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The Library is closed Saturday, May 23 - Monday, May 25
for Memorial Day weekend. | |
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Hello friends,
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an important time to reduce stigma, raise understanding, connect people to support, and encourage communities to prioritize mental well-being. To that end, we're proud to offer our second annual Mental Health series in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Your Mind Matters: Cultivating Tools for Mental Wellness. We hope you'll join us to learn techniques for managing stress, building connections, and more. And don't miss our special event geared toward teenagers, a collaboration with Choose to Be Healthy and MaineHealth.
Birds are chirping, stories are unfolding, and creativity is in the air... and this month has a little something for everyone. In bittersweet news, we're also preparing to part ways with one of our longtime librarians later this month, Miss Katie, who has perfected the art of story telling and engaged with thousands of our youngest patrons in her ten years at YPL.
We hope to see you soon! YPL
P.S. Diggin in the dirt? Don't forget to get your seeds from our seed library in the Upper Level!🪴
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Best Wishes, Miss Katie! |
Since 2016, Katie Arey (“Miss Katie” to many) has been a bright and joyful pillar of the Youth Services Department, radiating kindness and welcoming patrons of all ages. Later this month, she’ll be stepping away from York Public Library to spend more time with her family. We hope we’ll still see her from time to time if we’re lucky!
Katie has been a true friend to our “littles” and to grown-ups alike, greeting everyone who enters the Children’s Room with heartfelt warmth and a twinkling smile. Her songs, rhymes, and stories have created lasting memories for many, and her impact on this space and this community will be felt for years to come. We will miss her.
Her final day will be Friday, May 22, if you’d like to stop by and say goodbye. (Forgive us in advance for our teary eyes!) |
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Spotlight: Teen Mental Health |
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote the importance of mental well-being. During this month we will be providing valuable resources for tweens and teens and raising awareness about the importance of mental health care. We will once again be providing Mental Health Kits to the tweens and teens of York. Additionally, we will be hosting a Healthy Teens Workshop in collaboration with Choose to Be Healthy and MaineHealth, as well as hosting some wellness activities specifically aimed at tween and teen wellness. Check out our calendar for details or email dfortin@yorkpubliclibrary.org.
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New Art Exhibit: Eleven Views from Here |
York Public Library is pleased to welcome eleven selected artists from The Kittery Art Association in Eleven Views from Here. These artists reflect the depth and breadth of talent within an organization of more than 250 creators. Eleven artists, one community, countless ways of seeing: Eleven Views from Here showcases selected works from the Kittery Art Association—a gathering of voices as varied and vibrant as Maine itself. The exhibition opens May 2, with an opening reception with the artists on Tuesday, May 5 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. in the Library’s Upper Level. |
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York History Digital Archive Upgrade |
We’re excited to share that our York History Digital Archive, hosted by Advantage Archives, will be receiving important updates in the coming weeks. These improvements are being made to align with updated accessibility standards under ADA Title II. The updates will enhance usability and make it easier for everyone to explore our local history collections, including newspapers and documents.
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2nd ANNUAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH SERIES |
Your Mind Matters: Cultivating Tools for Mental Wellness |
YPL is happy to announce our second annual series on mental health in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. Click the links below for more information and to sign up. Brought to you by York Public Library, the York, Maine Rotary Club, and Community Partners. |
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Stay Connected: Building Connections as Older Adults Tuesday, May 5 at 11:00 AM @ Community Room
Join us for an engaging presentation focused on mental health, wellness, and the power of community connection.
Healthy Ways to Manage Stress Thursday, May 7 at 3:00 PM @ Community Room
Cornerstone VNA Community and Life Care Director and mental health expert Katie Michaud MS, OTR/L, will help you learn more about stress and how it can be managed.
Mental Health Awareness: Healthy Teens Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 @ Young Adult Room
Join professionals from the Maine Prevention Network for an upbeat, interactive evening designed for parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members who want to feel more confident supporting the teens in their lives.
Understanding Mental Health and Therapies to Support Wellness Thursday, May 14 at 5:00 @ Community Room
This presentation offers an overview of mental wellness, with a focus on common psychiatric diagnoses including depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and ADHD.
The Mind Reset: Practical Tools to Calm the Nervous System and Interrupt Overthinking Spirals Thursday, May 28 at 5:00 PM @ Community Room
In this 60 minute workshop, participants will learn simple, effective techniques to calm the nervous system and to help them step out of overthinking patterns. |
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Featured Events |
Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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York Maine in the Revolutionary War Era with Local Historian James Kences
Monday, May 4 at 10:30 AM @ Community Room During the American Revolutionary War era (roughly 1765–1783), York, Maine was a small but active coastal community that reflected many of the larger political and military tensions happening across New England. Join James Kences for this enlightening talk and display.
Art Exhibit Reception: Eleven Views from Here
Tuesday, May 5 at 5:00 PM @ Upper Level York Public Library is pleased to welcome eleven selected artists from The Kittery Art Association. Please join us for a reception with the artists. Light refreshments provided.
Birdwatching 101: Discover the Birds of York County with York County Audubon Society Tuesday, May 12 at 5:00 PM @ Community Room
Curious about the birds you see and hear every day? Join York County Audubon Society for an engaging introduction to birdwatching in beautiful York County—one of Maine’s most rewarding regions for bird enthusiasts of all levels.
In-Person Author Talk: True Crime Writer John Olszewski Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM @ Community Room
Details below.
Birding: Forms Most Beautiful, What Bird Banding Can Tell Us About Songbird Migration Monday, June 1 @ 5:00 PM @ Community Room
Each spring, over five billion birds migrate to North American breeding grounds in one of nature’s most spectacular mass movements. Drawing on 25 years’ experience banding birds with Massachusetts Audubon, Maine Master Naturalist Frank Dehler will give a behind-the-scenes look at how a migratory banding station works and explain the importance of the data it collects for understanding the timing of songbird migration. |
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Author Talks and Book Discussions |
Click the links below for more information and to sign up. |
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Virtual Author Talk: On Writing Beloved Characters and Powerful Portrayals of Resilience in Virtual Conversation with Jason Reynolds
Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM @ Online Join us in an online conversation with bestselling author Jason Reynolds as we discuss his latest work, Coach, the fifth–and last–entry in the highly popular Track series. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: On Courage, Turmoil, and the Transformative Power of Love with Marjan Kamali
Thursday, May 7 at 7:00 PM @ Online Join us for an exciting conversation with internationally acclaimed author Marjan Kamali as we delve into the timeless wonder of her New York Times bestselling novel, The Lion Women of Tehran. (Library Speakers Consortium)
Virtual Author Talk: Reshape Your Beliefs and Unlock Your True Potential with Nir Eyal
Tuesday, May 19 at 2:00 PM @ Online What if the only thing standing between you and the seemingly impossible…was belief? This is the question posed by bestselling author Nir Eyal in his new work, Beyond Belief. (Library Speakers Consortium)
In-Person Author Talk: True Crime Writer John Olszewski
Saturday, May 30 at 11:00 AM @ Community Room Join us at the library for a compelling author talk with John Olszewski, a true crime author, lecturer, and podcast co-host who has spent more than 30 years studying and corresponding with some of the world’s most notorious criminals.
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Ongoing Events |
Click the links below for more information and to sign up. Check our calendar for updates and cancellations. |
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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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Homeschool Student Art Show
Month of May Homeschool students! Come display your art projects throughout the month of May at YPL! Check the event for details about submission sizes and dates.
Canine Cuddles
Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 AM @ Children's Room Join some of our canine crew for cuddles and comfort. We’ll also have some other calming activities in our cozy sunroom corner. Pop by and see which pup is visiting the Library this month! They are great listeners - snuggle up or read to them.
No registration and open to all ages.
Storytime at York Land Trust Thursday, May 14 at 10:30 @ York Land Trust Headquarters
Join Barb at York Land Trust headquarters for stories, songs and an activity. This is an OFF-SITE program. Plan ahead! Wear your walking boots if you want to also enjoy a walk on the trails after the program.
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Teen and Tween Events | Click the links below for more information. Youth events do not require registration unless otherwise indicated.
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Calm Down Jars Grades 6+
Tuesday, May 12 at 4:00 PM @ Teen Space Join Danie for a little sparkle and serenity as we create calming jars, an easy, hands-on craft designed to help you slow down, breathe deep, and find your calm.
Mental Health Awareness: Teen Health Wednesday, May 13 at 5:30 PM
Join professionals from the Maine Prevention Network for an upbeat, interactive evening designed for parents, guardians, caregivers, and community members who want to feel more confident supporting the teens in their lives. The prevention team will cover healthy eating and active living, tobacco prevention, and substance use prevention in an engaging, practical, and yes… even fun way.
This event mixes evidence‑based information with real‑life strategies, quick tips you can use right away, and a lively game‑show‑style Q&A to keep things moving. Expect helpful resources, meaningful conversation, and ideas for creating a positive environment where teens feel supported, valued, and ready to make healthy choices. Refreshments will be offered during the event.
In partnership with Choose To Be Healthy and Youth Resiliency Coalitions at York Hospital MaineHealth
Lunch with Danie Grades 5+ Wednesday, May 20 at 12:00 PM @ Teen Space
It’s a half-day! That means Lunch With Danie at the Library for tweens and teens in grades 5+. Join Danie in the Teem Room for sandwiches, mac & cheese, and ramen! |
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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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