To My Dearest: Civil War Letters Monday, March 31st, 6:00 – 7:00pm, Joseph L. Ferris Community Center, 318 Wilson Street
The Brewer Public Library is proud to present the moving and historically rich performance, To My Dearest – The Civil War Letters of George and Emily Ward, featuring local actors Lynne McKenney Lydick and Thomas R. Lydick.
When the Civil War broke out in 1861, George Ward was called to raise the 15th Massachusetts Regiment, leaving behind his wife, Emily, and their two young children. Over the course of the war, they exchanged 116 letters, which survive today in the collection of the Worcester Historical Museum. Their correspondence reveals the pain of separation, the struggles of single parenting, and the brutal realities of war.
In this live performance, Lynne and Tom Lydick bring George and Emily’s voices to life, sharing their deeply personal and poignant words. The Lydicks, who first met at Brewer High School in 1969, have been performing together for over 30 years in musicals, dramas, mystery dinner theaters, and historical reenactments. They are known for their passion for social justice, human rights, and historical storytelling.
Join us for an evening of history, emotion, and connection as we experience the real-life love and sacrifice of a couple separated by war. This event is free and open to the public.
Tech Thursdays Thursday, April 3rd, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Brewer Public Library
Got tech problems? Don’t stress, we’ve got you covered! Join us at the Brewer Library on the first Thursday of each month starting April 3rd for Tech Thursdays. From 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM get one-on-one tech help with Ben Bussiere of Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC)!
Whether you’re having issues with software, devices, or anything tech-related, Ben is here to help! Call 989-7943 or drop by the library to register for a FREE 30-minute, one-on-one session to get personalized support and troubleshooting.
Don’t let tech troubles slow you down – take advantage of this awesome opportunity! See you there!
What Martha Wore – 18th Century Clothing in the Ballard Diary Monday, April 7th, 6pm, Joseph L. Ferris Community Center, 318 Wilson Street
The Brewer Public Library is pleased to host the one-woman presentation by Kelli Burnham, Reference Librarian at the Maine State Library, as she shares the life stories of 18th century Mainer, Martha Ballard, midwife, and diarist.
Through a hands-on interactive program of the clothing Martha and her family wore, Ms. Burnham ties each piece to entries from the diary and shows images of items from museums in New England and beyond. Burnham’s program reveals insights into women’s roles in frontier Maine, medical practices, marriage, and family. Audience members will be able to handle a replica outfit for an 18th century woman.
Story Time, with Miss Shelley Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 10:30am – 11:15am
Join Miss Shelley for stories, a craft, and a snack! For newborns to pre-school students.
Dog Ears Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5:00pm
Does your child love to read, need help with their reading, or simply love dogs? Come to the Brewer Public Library on Wednesdays at 3:30 to read to one of our Tail Waggin’ Tutors! Jade and Andie are kind, patient, and great listeners! Please call 989-7943 to reserve a fifteen minute slot. Kids who come for at least 10 visits, get a free book!
STEAM Kits
The Brewer Public Library has more than fifteen Penworthy STEAM and Literacy Kits. The kits include a game, a book, and at least one activity and were developed for grades Pre-K – 3 and 4+. Subjects include dinosaurs, money, magnets, circuits, exploring nature, and much more!
Maine Audubon Nature Explorer Backpacks
You can now check out three Maine Audubon Nature Explorer Backpacks! The birds, wildlife, and plant-themed packs make it easier for families to get outside, connect to nature, and learn about Maine’s habitat year-round. The backpacks are made possible by Maine Audubon and the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.
Board Games!
Check out one of our thirty-three different board games! From classics like Chess and the Game of Life to more obscure indie games like Zogar’s Gate and Four Tribes, we have something for everyone.
Lending Passes
State Park Pass
You can check out a vehicle state park pass for up to three days. The pass is good for free entrance into most Maine state parks.
Maine Discovery Museum Pass
This pass allows for free access to the Maine Discovery Museum for up to 4 people. You may reserve the pass up to 3 days ahead of time.
Penobscot Theater Library Day Pass
Brewer Library patrons can receive up to two tickets to a showing of a select number of Penobscot Theater plays. For the 2024/2025 season, patrons will have access to A Christmas Carol, Dial M for Murder, Mantinicus, Mother Russia, and Rocky Horror Show. Tickets are available for request about 2 weeks prior to the first showing of the new play.
Visit our online calendar which includes even more City of Brewer events!
Read ~ Connect ~ Discover
