WILLOW CREEK — The Willow Creek Free Public Library, housed in the historic Carnegie building constructed in 1904, will launch its summer reading program on June 1, Librarian Doris Kim announced this week.
This year’s theme, “Reading the River,” draws inspiration from the Willow River and the town’s waterfront heritage. The program includes a reading challenge for children (read ten books, earn a free paperback at the general store), a separate challenge for adults (read five books, earn a Dry Dock appetizer voucher), and a series of Thursday afternoon author talks featuring writers from across Aroostook County.
“We’ve tried to make the program as inclusive as possible,” Kim said. “Reading shouldn’t stop when school lets out. And for adults, this is a chance to discover authors they might not otherwise encounter.”
Kim also confirmed that the library’s weekly story hour, a staple for local families with young children, will continue through the summer on Wednesday mornings. The story hour was briefly in jeopardy last year due to declining volunteers, but a recruitment push at the Congregational Church has restored the schedule.
The library’s Ice-Out potluck, held annually in the basement, remains one of the town’s most cherished traditions — though Kim noted that the basement space is also available for other community events throughout the summer.
“If you need a cool, quiet place to read an afternoon away, that’s what we’re here for,” she said.