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The Library will be closed on May 24-26 for Memorial Day Weekend.
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May 2025
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Happy May!
Our newsletter looks a little different this month! To make things easier to read, we've changed the format a little bit. We hope you like it. There is a lot going on this month, and truthfully all library offerings cannot possibly be summarized in an email, so be sure to regularly have a look at our website and calendar to see all of the resources and events available to you.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and we're kicking off some important programs on a very important topic, thanks to many wonderful organizations in our area. Speaking of mental health, gardening has been proven to be beneficial to mental and physical health. So you'll want to check out our seed library and get digging in the dirt!
Happy reading, -YPL |
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A Message from Executive Director Michelle Sampson on The Maine State Library and IMLS
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Since March 14th, when President Trump issued an executive order calling for the elimination of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) “to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law,” we have received several questions from you asking for the latest news or how to help. Here are the latest updates.
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Art Exhibit: Beverly Hallam Chasing Light |
Known for her innovative mastery across media, Beverly Hallam seamlessly integrated photography into her paintings and prints, shaping her luminous compositions. From coastal scenes to floral still lifes to digital abstractions, this exhibition explores Hallam’s lifelong use of photography in her pursuit to capture and express the elusive nature of light. Beverly Hallam: Chasing Light presents more than 30 prints, paintings and photographs drawn from the visual archives of Surf Point, York, Maine. Please join the YPL Art Committee, Surf Point, and exhibit curator Kristina Durocher for an Opening Reception on Tuesday, May 13, from 5-7pm in the Library’s Upper Level.
Exhibit will be on display May 7 - August 27. |
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Embracing Wellness: A Community Series on Mental Health and Well-being
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Breathe in... Breathe out... May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and our collaborative series, Embracing Wellness, offers programs for all ages centered around mental wellness. Click the links below for more information and to sign up. Our thanks to the many community partners who have made this series possible!
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Mental Health First Aid for Adults (two parts)
Thursday, May 1 & Friday, May 2, 12:00 - 4:00 PM @ Community Room Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
York County Service Association (YCSA): How Our Programs and Services Can Support Your Mental Health Needs Monday, May 5, 10:00 AM @ Community Room
Flow into Stillness: A 60-Minute Journey of QiGong and Meditation with Anja Schneider
Monday, May 5, 5:30 PM @ Community Room QiGong (pronounced chee-gong) is a traditional Chinese practice that combines movement, meditation, and controlled breathing to cultivate and balance qi (life energy).
Community Read Discussion: A Man Called Ove (Rotary) Wednesday, May 7, 7:00 PM @ St. Aspinquid Masonic Lodge
Join the York, ME Rotary for a discussion of our Embracing Wellness Community Read, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
York Community Wellness Fair Saturday, May 10, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Community Room
Join us for a special event dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and well-being! Meet the organizations in our community who are providing valuable resources and support for mental health and wellness.
Developing Nature-Based Strategies for Emotional Regulation: A Workshop for Kids & Their Caregivers Saturday, May 10, 1:00 PM @ Outdoor classroom (meet in Lower Lobby)
In this workshop, we’ll explore simple, nature-based strategies to support children during moments of stress, frustration, or anxiety.
Community Read Discussion: A Man Called Ove (YPL) Wednesday, May 14, 11:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Join us for a discussion of our Embracing Wellness Community Read, A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman.
Living Well with Anxiety Thursday, May 15, 10:00 AM @ Community Room
Join Katherine Michaud, MS, OTR/L, Community Care Director for Cornerstone VNA, for an introduction to anxiety, the most common mental health disorder in the United States.
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Featured Events
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Home Automation with Devin Burritt
Wednesday, May 7 at 1:00 PM @ Wheeler Room Devin Burritt, York Public Library's Reference and Technology Librarian, will talk about home automation!
York Land Trust's Annual Native Plant Sale Saturday, May 10 at 9:00 AM @ York Land Trust
Stock up on native plants for your yard and garden at the 5th annual Native Plant Sale! This program is part of our 2025 Climate Change Series: Coastal Impacts and Resources. This series is co-sponsored by York Public Library, York Ready for Climate Action and York Land Trust.
Artificial Intelligence in Business: Disruption, Opportunity, or Both
Monday, May 12 at 5:00 PM @ online Join UMaine Libraries for a dynamic 'Salon Series' panel discussion that will explore the many sides of AI in the business world. This is a zoom program brought to by UMaine Libraries Salon Series via York Public Library.
The Death Cafe
Monday, May 19 at 10:00 AM @ Community Room A Death Cafe is a group-guided open conversation about death (with sweets!). There is no agenda, objectives, or themes. A facilitator is present to keep the conversation going (rarely necessary), answer questions, and correct misinformation.
Open Water Swimming: Taking on the Ultimate Challenge
Tuesday, May 20 at 6:30 PM @ Community Room Using his remarkable personal experiences in some of the world's most challenging open water races, world-class swimmer Bob Fernald shares his strategy of achieving success and overcoming adversity.
Ongoing Programs Alzheimer's Support Group
Saturday, May 17 at 10:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Italian Conversation Group First Tuesday of the month at 6:30 PM @ Wheeler Room
Morning Yoga
Wednesdays at 10:15 AM @ Community Room
Wake Up to the Wisdom of Poetry Saturday, May 3 at 10:00 AM @ Wheeler Room
Week in Review Discussion Group
Fridays at 3:00 PM @ Wheeler Room
YPL Walking Club Mondays at 11:00 AM @ Main Lobby
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Featured Resource: Digital Magazines |
Did you know that with your library card, you can read thousands of magazines on any browser or device? With CloudLibrary Newsstand by BibliMags, you can stay informed, read up on your favorite hobby, or explore new topics in your web browser or on the app. Get started here.
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Author Talks and Book Discussions
| Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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*Don't miss our Community Read discussions this month as part of our Embracing Wellness Series! The book is A Man Called Ove.
How to Use Anxiety to Thrive with Dr. David H. Rosmarin
Wednesday, May 7 at 2:00 PM @ online Let’s face it: Everyone has anxiety. Author of Thriving with Anxiety, Dr. Rosmarin’s constructive, compassionate, and evidence-based approach will not make you less anxious. Instead, it will empower you to use anxiety to thrive. (Library Speakers Consortium)
"The Madness of Ida Mae: And Other Stories of Love, Murder, and Misfits" with Christine Bagley
Thursday, May 8 at 6:30 PM @ Upper Level Christine Bagley will share the story of how this collection of short stories came together over 15 years.
On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang Wednesday, May 14 at 7:00 PM @ online
Grab your popcorn, grab your friend, and join us for an propulsive online conversation with author Liann Zhang as she chats with us about her debut thriller Julie Chan is Dead. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Irish Authors Book Discussion with Deborah McDermott Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 PM @ online
The book for May is: The Country Girls by Edna O'Brien.
How Judy Blume Rewrote Childhood for All of Us with Author Rachelle Bergstein Wednesday, May 21 at 2:00 PM @ online
You’re invited to an online intimate conversation with bestselling author Rachelle Bergstein as she chats about her newest book The Genius of Judy. (Library Speakers Consortium)
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Children's Events | Click the links below for more information. Children's events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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White Pine Programs @ YPL
Friday, May 2, 9 and 30 at 3:00 PM and Friday, May 23 at 12:30 PM Do you have an interest in wildlife, trailblazing, nature meditation or gardening? Join White Pine Programs and the Americorps volunteers for this drop-in program for middle schoolers.
Preschool Storytime
Tuesdays at 10:30 AM (no storytime on 5/20 and 5/27) For May's storytimes, join in for a special wellness boost focusing on feelings, body stretching, laughter and nature. Suggested for ages 3 - 5, with a caregiver.
Little Movers Thursdays at 10:30 AM (no playtime on 5/22 and 5/29)
This is not a storytime facilitated by a librarian, it is an open social, unstructured playtime.
Baby and Toddler Time Fridays at 10:30 AM (no storytime on 5/23 and 5/30)
Come with your little one to enjoy our garden, animal and spring-like themes, as we explore and connect with each other to boost our social and emotional wellness. Suggested ages birth - 2, with a caregiver.
Canine Cuddles
Saturday, May 17 at 10:30 AM Join some of our canine crew for cuddles and comfort. We’ll also have some other calming activities in our cozy sunroom corner.
Family Saturday Bluey Party - Summer Challenge Kickoff! Saturday, May 31, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Children's Room
Join us for a Bluey themed scavenger hunt, granny obstacle course and more. |
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Announcing the 2025 Summer Challenge: Level Up at Your Library!
| Play is one of the ways we learn to relate to others, to think in new ways, and to foster friendships, new and old. Level Up at Your Library, our 2025 Summer Challenge theme, reminds us that libraries are not just a space for knowledge, they are a space for fun!
Get ready to LEVEL UP in the Summer Challenge from June 1 - July 31! Open to all ages, it's a chance to win prizes, complete literacy-based activities, and have fun. Register on or after May 31 by picking up your game board at any service desk. Everyone who registers may choose a free book to keep! This program is supported in part by a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank. |
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Teen Events | Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated. |
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Pick up a Teen Mental Wellness Kit!
May 1 - 31 @ The York Public Schools and @ the YPL Teen Space
May is mental health awareness month. Pick up a wellness kit at the public schools - and if you don't go to the public school, a small number are also available in the library Teen Space. Each kit contains fidgets, activities, a zine, and other treats, personally packed by Danie! Sponsored by York Rotary. #BreakTheStigma
GAME ON 2025
Wednesday, May 21 at 3:00 PM Challenge the middle and high school School Resource Officers to an EPIC video game battle! (For grades 5-12)
Ramen Day - Teen Summer Challenge Kickoff Wednesday, June 4 at 3:00 PM
Do you love ramen noodles as much as we do? Ramen is the #1 snack of choice after school at the library! Teens and Tweens (grades 5+) can join us for a cup of ramen with various veggies, sauces, and seasonings. All ingredients will be provided - just show up ready to enjoy!
Important Reminder! Spring is here...
As the weather gets nicer and outside activities restart, we want to remind parents that we are currently unable to allow the kids to play on the front lawn or have any football games for now. We are in the process of repairing some sections of the lawn and want to make sure it has time to fully recover. Thank you for your understanding! |
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Support York Public Library! |
The Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization - not a town department. Public funding provides a basic operating budget for the library, but we but we rely on contributions from individuals and businesses for 30% of our operational funding every year. If you enjoy the library and all that it has to offer, consider a donation today. Thank you!
Learn more about our funding
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YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY GRATEFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE GENEROUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS
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LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday - Thursday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday Closed
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