Throughout October, the Rockport Public Library has been hosting a celebration of Maine’s fiber community with its Maine Fibershed Festival exhibit and related pop-up events. The marquee event of the festival will occur on Saturday, Oct. 25, with demonstrations throughout the library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and a keynote presentation in the library’s lower level at 12:30 p.m.

Fiber enthusiasts of all ages can meet farmers, mill owners, dyers, spinners, weavers, makers, menders, and natural fiber composters. The library will also have three live Jacob Sheep in the park directly across from the library’s entrance, courtesy of The Farm on Empire.

Following the demonstrations, soil scientist Dr. Alison King of the University of Maine’s School of Food and Agriculture will give the keynote presentation at 12:30 p.m. She will discuss the rise of the modern fiber industry and its consequences for our bodies, waterways, and soils, while highlighting circular alternatives: the return of diverse fiber crops, turning waste wool into pellets for fertilizer and mulch, and developing natural landscape fabrics.

The event is free and open to the public. More information about the 20+ exhibitors and demonstrators can be found at rockportlibrary.net.

Maine Fibershed and the Rockport Public Library would like to thank Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District for their generous sponsorship of the festival.