February 2026

Heart Shape in a Book on White Background

February may be the shortest month of the year, but we've packed it full of programs and events for the whole family! From the chance to chat with local authors to a fun pop-up puzzle sale, there's something for everyone to fall in love with. Even a month-long plant swap for those that are already dreaming of spring!


You might notice that some of our programs now ask for, or often require, registration. We use this information to make sure we have enough supplies for everyone to particpate--so please register! It's easy to do it yourself (and to cancel if your plans change) but you can give us a call if you need any help getting started.

Digital Newsroom

We are pleased to announce a new initiative that will ensure that local news remains accessible to everyone! We now have three specially configured iPads specifically designed for computer novices. These iPads can be taken out for use within the library and are set up with full and easy access to Maine Trust for Local News’ entire digital portfolio, including publications like the Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier (now only available in an online format). 

Additionally, any DLSM visitors using the new iPads, on-site desktops, or even their own devices can now browse the Portland Press Herald, Sun Journal, and Central Maine papers online without running into a paywall, as long as they are on our wifi network. By creating this “digital newsroom”, we affirm our commitment to provide free resources and opportunities so that every person in the community is inspired to grow and learn! Please visit the Circulation Desk for more information.


Thank you to Maine Trust for Local News for their partnership!

black text on white background

Open Research Nights

With over 10,000 manuscripts, historical papers, photographs, and maps of York County, Saco, and surrounding areas, the Roy P. Fairfield Maine History Room in Dyer Library is a valuable asset for those conducting local research. Anatole Brown, Archives & Special Collections, is on hand Thursday evenings from 5-8 PM to help with questions on genealogy, history, property, and more. Come with your questions and curiosity!

Author Events

We are delighted to welcome two local authors to discuss their books in the month of February!

book cover with the night sky and trees
Event Details

On Tuesday, February 10th at 6:00 PM we'll be joined by Maine author David S. Florig who will discuss and read from his third novel, "Negative Peace". Negative Peace follows the journey of Joshua Sheehan, a Bucksport, Maine native who rises from Mayor of Bucksport to President of the United States. He has a plan - he wants to create a lasting world peace. It might only be Negative Peace, but it would be a start. What could be any easier?


Since the Olympic sport of curling plays a role in Negative Peace, audience members will be introduced to the sport and given the chance to touch and feel a genuine curling stone made of 60-million-year-old Scottish granite. They will also learn the basics of the game and the peculiar, specialized equipment that it is played with. Just in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics! 


On Thursday, February 26th at 5:00 PM we'll welcome local author Sheri Aube, who will present a slideshow and discuss her book "A Loop of the United States of America". This semi-autobiographical tale of a cross-country journey includes humor, philosophy, environmental concerns, and historical impressions as the author seeks to understand the past, enjoy the present, and find a life-renewing quest and adventure. Sheri will also be accompanied by a guitar instrumentalist.

Event Details
book cover with a landscape of trees, rivers and mountains

New Museum Exhibit


The Saco Museum is pleased to host Cultivating Creativity: Works by Art Educators, the Maine Art Education Association’s Winter/Spring 2026 member exhibition. This biennial exhibition showcases the artwork of emerging and veteran art educators from across the state of Maine, highlighting the creative practices that enrich arts education in our schools and communities.


The exhibit will run from February 7th to March 27th, with an opening reception on Saturday, February 14th from 1-3PM.

Exhibit Information

Pop-Up Puzzle Sale


Valentines Day might just be the right time to find your missing piece! Stop by the library on February 14th for a pop-up puzzle sale. You'll find new and like-new puzzles for a steal - perfect for long winter evenings with a sweetheart!

hearts and a jigsaw puzzle piece

Cookbook Club

Whether you love to cook, love to eat, or just want to spark your culinary curiosity, join our Cookbook Club! We meet monthly to discuss and try recipes from different cookbooks and build community. Our next meeting will be on Saturday, February 28th from 11:30AM-12:30PM.


For the February meeting, we'll be discussing and sharing dishes cooked from Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat. You can request a copy from MINERVA or stop by the front desk to peruse the house copy. Please visit the events calendar on our website to register so we can get an idea of the number of people attending!

MINERVA
drawings of food
Register

Dungeons & Dragons 101: Tween Adventure

Register

Ready to roll dice, create characters, and tell your own epic stories? Join our Dungeons & Dragons 101 series and learn the basics of this classic tabletop role-playing game! Over four weekly sessions, tweens will explore character creation, dice mechanics, teamwork, and storytelling—and by the final session, plan and play their very own mini-campaign. Materials are provided; no experience is necessary. Tuesdays in February beginning Feb. 3rd, 4-5PM. Registration is required, and space is limited! For ages 10-14.

Finance Workshop

Whitney Blethen, Community Engagement Manager from University Credit Union, will join us on Tuesday, February 24th from 1:00-2:00PM as she presents "Keeping Yourself Safe from Frauds, Scams, and Identity Theft". This financial literacy workshop will teach you how to recognize common frauds, scams and identity theft tactics and protect yourself from personal and financial loss.

Woman Using Computer in Library

Monday Movie Matinee


This month's Monday Movie Matinee is the 1978 musical The Wiz! Join us  on Monday, February 23rd at 12:15pm to see it on the big screen in the Deering Room. We'll provide lemonade - please feel free to bring a lunch or snack to enjoy while watching the movie on the big screen in the Deering Room.  


Youth Programming

Anime-inspired cat

Anime Club

First Fridays, February 6th, 3:30 pm

Deering Room

Calling all anime fans! We’ll watch episodes rated TV-14 or below, hang out with fellow fans, and enjoy light treats. Whether you’re into action, fantasy, romance, or slice-of-life series, this is a great place to meet friends, talk about your favorite shows, and discover new favorites. We’ll start with Spy x Family. Ages 10-14.

Group of Younger Children Having Fun with Movement

Dancing in the Library

Tuesday, February 17th, 4:00 pm

Deering Room

Get ready to move, groove, and shake it with Miss Jenn from Collective Motion Arts Center! She’ll lead a fun and energetic dance party for little ones, helping them learn basic dance steps through play and creativity. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers ready to wiggle and giggle! Ages 2-5. FREE with an accompanying adult.

Popcorn Kernels on Red Surface

Early Release Movie Wednesdays

February 11th and 25th,12:15 pm

Deering Room

Come kick back and relax at the library with a fun movie made just for kids!  We'll be showing a kid-friendly feature film on the big screen, complete with popcorn and good vibes. Get comfy and enjoy a great story while you unwind from the school day. No registration required. For ages 9+, or younger with a caregiver.  

Visit our full Events Calendar for more Programs

Events Calendar

LEGO Free Build!

Colorful Toy Blocks On Yellow Background

Stop by on Saturday, February 21st for creative building fun! Use library-provided LEGOs to free build or try a challenge card. The meeting room will be open from 10 AM - 11:30 AM. Ages 5+.

Children's Room Plant Swap

Even while winter lingers, it’s the perfect time to dream of spring. Visit the Children’s Room this February for our ongoing Plant Swap, designed to inspire springtime blooms and help families start planning their gardens early. Bring a healthy plant, cutting, or seed packet to trade—or simply stop by to explore what’s growing.


This program is part of the library’s Sustainable Library Initiative, encouraging reuse, sharing, and environmental stewardship in fun, hands-on ways.

Illustration of a potted houseplant plant

New Tween Book Club

Register

There's still time to join our new Tween Book Club! We meet weekly on Thursdays from 2:30-3:30 PM in the Library Board Room. We'll discuss our book, eat snacks, and do games or activities to bring the stories to life! All tweens ages 10+ are welcome. Come swap recommendations, make new reading friends, and explore great books together. Stop by the Youth Servies Room to find out about our current selection! Registration required.


New Releases to Love

Click on the book cover to be taken to its MINERVA listing, where you can request the book even before its release date, when possible!

jewel-toned books

The Astral Library

Kate Quinn

From New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures.


Releasing February 17.

head of a swimmer in a bathing cap emerging from water

Brawler: Stories

Lauren Groff

Ranging from the 1950s to the present day and moving across age, class, and region -- from New England to Florida to California -- these nine stories reflect and expand upon a shared theme: the ceaseless battle between humans’ dark and light angels.


Releasing February 24.

a quaint shop in the shape of a violin

The Violin Maker's Secret

Evie Woods

On any given day, there are thousands of items slowly gathering dust in the Lost and Found of Heathrow Airport. Unknown to anyone, hidden among the clutter, is a very special object that can change the fortunes of those who possess it – a violin of rare beauty and power. Now, as if by chance, it has fallen into the hands of three strangers…Baggage claim agent Devlin, retired teacher Walter, and appraiser Gabrielle have nothing in common, but can these three unlikely guardians unlock the secrets of the violin?


Releasing February 24.

green ginko leaves

More Than Enough

Anna Quindlen

A woman confronts the surprising results of an ancestry test and begins to question the meaning of family and friendship in this wise, tender novel teeming with life.


Releasing February 24.

Plastic Recycling Update

Thanks to our amazing community, the TREX® Recycling Challenge collection has been an incredible success! Together, we have helped DLSM collect over 10,000 pounds of plastic, earning 11 TREX® benches that have been donated to community organizations throughout Saco. We are thrilled by your enthusiasm and commitment to keeping plastic out of landfills!


And now, an important update: With updates to the TREX® Recycling Challenge program, the library will no longer collect plastic on-site starting in January. But don’t worry—you can still recycle your plastic film and bags by dropping them off directly at participating locations, listed here!

Coming Next Month: Community Clothing Swap


Has your New Years organizing included cleaning out your closets? Save those outgrown or unwanted clothes for our Community Clothing Swap happening next month! Refresh your wardrobe while helping the planet.

Icons - Winter Bird - Purple

Important Notice


Unfortunately, our exterior Book Drop is no longer functional and we have to say goodbye. We are working on a replacement, but in the meantime please return all items inside the library. Thank you for your cooperation!

Closing Announcements

stars and statue of liberty

Mon: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Tue: 9:30 am - 8 pm
Wed: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Thu: 9:30 am - 8 pm
Fri: 9:30 am - 5 pm
Sat: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Sun: Closed

Mon: Closed
Tue: noon - 4 pm
Wed: noon - 4 pm
Thu: noon - 8 pm
Fri: noon - 4 pm
Sat: 10 am - 4 pm
Sun: Closed

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Dyer Library/Saco Museum
371 Main Street, Saco, Maine 04072
(207) 283-3861

dyerlibrarysacomuseum.org