There is a precious gem in the Town of Thomaston.  It is a haven of charm, the smell of great books and rife with community activities.  This is my love letter to it, the Thomaston Public Library.  

I am a newbie to Thomaston.  When I bought my house I intended it to be a bolt hole from Portsmouth, N.H., where I could bring my dogs and renew my energy  (a kind of “urban” camp!).  However, very soon I fell in love with outstanding people who live here, the calm and beauty of the St. George River that I can see from my door and the Midcoast region as a whole.  And, when I went to get my library card  I knew the TPL  would be important to me much in the same way as my library was as a child  growing up in Rhode Island: A sanctuary and a community gathering place.  

Inside one always sees folks at the computers, reading the latest news in comfortable chairs, organizing a new exhibit in the glass case or straightening out the books on sale in the hallway.  Many seem to come to visit with the friendly staff and volunteers, to borrow tickets to the Farnsworth Museum or to check the schedule for the next movie, book club or upcoming discussion. 

There are Friday night movies and summer outdoor films on the green, authors’ presentations, interlibrary loans, children’s programming and best of all, access to a congregation place for Thomaston and other Midcoast residents.  I am sure I have not covered the full scope of treasures at TPL, but am excited to be here now to discover all its nooks and crannies. 

Last summer I was fortunate enough to be part of a program we called 40 Days of Summer there.  It was a drop in program where activities and lunches were available for children (60 percent of Thomaston school children are receiving free or reduced cost meals).  Because of the significant percentage of children receiving aid, lunches were prepared and delivered by the local school district and enhanced with the addition of healthy snacks and programs designed to bring in the kids.  Supported by a grant, neighbors, local businesses and civic organizations and in collaboration with the local farmers market we offered lunches to all attending children regardless of need or residency.  We had activities that ranged from playground games to animal visits (alpaca, sheep, goats, chickens), tie-dying shirts, zumba lessons, finger painting with pudding, local musicians and lots of books that were read to and by them. Many hot days featured water pistols; thought I would never dry out!

Libraries, in my opinion, are often the heart of a town.  They certainly should be cherished and supported as an integral institution and promoted lovingly to younger residents and children who may not yet understand their value in a world currently driven by personal media devices.  Our small community would certainly be less without this library’s robust presence.   

We, in Thomaston, have a diamond in our midst. It is a surprise to me that there is not a line waiting to get into the library every morning!  I am sure, though, when you do get there the chairs will be warm and the welcome mat will be out. 

Diane Giese lives in Thomaston