Community Calendar

Henry David Thoreau’s trips to the Maine woods led to a gradual transformation of his views on Nature, Native Americans, and Transcendental spirituality. Most scholars attribute these changes to a combination of the Maine woods and his Penobscot guides, but one element missing in these interpretations is an understanding of woodcraft and its role in the alteration of Thoreau’s thinking. Raymond highlights the influence of Thoreau’s third Native American guide, Joe Polis. Polis’ ability to travel through the woods in harmony with nature shaped and deepened Thoreau’s Transcendentalist beliefs, confirmed his lifestyle and proved Polis to be Thoreau’s American Representative Man.

David B. Raymond has taught United States and Maine history at Northern Maine Community College for the past thirty-five years. He has published essays and reviews in numerous journals, including the Maine History Journal, The Concord Saunterer: A Journal of Thoreau Studies, The Robert Frost Review, and Philosophy and Literature.

This FREE virtual program is presented via Zoom. You will receive an email with the zoom link for the program with your registration confirmation through our online ticketing system.

If you choose to make a donation, please be sure to register for a general admission ticket in order to receive the Zoom link.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Wilder's timeless tale of the tiny tragedies and victories of small town life resonates across the ages. Return to Grover's Corners, neighbor, and join us for this moving, heartfelt classic.

"Thornton Wilder's Masterwork" – Time Out New York

TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 17, 2026

A weekly gathering of friends, coffee, and games, for patrons 55 and up. Don't forget to ask for your FREE cup of drip coffee or tea. A part of our Community Thursday programming.

Drop-in Mahjongg game (every week when enough players rsvp and library is open).
All levels of experience welcome (beginners given instruction).
We play Asian/Chinese style (easier to learn than American mahjong & no need to purchase annual card).
We have multiple sets of tiles, so can accommodate extra players.
RSVP: text/call [207-572-2414](tel:207-572-2414) to confirm group is meeting on any given date. Or take a chance and drop-in (same time as Library's boardgame event so other games can be played).

Join us at Owlbear's Rest to learn new games and make friends who ALSO love games!
Every other Wednesday: Weekly One-Shots with Kass! Join Owlbear staff member Kass to play a game that can be completed in one session.
Thursdays: The Teach Series! Owlbear staff member Drew will lead a variety of games so that you will know how to play them with friends in the future!
Ages: 14+
$10 at the door

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Wilder's timeless tale of the tiny tragedies and victories of small town life resonates across the ages. Return to Grover's Corners, neighbor, and join us for this moving, heartfelt classic.

"Thornton Wilder's Masterwork" – Time Out New York

TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 17, 2026

A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Friday, April 24th at 7pm
Saturday, April 25th at 2pm
Westbrook Performing Arts Center
https://www.portlandballet.org/a-midsummer-nights-dream

Portland Ballet is proud to present one of Shakespeare’s most enchanted stories–A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Witness how dancers gracefully articulate this whimsical tale of mischievous fairies and lovelorn couples! Set to a euphonic score by Mendelssohn, the dancers of Portland Ballet bring this timeless tale to life with abundant charm, a little comedy, and plenty of grandeur.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run coupled with Nell Shipman’s contemporary work Impetus, which first premiered in 2021.

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Wilder's timeless tale of the tiny tragedies and victories of small town life resonates across the ages. Return to Grover's Corners, neighbor, and join us for this moving, heartfelt classic.

"Thornton Wilder's Masterwork" – Time Out New York

TICKETS ON SALE FEBRUARY 17, 2026

April 24, 25 & May 1, 2 at 7:30pm + April 26 & May 3 at 2pm

Many moons ago in a far-off place, Queen Aggravain decreed no couples could marry until her son, Prince Dauntless, found a bride. Princesses came from far and wide to win the hand of the prince, but none could pass the impossible tests given to them by the Queen. That is, until the “shy” swamp princess, Winnifred the Woebegone, showed up. Would she be able to pass the Sensitivity Test, marry her prince and help Lady Larken and Sir Harry to the altar? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, this rollicking spin on the classic tale The Princess and the Pea provides some side-splitting shenanigans. For after all, a princess is a delicate thing.

Music by Mary Rodgers
Lyrics by Marshall Barer
Book by Jay Thompson, Dean Fuller and Marshall Barer

Once Upon a Mattress is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals

ASL interpreted performance on April 26, 2026. Seats marked "L" (orchestra right) have an excellent sightline to the interpreter(s).

For the past 20 years, Dimensions in Jazz has celebrated National Poetry Month by teaming great American poets with great American jazz musicians to stunning effect. Portland Conservatory of Music is delighted to continue this tradition.

These shows are generously presented with support from four Anonymous Sponsors.