Baldus reads “The Whale’s Song” written by Dyan Sheldon and beautifully illustrated by Gary Blythe.

In “The Whale’s Song,” Lilly’s grandmother shares a wonderful story with her about the magic of whales and the special gift they bring to someone who appreciates them. Uncle Frederick has a more practical view about whales and thinks Lilly’s Grandmother is talking nonsense. But Lilly believes she has just the right gift to give to the whales. Will the whales reward Lilly with a song?

As Ms. Baldus explains “Whales do come to the coast of Maine, and while this book showcases blue whales and humpbacks, we are more likely to see minke whales closer to our shores. ”

Kids will learn how to create a cardboard Seashore Wreath and how to write their very own whale song!

Children are encouraged to bring in their wreaths and original whale songs to be showcased in Mary’s room at the Library.

SSCL’s Virtual Story Time is filmed live at Stockton Springs Community Library in Mary’s Room and includes a book reading, a simple craft to make at home, and a writing exercise.

Stockton Springs Community Library is an all volunteer library located in Stockton Springs, Maine. Free membership is available to anyone from any community.