Well, summer arrived with gusto! Just a reminder as the weather gets hotter: the library has A/C, free WiFi, and plenty of reading material. You are always welcome to come in and cool down when the library is open.
You may have noticed a little bit of a project happening here at the library. The Carpenter’s Boat Shop, in conjunction with a group of volunteers from Basking Ridge, is building a platform deck! When completed, it will be a place where the community can gather for library programs and events, or even just sit with a good book and enjoy the flora and fauna around the library. Many thanks to Carpenter’s Boat Shop and Basking Ridge for their generosity and hardwork!
The library will be closed on Friday July 4th to observe Independence Day, but we have regular hours of 9-12 on Saturday the 5th, along with our Bigfoot program at 1pm. Have an enjoyable holiday, and please keep your pets safe during fireworks. Shelters report a 30% to 60% spike in stray pet intakes from animals that run away because they get scared.
Stay safe and be well!
Melissa Chase , Director
(207) 529-5572 bremenlibrary.mchase@gmail.com
Saturday July 5 at 1pm
Bigfoot Comes to the Library!
Mike Familant of North Western New Jersey will be here to share his experiences tracking down North America’s most iconic cryptid, Bigfoot! Mike has been researching Sasquatch for over 13 years and is currently touring the country with his library tour and tracking down Bigfoot at the same time! In 2016, after becoming frustrated with the lack of true research expedition shows on TV, he created his own show, called “In the Shadow of Big Red Eye .” The show is currently filming their 8th season. All ages program! Free and open to all!
SUMMER HAPPENINGS
THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT CRAFT AVAILABLE EVERY WEEK . STOP IN ANYTIME BETWEEN 10 AND 12! WE WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC IDEA AND THE SUPPLIES- YOU PROVIDE THE CREATIVITY! ALL AGES WELCOME (SOME YOUNGER CRAFTERS MAY NEED GROWNUP ASSISTANCE FOR SOME PROJECTS)
COME ANYTIME FROM 9:30- 11 . WE WILL TRY SOME SONGS AND STORIES AND HAVE SOME UNSTRUCTURED HANGOUT TIME. AGES 1-4, WITH THEIR GROWNUP
PJ’S ARE OPTIONAL, BUT WELCOME!
MUSIC, BUBBLES, HULA HOOPS, AND MORE! (THIS WILL BE OUTSIDE, WEATHER PERMITTING)
Ongoing Programing
All ongoing programming is free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted
Weekly Storytime Regular scheduled weekly storytime is going to take a break for the summer, but the summer reading program is available for all kids from June 25-Aug 9!
Monthly Book Club: Thursday July 10 @ 3 Discussing An Inconvenient Woman by Sonia Purnell . The August book is Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand. Copies available to borrow at the desk.
Tech Help Saturdays from 10-12 : July 19 : Tech helper Caleb Pusey will answer your tech questions at the library
Knit & Stitch Group Thursdays 1-2:30 Bring your current fiber project and meet and support other like minded folks!
WHAT’S ON THE NEW SHELF
THESE ARE SOME OF THE NEW TITLES WAITING TO BE READ!
FEVER BEACH BY CARL HIASSEN NEVER FLINCH BY STEPHEN KING
GOING HOME IN THE DARK BY DEAN KOONTZ NIGHTSHADE BY MICHAEL CONNELLY
SEE HOW THEY HIDE BY ALLISON BRENNAN HIDDEN NATURE BY NORA ROBERTS
SHATTERING DAWN BY JAYNE ANN KRENTZ CODE RED BY VINCE FLYNN
Bremen Library Newsletter
October 2024
Dear Bremen Library Patrons,
Although our late summer weather seems to be continuing, the changing leaves tell us it won’t be for long. We have a number of new books, a beautiful art show and a program to lure you out of your house and into the library in October.
If you have any new books that you are looking forward to reading please let me know - we like suggestions!
Best,
Ellen Dickens, Interim Director
(207) 529-5572
bremenmainelibrary@gmail.com
Books received in late September
Death at the Sign of the Rook by Kate Atkinson
The Life Impossible, by Matt Haig
Burn, by Peter Heller
Fire and Bones, by Kathy Reichs
All the Colors of the Dark, by Chris Whitaker
Passions in Death, by J.D.Robb
Here One Moment, by Liane Moriarty
A Death in Cornwall by Daniel Silva
October books - Fiction
Colored Television by Danzy Senna
A funny and piercing satirical novel with sensational reviews
The Drowned by John Banville
A richly atmospheric new mystery about a woman’s sudden disappearance in a small coastal town in Ireland, where nothing is as it seems.
Lies He Told Me by James Patterson/David Ellis
The latest roller coaster ride novel from James Patterson
Tell Me Everything by Elisabeth Strout
Pulitzer Prize–winning author Elizabeth Strout returns to her familiar cast of Maine characters
There Are Rivers in the Sky by Elif Shafak
An enchanting new tale about three characters living along two great rivers, all connected by a single drop of water.
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
The first in a new mystery series by the author of the Thursday Murder Club
October books - Non-fiction
Challenger by Adam Higginbotham
A minute by minute history of the Challenger disaster that reads like a thriller.
Slippery Beast by Ellen Ruppel Shell
“A true crime natural history, with eels” by part-time Bremen resident Ellen Shell
More new books coming later in October including the new Michael Connelly
OCTOBER PROGRAMS
Art Show: Marc Poirier In the meeting room through October
The Bremen library is pleased to host the work of Marc Poirier throughout October.
Portofino by Marc Poirier
About his oil paintings Poirier says, "My goal as an artist is to help people realize the everyday beauty that surrounds them and is here for them to enjoy and celebrate if they can just see it." The subjects he enjoys painting are the ones that people hurry to drive by on their way to work. “I'm attracted to old homes worn rough with time and neglect with a gnarly centuries old oak tree in the yard. Curved country roads with crooked archaic telephone poles strung with a tangle of power lines that carve up the sky.” .
Trompe L'Oeil painting with Mary Sue Weeks, Thursday, October 24, 4-6pm
Trompe L’Oeil artist Mary Sue Weeks will present a slide program about Trompe L’Oeil painting - including how to pronounce it!
Trompe L’Oeil is an artistic term for the highly realistic optical illusion of three-dimensional space and objects on a two-dimensional surface. Mary Sue will cover the definition of trompe l’oeil and what makes it unique, as well as a little bit of history starting with frescoes in Pompei, through works of the Renaissance and into modern paintings. She has pictures of paintings in buildings across the U.S. and Maine, including her own work (below). *Refreshments will be served*
Bremen Book Club - Thursday, October 10 at 3 pm
Since we were unable to get enough copies of the originally chosen book the meeting will be a roundtable of recommended books. Members will share books they’ve enjoyed recently including Spying on the South by Tony Horwitz.
Next month’s book is Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
Knit ‘n Stitch Circle Tuesdays, 1-2:30pm A great opportunity to meet folks with similar interests while working on your own particular projects, Knit ‘n Stitch Circle incorporates crafts like knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, stitchery, and quilting.
Library Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 10-5
Friday 10-3
Saturday 9-noon.
Dear Bremen Library Patrons,
Like so many others at this time of year, I have begun to think about the past year and what I am thankful for. I have been here at the Bremen Library for just about a year, and I am thankful for the opportunity to do the work I love in a place that is becoming home to me.
You may have noticed fewer new titles on the new book shelf. Baker and Taylor, the company from which many libraries (including Bremen) purchase their books, is closing down without much advance notice. As a result, I have had many orders unfilled and/or cancelled. I am working on setting up purchasing accounts with other sellers to get new titles back on the shelf, and will do my best to reorder items and get them out for you! I appreciate your patience.
I wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving.
Melissa Chase , Director (207) 529-5572 bremenlibrary.mchase@gmail.com
IT’S TIME FOR THE ANNUAL WREATH SALE!
The annual wreath sale fundraiser is coming to the Bremen Town House for you to purchase your handcrafted holiday wreath!
“Official Sale Days” Saturday, November 22nd 9-2; Friday, November 28th 9- 2; and Saturday, November 29th from 9 – 12.
However, beginning on Saturday, Nov 15 and weekdays thru Nov 29 (Thanksgiving excluded), you may stop by the Town House from 9:30-noon or 1-2:30 to purchase a wreath from available stock.
The last day to preorder a wreath for pickup is Friday, Nov 21.
Please contact the library for pre-ordering details!
Many thanks to the Bremen Volunteer Fire Dept for opening the firehouse to our decorators and, of course, to our creative and dedicated group of decorators. This major fundraiser for the library would not be possible without so much community support!
NOVEMBER ARTIST OF THE MONTH
JOHN OTTERBEIN
Known for his imaginative and whimsical approach, Mr. Otterbein’s paintings often feature playful humor and vibrant colors. He holds a degree in graphic design and photography from Arizona State University and spent many years as an art director and designer, specializing in flexographic printings for major corporations. Upon moving to Maine, he founded the Wooden Screen Door Company in Waldoboro, where he produced over 17,000 custom-made screen doors. After selling the business, he rekindled his passion for painting and was influenced by his admiration for Gary Larson’s “Far Side” cartoons. He studied watercolor under Grif Teller, a well-known painter of Pennsylvania Railroad scenes, and later with local artist Erica Qualey, who helped reignite his interest in watercolor.
An artist’s reception will be held on Thursday Nov 6 from 4-6 pm
Light refreshments will be served. Reception is free and open to all.
INFORMATIONAL SESSION
ON
GREEN BURIALS
THURSDAY NOV 20 at 5:30
Members of Midcoast Maine Green Burial will be here to provide information and to answer your questions about green burials on Thursday November 20 at 5:30. Green burial is a way of caring for the dead with minimal environmental impact that aids in the conservation of natural resources, the reduction of carbon emissions, the protection of worker health, and the restoration and protection of habitat.
This session is free and open to all.
Coming soon!
The Last Minute Holiday Sale
December 12th through December 14th
More details soon!
Choose those “last minute” gifts from an array of local artisans!
Ongoing Programing
All ongoing programming is free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted
Monthly Book Club: Thursday Nov 6 @2:30 Deep As The Sky, Red as The Sea by Rita Chang-Eppig. December’s book is Highland Christmas by M.C. Beaton. Copies will be available to borrow at the desk for the December 4 discussion (meeting time will be changing in November through the winter months to 2:30)
Tech Help 10-12 : Wednesday, Nov 12 10-12 and Saturday, Nov 22 10-12 - Tech helper Caleb Pusey will answer your tech questions at the library
Knit & Stitch Group Thursdays 1-2:30 Bring your current fiber project and meet and support other like minded folks!
NEW STORYTIME OFFERING!! FIRST FRIDAY FUN!
NOVEMBER 7 from 10:30-12
This mixed-ages storytime will take place on the first Friday of each month. We will start with some stories and songs, and then kids and their caregivers are welcome to stay and play and socialize together in the Big Room until noon
The Bremen Library Wreath Sale begins soon. Official sale dates are Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1 from 9am to 2pm at the Bremen Town House, Route 32 in Bremen. However, beginning Friday, Nov. 15 you can stop by the Town House from 9:30 am to noon or 1 to 2:30 pm to pick out a wreath or you can call the library at 529-5572 to pre-order a wreath or to find out about shipping a wreath. Fully decorated wreaths range from $30-$45 with plain and bow-only wreaths less.
These wreaths are beautifully decorated with natural materials by a talented squad of decorators who gather the materials themselves. Each one is unique. This is a major fund-raiser for the library and a real community effort. You can support the library while purchasing a one-of-a-kind holiday decoration for your home.
To order a wreath for shipping or pick up use this link Wreath Order Form or call the library 207-529-5572
Bremen Library Newsletter
JANUARY 2025
Dear Bremen Library Patrons,
It’s hard to believe that we are stepping into a new year already! My first month or so here at the library has been eventful. We once again had a very successful holiday wreath sale fundraiser. Many thanks are due to the Bremen Town House and Bremen Fire Station for letting us use their spaces before and during the sale, and to our incredible volunteer “elves” for the countless hours they spent designing, constructing and selling the wreaths. Without all that support, there is no way that such a successful fundraiser could happen. In addition to the wreath sale, we also hosted 8 local artisans for a “Last Minute Holiday Sale.” Hopefully you were able to come take a peek and maybe leave with a gift or 2! I have been busy doing some shifting of furniture and books, particularly in the children’s room, in hopes of making things more accessible and welcoming. I have also been evaluating both the adult and children’s collections to clear out some outdated material, making way for new purchases to grace the shelves. Be sure to stop in and take a look!
I would like to remind you that a Bremen Library card is free to all, even if you don’t happen to live in Bremen! This library card allows you to get interlibrary loans from other libraries throughout the state of Maine, making it possible to get items you may not see on our shelves. This card also allows you to take advantage of the downloadable media service called CloudLibrary. We participate in the Maine State Library’s consortium, Maine InfoNet, which provides a collection of streamable and downloadable audiobooks and eBooks that is shared by more than 140 libraries across the state. Only one user is allowed to use each title at a time, but you may place a hold on items that are not currently available.
Anyone with a Bremen Library card can access this collection. All you will need is:
*Your Bremen Library card number (call us at 529-5572 if you don’t know your number)
*Internet access
In order to use the CloudLibrary on a phone or mobile device, you will need to download the CloudLibrary app by going to your App Store. If you are having trouble, give a call or stop in! I am always happy to help!
Are you a homeschooling family? Please give me a call, drop me a line or stop in to let me know what you need from your library! I’d love to try to facilitate some homeschooler meetups, as well as help out with the state library skills requirement.
I would love to meet more of the community that I serve! Stop in and get a library card if you don’t already have one or just say hi! Let me know what you would like to see for books, programs and services! Let’s head into 2025 together and make the library the place to be!
I wish you and your family a safe and peaceful new year!
Melissa Chase , Director
(207) 529-5572
bremenlibrary.mchase@gmail.com
Ongoing Programing
All ongoing programming is free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted
Monthly Book Club: January 9 @ 2:30 Discussing Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
Tech Help Saturdays from 10-12 : January 4 & 18 : Tech helper Caleb Pusey will answer your tech questions at the library
Knit & Stitch Group Thursdays 1-2:30 Bring your current fiber project and meet and support other like minded folks!
Weekly Storytime has moved to Wednesdays @10:30. Stories, songs and craft with Miss Melissa, for ages 3-6
JANUARY’S BOOKS ARE ON THE WAY!
- Fiction
All fours by Miranda July
A semi-famous artist announces her plan to drive cross-country, from LA to NY. Thirty minutes after leaving her husband and child at home, she spontaneously exits the freeway, checks into a nondescript motel, and immerses herself in an entirely different journey.
Bellevue by Robin Cook
From the bestselling author and "master of the medical thriller" (The New York Times), Robin Cook, comes a new tale of suspense-horror about a first-year resident whose life-shattering visions reveal the truth behind some of the greatest medical advances in the history of medicine.
Robbed Blind and Hard Line by Gerry Boyle
In Robbed Blind and Hard Line, Jack McMorrow returns in a 14th and 15th novel, a two-book arc that will see the acclaimed series come to an end thirty years after McMorrow first appeared in the now-classic, Deadline.
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Secrets. Lies. Murder. Let the festivities begin…
Mind Games by Nora Roberts
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Identity presents a suspenseful new novel of tragedy and trauma, love and family, and the blessings and curses of power
More or Less Maddy by Lisa Genova
A breathless, riveting novel about a young woman diagnosed with bipolar disorder who rejects the stability and approval found in a traditionally “normal” life for a career in stand-up comedy.
Pearly Everlasting by Tammy Armstrong
Set during the Great Depression, an immersive and enchantingly atmospheric novel about a girl and a bear raised as sister and brother in a remote logging camp, and the lengths to which they’ll go to protect each other.
Golden Hour by Stuart Woods
Former CIA operative Teddy Fay returns for another heart-pounding Hollywood-fueled adventure in this latest installment in the New York Times bestselling series.
Trial By Fire by Danielle Steel
In this inspiring novel from the bestselling author, the life of a Parisian woman changes in a heartbeat when she’s trapped by wildfires in Napa Valley.
- Non-fiction
Cabin by Patrick Hutchinson
A memoir of the author's journey from an office job to restoring a cabin in the Pacific Northwest, based on his wildly popular Outside Magazine piece.
The Elements of Marie Curie by Dava Sobel
The acclaimed Pulitzer Prize finalist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of Galileo’s Daughter crafts a luminous chronicle of the life and work of the most famous woman in the history of science, and the untold story of the many young women trained in her laboratory who were launched into stellar scientific careers of their own
Framed by John Grisham
John Grisham is known worldwide for his bestselling novels, but it’s his real-life passion for justice that led to his work with Jim McCloskey of Centurion Ministries, the first organization dedicated to exonerating innocent people who have been wrongly convicted. Together they offer an inside look at the many injustices in our criminal justice system
Good Nature by Kathy Willis
A ground-breaking investigation into newly discovered evidence showing that remarkable things happen to our bodies and our minds when our senses connect with the natural world.
Storm In A Teacup by Helen Czerski
A physicist explains daily phenomena from the mundane to the magisterial.
-Children’s Books
Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl
Dog Man 13 by Dav Pilkey
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein
Indigenous America by Liam McDonald
This Day In History for Kids by Dan Bova
-YA Books
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
Library Hours:
Wednesday & Thursday 10-5
Friday 10-3
Saturday 9-noon
Bremen Library Newsletter
JULY 2025
Dear Bremen Library Patrons,
Well, summer arrived with gusto! Just a reminder as the weather gets hotter: the library has A/C, free WiFi, and plenty of reading material. You are always welcome to come in and cool down when the library is open.
You may have noticed a little bit of a project happening here at the library. The Carpenter’s Boat Shop, in conjunction with a group of volunteers from Basking Ridge, is building a platform deck! When completed, it will be a place where the community can gather for library programs and events, or even just sit with a good book and enjoy the flora and fauna around the library. Many thanks to Carpenter’s Boat Shop and Basking Ridge for their generosity and hardwork!
The library will be closed on Friday July 4th to observe Independence Day, but we have regular hours of 9-12 on Saturday the 5th, along with our Bigfoot program at 1pm. Have an enjoyable holiday, and please keep your pets safe during fireworks. Shelters report a 30% to 60% spike in stray pet intakes from animals that run away because they get scared.
Stay safe and be well!
Melissa Chase , Director
(207) 529-5572 bremenlibrary.mchase@gmail.com
Saturday July 5 at 1pm
Bigfoot Comes to the Library!
Mike Familant of North Western New Jersey will be here to share his experiences tracking down North America’s most iconic cryptid, Bigfoot! Mike has been researching Sasquatch for over 13 years and is currently touring the country with his library tour and tracking down Bigfoot at the same time! In 2016, after becoming frustrated with the lack of true research expedition shows on TV, he created his own show, called “In the Shadow of Big Red Eye .” The show is currently filming their 8th season. All ages program! Free and open to all!
SUMMER HAPPENINGS
THERE WILL BE A DIFFERENT CRAFT AVAILABLE EVERY WEEK . STOP IN ANYTIME BETWEEN 10 AND 12! WE WILL PROVIDE THE BASIC IDEA AND THE SUPPLIES- YOU PROVIDE THE CREATIVITY! ALL AGES WELCOME (SOME YOUNGER CRAFTERS MAY NEED GROWNUP ASSISTANCE FOR SOME PROJECTS)
COME ANYTIME FROM 9:30- 11 . WE WILL TRY SOME SONGS AND STORIES AND HAVE SOME UNSTRUCTURED HANGOUT TIME. AGES 1-4, WITH THEIR GROWNUP
PJ’S ARE OPTIONAL, BUT WELCOME!
MUSIC, BUBBLES, HULA HOOPS, AND MORE! (THIS WILL BE OUTSIDE, WEATHER PERMITTING)
Ongoing Programing
All ongoing programming is free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted
Weekly Storytime Regular scheduled weekly storytime is going to take a break for the summer, but the summer reading program is available for all kids from June 25-Aug 9!
Monthly Book Club: Thursday July 10 @ 3 Discussing An Inconvenient Woman by Sonia Purnell . The August book is Hotel Nantucket by Elin Hilderbrand. Copies available to borrow at the desk.
Tech Help Saturdays from 10-12 : July 12 and 26 : Tech helper Caleb Pusey will answer your tech questions at the library
Knit & Stitch Group Thursdays 1-2:30 Bring your current fiber project and meet and support other like minded folks!
WHAT’S ON THE NEW SHELF
THESE ARE SOME OF THE NEW TITLES WAITING TO BE READ!
FEVER BEACH BY CARL HIASSEN NEVER FLINCH BY STEPHEN KING
GOING HOME IN THE DARK BY DEAN KOONTZ NIGHTSHADE BY MICHAEL CONNELLY
SEE HOW THEY HIDE BY ALLISON BRENNAN HIDDEN NATURE BY NORA ROBERTS
SHATTERING DAWN BY JAYNE ANN KRENTZ CODE RED BY VINCE FLYNN