The Wheelbarrow Poets Meet

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more informatio......More

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more information and to register.

Abbott Room

Little Giant: An Evening of Film & Storytelling

A Short Film, a Book, and a Conversation among Storytellers about Creative Courage Join us in the Abbott Room for the premiere of a short film, followed by a conversation about how the story of an underdog surf shop became a book ,”Little Giant”, then a film. Register f......More

A Short Film, a Book, and a Conversation among Storytellers about Creative Courage Join us in the Abbott Room for the premiere of a short film, followed by a conversation about how the story of an underdog surf shop became a book ,”Little Giant”, then a film. Register for the Zoom option here. The film is a companion to Little Giant: The Story of Aruba’s Surf Shop and the Rebels Who Built It, by local author Marcia Heath. Maine poet and writer Elizabeth Garber will moderate a discussion with Heath and Amanda Pisetzner, an Emmy-winning producer, about storytelling in its various forms. The film began as interview footage shot for the book’s launch event (October 2024) at the University of Aruba, where the shop’s founders are recognized as role models for a new generation of island entrepreneurs. Initial funding came from the Aruba Tourism Authority and Qredits, a Netherlands-based funder of entrepreneurial start-ups. Heath, a former Manhattan book editor, had a different vision for what the footage could become: a story about the creative courage of two friends, and what their unconventional life choices both cost and gave them. The project brings together the book’s Generation X subjects with a cross-generational filmmaking team. Heath (Boomer) was the film’s Author/Director. Pisetzner (Millennial) joined as Executive Producer after Heath took her documentary filmmaking class at Maine Media College last summer. Nate Lifgren (Generation Z), a Maine Media graduate, stepped in as Editor. “We were all working from the same footage,” Heath says, “but we each brought a different perspective to the story.” The evening of storytelling will explore the hidden side of creative projects and how our stories can both shape and change us. Copies of Little Giant will be available for purchase.

Abbott Room

Knit2Together

Knitters, crocheters, yarn enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome to join us every Wednesday , from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Abbott Room. This drop-in event is a chance for knitters- and crocheters too- of all ages and experience levels to chat, get tips, and learn......More

Knitters, crocheters, yarn enthusiasts of all experience levels are welcome to join us every Wednesday , from 4:00-5:30 pm in the Abbott Room. This drop-in event is a chance for knitters- and crocheters too- of all ages and experience levels to chat, get tips, and learn from each other while working on their own projects. Library staff will have computers available to demonstrate how to use Ravelry.com and other websites to help find patterns and organize your work. Registration is not required. For more information please call 338-3884 ext.10 or email [email protected].

Abbott Room

Preschool Storytimes

Sharing books, storytelling, puppetry, songs, silliness, and a craft. Date: Friday, March 13 and 27 April 17 and 24 May 15 and 22Time: 10:00amLocation: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

Wiggle & Rhyme

For Babies and Toddlers Come join us! The first 20 minutes are early literacy rhymes and songs followed by play and social time with bubbles!Content is prepared for ages Birth – 2. Date: Monday, March 16 and 30 April 6 May 11 and 18Time: 10:00am – 10:45amLocation: The A......More

For Babies and Toddlers Come join us! The first 20 minutes are early literacy rhymes and songs followed by play and social time with bubbles!Content is prepared for ages Birth – 2. Date: Monday, March 16 and 30 April 6 May 11 and 18Time: 10:00am – 10:45amLocation: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

The Wheelbarrow Poets Meet

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more informatio......More

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more information and to register.

Abbott Room

A Wooden Egg Painting

The Belfast Free Library and Mark Salwasser, a local maker of things, will host a wooden egg painting workshop. Bring your enthusiasm for decorative painting and your interest in making things for a fun afternoon at the library. For Grades 3 – 6. Space is Limited. Regis......More

The Belfast Free Library and Mark Salwasser, a local maker of things, will host a wooden egg painting workshop. Bring your enthusiasm for decorative painting and your interest in making things for a fun afternoon at the library. For Grades 3 – 6. Space is Limited. Registration is required. Date: Tuesday, March 31 Time: 3:30pm – 4:30pm Location: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

Youth Poetry Contest

April is poetry month!The Belfast Free Library invites all Youth in Waldo County to write and submit a poem for the April Youth Poetry Contest! This year’s theme: Where the Land Meets the Sea: Poems about Home, Saltwater, and SoilJudged by the Belfast Poet Laureate Poem......More

April is poetry month!The Belfast Free Library invites all Youth in Waldo County to write and submit a poem for the April Youth Poetry Contest! This year’s theme: Where the Land Meets the Sea: Poems about Home, Saltwater, and SoilJudged by the Belfast Poet Laureate Poems are to be submitted in person or by email. Include your name, age, school, and contact information. The deadline is April 30, 2026. In-person submissions can be brought to the Children’s Circulation Desk on the 2nd Floor of the Belfast Free Library. Email submissions can be sent to [email protected]. A Poetry Reception will be held Monday, May 4th at 4:00pm. All are welcome! There will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes in Younger and Teen categories. Winners will be announced and presented their prize at the Poetry Reception. Submission Deadline: April 30thIn-Person Submissions: 2nd Floor Children’s Circulation DeskEmail Submissions: [email protected] Poetry Reception Date: Monday, May 4Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pmLocation: Abbott Room at the Belfast Free Library    

STEAM Team

STEAM Team Youth Community Science Explorers Group is a monthly program focused on exploration of climate change.Do you have a budding entrepreneur or scientist? 4-H Equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We offer opportunities ......More

STEAM Team Youth Community Science Explorers Group is a monthly program focused on exploration of climate change.Do you have a budding entrepreneur or scientist? 4-H Equips youth with skills for the future while meeting them where they are today. We offer opportunities and experiences that shape youth into their full, authentic selves, enabling them to shine both now and in the future. This year, we will dig into Maine agricultural businesses, from blueberries, maple sugaring, and potatoes to working waterfronts and Agri-tourism and see how they face challenges brought on by the changing world around us. Youth ages 7-12 are invited to join this partnership between the University of Maine’s 4-H program in Waldo County and the Belfast Free Library. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, create connections with peers, and meet scientists and staff from the University of Maine and other Maine organizations that support Maine business growth. Registration is Required. Link found below.For more information or to register, visit the program’s website (https://extension.umaine.edu/waldo/4h/community-science-explorers/) or contact the Belfast Free Library. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact Karen Giles, [email protected] (207) 342-5971   Dates: First Thursday of the Month, October 2025 – May 2026 Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm Location: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Library Lobby

Wiggle & Rhyme

For Babies and Toddlers Come join us! The first 20 minutes are early literacy rhymes and songs followed by play and social time with bubbles!Content is prepared for ages Birth – 2. Date: Monday, March 16 and 30 April 6 May 11 and 18Time: 10:00am – 10:45amLocation: The A......More

For Babies and Toddlers Come join us! The first 20 minutes are early literacy rhymes and songs followed by play and social time with bubbles!Content is prepared for ages Birth – 2. Date: Monday, March 16 and 30 April 6 May 11 and 18Time: 10:00am – 10:45amLocation: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

Waldo Reads Together Book Discussion: Call Me American

A partnership of the Belfast Free Library, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, Belfast Senior College and the Waldo Reads Together steering committee has brought back the “Waldo Reads Together” community-wide book read program this year! The 2026 selected title, Call M......More

A partnership of the Belfast Free Library, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, Belfast Senior College and the Waldo Reads Together steering committee has brought back the “Waldo Reads Together” community-wide book read program this year! The 2026 selected title, Call Me American, is a memoir describing the heroic survival of Abdi Nor Iftin in war-ravaged Somalia and his incredible journey to becoming an American in Maine. A limited number of books are available to borrow from the Belfast Free Library, including a few to give a way if you do not have a library card. This discussion will be facilitated by Marilyn Sysko. Advance registration is appreciated. Free and open to all. Register for the April 6th discussion here.

Abbott Room

The Wheelbarrow Poets Meet

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more informatio......More

The Wheelbarrow Poets meets weekly on Tuesdays in the Abbott Room from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Writing prompts are sent in advance of the gatherings and participants share work and discuss. Open to writers ages 18 & up. Email Judy Kaber- [email protected] for more information and to register.

Abbott Room

Waldo Reads Together Book Discussion: Call Me American

A partnership of the Belfast Free Library, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, Belfast Senior College and the Waldo Reads Together steering committee has brought back the “Waldo Reads Together” community-wide book read program this year! The 2026 selected title, Call M......More

A partnership of the Belfast Free Library, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, Belfast Senior College and the Waldo Reads Together steering committee has brought back the “Waldo Reads Together” community-wide book read program this year! The 2026 selected title, Call Me American, is a memoir describing the heroic survival of Abdi Nor Iftin in war-ravaged Somalia and his incredible journey to becoming an American in Maine. A limited number of books are available to borrow from the Belfast Free Library, including a few to give a way if you do not have a library card. This discussion will be co-facilitated by Leslie Gregory and Alicia Valenzuela. Tuesday April 7th, 6:30-8:00 in the Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library. Register for this discussion here.

Abbott Room

Lego Club

Love LEGOs? Come join the club. The library provides LEGOs and a scoop. Take your scoop of LEGOs to a table and build. Build what you like or take the Library Challenge. Near the conclusion of the program, you can describe your build or leave it to our imagination. All ......More

Love LEGOs? Come join the club. The library provides LEGOs and a scoop. Take your scoop of LEGOs to a table and build. Build what you like or take the Library Challenge. Near the conclusion of the program, you can describe your build or leave it to our imagination. All are welcome! Date: Thursdays, December 11, January 8, February 12Time: 4:00-5:00pmLocation: The Abbott Room of the Belfast Free Library

Abbott Room

Author Event with Abdi Nor Iftin

“From Refugee to Neighbor: Rethinking What it Means to be American.” The 2026 Waldo Reads Together book, Call Me American, is a memoir describing the heroic survival of Abdi Nor Iftin in war-ravaged Somalia and his incredible journey to becoming an American in Maine. Wa......More

“From Refugee to Neighbor: Rethinking What it Means to be American.” The 2026 Waldo Reads Together book, Call Me American, is a memoir describing the heroic survival of Abdi Nor Iftin in war-ravaged Somalia and his incredible journey to becoming an American in Maine. Waldo Reads Together is thrilled to host author Abdi Nor Iftin on Friday April 10, 4-6pm in the Abbott Room to speak about his book and experiences. The title of his talk is, “From Refugee to Neighbor: Rethinking What it Means to be American.” This event is free and open to all. There is a Zoom option for those who cannot attend in person.Pre-registration for in person and Zoom can be done at: Pre-registration for the in person event in the Abbott Room here.To register to attend on Zoom please click here. Belfast Senior College is pleased to help sponsor the appearance of Abdi Nor Iftin, author of Call Me American, through the generosity of a donation from Bangor Savings Bank.Waldo Reads Together is a partnership between Senior College, Literacy Volunteers of Waldo County, and the Belfast Free Library. We are thankful for the support from  Friends of the Belfast Free Library and Colburn Shoe Store for the purchase of books to distribute to the community.

Abbott Room