Some of the most enjoyable experiences are unplanned. The Orr’s Island Library regularly sees this phenomenon firsthand, largely because of its location on Harpswell Islands Road.
Yesterday, June 12, was the first day of the summer’s weekly free sharing table of locally grown produce. This Harpswell Aging at Home program attracts a significant number of Harpswell residents who either take produce for their own use or add to the tables from their own gardens.
While setting up the Orr’s Island Library location, brake lights were a telltale sign that someone’s interest was piqued. The couple that emerged from their car were casual visitors to Harpswell, intrigued by the vegetable display. The concept of a free sharing table was foreign to them, so it provided an excellent opportunity to explain one of the ways that Harpswell cares for its community.
Early June also marked the library’s second annual plant sale on our front lawn. Although the sale was well advertised, many people first noticed it from the road and quickly hit their brakes, curious to see what was generating so much interest.
Conversations over the plants created immediate bonds. Some talked at length about the challenges of growing certain plants in Maine because of our unpredictable weather, while others emphasized the need to find plants that are deer-resistant. Consistent throughout, though, was that residents and visitors alike found people who shared their passion for gardening.
No discussion of brake lights would be complete without mentioning the library’s annual book sale, beginning the first Wednesday in August. Road cones up and down Harpswell Islands Road warn drivers that their brake lights will be needed. Naturally, many stop, browse, and then leave with arms full of fresh reading material.
The common theme of this brake light discussion is that now, perhaps more than ever, people are eager to engage with others who share what may appear to be commonplace interests. Whatever may divide us, it is encouraging to see total strangers talk passionately about a particular author, to offer insights into whether or not a plant is shade-tolerant, or to simply take in the sweet smell of freshly picked produce.
The true value of our local libraries is that they are more than rows of bookshelves. They are places where you can meet your friends, both those you see regularly and those you first meet because of brake lights.
***
The arrival of summer means that programming for all ages is ramping up at the Orr’s Island Library. The First Thursday programs will feature Adam White, author of “The Midcoast,” and Ed Robinson talking about the wildlife of Iceland. Children will be entertained with weekly programs in July from Chewonki and Sparks’ Ark.
August will kick off as usual with the massive used book sale on the lawn. While there, visit the bake sale table, featuring the finest guilty pleasures available anywhere. Wednesday and Thursday of book sale week also will feature Maine authors who will be on hand to sign their latest books.
Be sure to come inside the library as well for your summer reading pleasure. Librarian Anne Wilkes has been busily adding current bestsellers and preordering books from favorite authors.
Lest I forget, the 2025 Harpswell calendar is now available. Called “Harpswell from the Water,” it features beautiful photographs of Harpswell scenes that cannot be seen from land. The cost remains $20, with all proceeds supporting Orr’s Island Library programming.
“Library Connections” is a monthly column that rotates among the three libraries that serve Harpswell: Cundy’s Harbor, Orr’s Island and Curtis Memorial.
