SHELF LIFE
VISIBLE MENDING
READ ME
ISSUE NO. 12
www.auburnpubliclibrary.org
BOOKS ARE JUST THE BEGINNING
THE MAGIC ON
OUR WALLS
TECH TALK
COLOR OUR WORLD
The summer months are always a fun and exciting time for us here at the Auburn Public Library. While we
continually promote reading year-round, summer is a time when we focus on its importance, adopt a theme,
and tie many of our programs into that theme. Within the theme of “Color Our World,” the staff have been hard
at work collaborating on some wonderful programs for you that will tap into your creativity. Whether you are
looking for something for kids (“Color, Create, and Imagine”), tweens and teens (“Express Yourself”), or adults
(“Art as a Path to Happiness”), you will find it here this summer! For details, turn to page 6.
One of the ways we like to encourage reading is through our various book clubs. For adults, we have two
groups that continue to meet during the summer: The Tuesday Mystery Book Club, currently reading Still
Midnight by Denise Mina for their meeting on July 15; and Books & Banter, who will meet again on July 18 to
discuss Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult. For kids, we offer the Cozy & Quiet Reading Club on July 25. Each summer,
APL also participates in the Maine Humanities Council’s Read ME program. On page 8, you’ll find more
information on the two books adults will be reading this summer, along with information on their addition of
two books for children. (There is still time to sign up and participate in reading both adult and children’s
selections!)
Thank you for your continued advocacy for and support of the Auburn Public Library. Please let us know if
there’s something you’d like us to feature in a future edition of Shelf Life. And don’t forget, if you need updates
between editions, visit our website, call us, or stop by to see us.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Library Director
Donna
FROM THE DIRECTOR
01
VISIBLE MENDING
07
MAGIC ON THE WALLS
09/10
FIRE UP THE GRILL
13
HORROR STORIES
14
DONOR THANK YOU
03
DID YOU KNOW
04
05
TECH TALK
COLOR OUR WORLD
06
READ ME
08
JULY PROGRAMS
15
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
16
BOOK COVERS REIMAGINED
12
CAT CORNER @ APL
11
Thank you to our
June 2025 Donors
Melia Coletta
Dairy Joy
David Das & Jane Costlow
Violet Gerber
Ann Hobart
Karen Hobson
Libraries Without Borders
L. L. Bean
Maine Community Bank
Janice Marston
Portland Sea Dogs
Stanton Bird Club
Greg Siekman
Andrew Toth
Bill & Donna Wallace
Haley Warden
Auburn Public Library depends on the generosity
of our wonderful community in order to provide
the best materials in our collection and quality
programs. If you would like to donate, please
visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org/donate or
simply scan the QR Code.
Every July, communities across the country
celebrate National Parks and Recreation Month,
a time to recognize the importance of parks,
recreational
spaces,
and
community
programming in fostering health, connection,
and a strong sense of place. The 2025 theme,
“Build Together, Play Together,” is a timely
reminder of the power of partnerships and
shared
experiences
in
building
thriving
communities.
This theme reflects values that are at the core of
the Auburn Public Library. APL believes that
strong
communities
are
built
through
collaboration,
creativity,
and
meaningful
partnerships, and that libraries play an essential
role in bringing people together, both within and
beyond their walls. For APL, “community” doesn’t
just mean the individuals who live in Auburn. It
includes everyone who walks through the doors,
attends a program, participates in outreach
events, or connects with library services, whether
they live in Auburn or are just passing through.
Public libraries serve all, without barriers, and APL
proudly offers access to books, technology,
programs, and resources to everyone.
One
long-standing
example
of
APL’s
commitment to building community is its 12-year
partnership
with
the
Auburn
Recreation
Department, offering a weekly Story Time at the
Auburn Recreation Summer Camp. Each week,
APL staff bring engaging books and read to
campers, creating joyful moments of literacy
and learning in a fun, outdoor setting. These
sessions are more than just a break in the day—
they’re a bridge between reading and recreation,
showing how the library can enhance learning in
unexpected places.
DID YOU KNOW
04
This collaboration is just one of many that APL
has cultivated over the years. The library works
regularly with local schools, social service
agencies, nonprofits, and city departments to
extend its reach and deepen its impact. Whether
it’s through summer reading initiatives, school
tours,
or
adult
education
programs,
APL
continues to adapt and expand in response to
the needs of a diverse and ever-evolving
community.
“Build Together, Play Together” isn’t just a slogan
—it’s a reflection of how Auburn works together
to create a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient
community. As we mark National Parks and
Recreation Month this July, APL celebrates its role
as a connector and community builder, helping
to shape a future where everyone has the
opportunity to learn, grow, and play.
To learn more about the Auburn Public Library’s
summer outreach or to explore opportunities for
partnership, visit www.auburnpubliclibrary.org or
stop by the library. Let’s build together and play
together—all summer long and beyond.
TECH TALK
By now, most people know that libraries offer more
than just shelves full of books. But even the most
dedicated library lover might be surprised to learn
that they can borrow titles—thousands of them—
without setting foot inside the building. At Auburn
Public Library, our digital branch is open 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, thanks to a powerful
reading app called cloudLibrary.
cloudLibrary is your personal portal to a world of
eBooks and audiobooks, all available for free with
your library card. Whether you're commuting,
traveling, multitasking at home, or simply prefer
digital formats, this app makes it easier than ever
to stay connected to your reading life. In fact, many
of our patrons have discovered that cloudLibrary
fits seamlessly into their daily routines: they listen to
audiobooks on morning walks, sneak in chapters
during lunch breaks, or browse new titles in the
quiet evening hours—all from their smartphones or
tablets.
Getting
started
is
refreshingly
simple.
After
downloading the free cloudLibrary app from your
device’s app store, you’ll be prompted to log in
using your Auburn Public Library card number and
PIN. From there, you can immediately browse the
collection, search by author or genre, and start
borrowing with a single tap. No need to worry about
due dates or returns either—digital titles are
automatically returned at the end of their lending
period, meaning no late fees and no stress.
One of the standout features of cloudLibrary is its
user-friendly design. The interface is clean and
intuitive, making it easy for readers of all ages to
navigate. You can adjust font sizes, change the
background color for better contrast, and even
switch to dyslexic-friendly fonts.
For audiobook fans, the playback controls allow for
adjustable speeds, sleep timers, and bookmarks.
And if you're using more than one device,
cloudLibrary keeps your place synced, so you can
pick up right where you left off.
But what really makes cloudLibrary shine is its
collection. The app offers access to thousands of
titles across a broad range of genres. You’ll find
bestsellers and new releases, timeless classics,
children’s picture books, young adult novels,
memoirs, cookbooks, and more. For those who
prefer to read in Spanish or other languages,
multilingual options are available too. It’s a library
that travels with you, whether you're on a long road
trip or just relaxing on your porch.
The rise of digital reading doesn't mean the end of
print—it simply adds another layer of convenience
and accessibility. For some, cloudLibrary is a
lifesaver when travel or illness keeps them home.
For others, it's a preferred way to explore new
genres without the pressure of shelf space. And for
families on the go, it's a great tool for keeping kids
entertained with read-alongs and chapter books
wherever the day leads.
So the next time you're wondering what to read—or
listen to—consider reaching into your pocket. With
cloudLibrary, your next story is always within reach.
It’s a small app with big possibilities, and it’s just
one more way your library is here to support your
curiosity, creativity, and love of reading.
Discover cloudLibrary at Auburn Public Library
06
COLOR OUR WORLD
This summer, the Auburn Public Library is bursting
with color—and we’re inviting the entire community
to join in! Throughout July and August, we’re
celebrating our 2025 Summer Reading Challenge
theme, Color Our World, with a lively lineup of art-
themed programs for kids, teens, and adults.
Reading and creativity go hand in hand. Whether
you’re picking up a paintbrush or paging through a
novel, both activities help us see the world in new
and imaginative ways. With that in mind, this year’s
summer events are designed to highlight the
colorful connections between art, storytelling, and
self-expression.
No experience is required—just a little curiosity, an
open mind, and a willingness to try something new.
For Kids: Color, Create, and Imagine
Children’s programs will center around creativity,
sensory play, and literacy-based art adventures.
We’ve designed each event to help young learners
explore colors, shapes, and stories while practicing
fine motor skills and developing their imaginations.
Highlights include:
Crafty Kids
Ceramic Painting with Moonstone Pottery
Painting Class: The Color Wheel
Diamond Art
Glass Painting
Color & Line Art with Alma Woodsey Thomas
Pokemon Mini Painting Class
These programs not only foster creativity but also
help build confidence and encourage kids to make
connections between the stories they read and the
art they create.
For Teens & Tweens: Express Yourself
Teens are often seeking ways to express their
identity and voice, and art is the perfect outlet. Our
teen art programs are designed to be low-pressure,
social, and just plain fun, whether you come with
friends or make new ones along the way.
Check out these highlights:
Craft Club
Shape Style Poetry Writing
Writers’ Roundtable
Diamond Art
Visible Mending: An Introduction to Hand Sewing
Bad Art Night
Let’s Make Comics
Adventures in Sewing
Duct Tape Wallets
For Adults: Art as a Path to Happiness
You don’t have to be a professional artist to benefit
from making art. For adults, our Color Our World
programming
offers
an
opportunity
to
relax,
reconnect with creativity, and enjoy the process
more than the product.
Some of our adult offerings include:
Block Print Bookmarks
Bad Art Night
Visible Mending
Intro to Watercolor with Melanie Therrien
As we move through the summer months, we hope
you’ll visit the library often: to check out books, make
some art, attend a program, or simply spend time in
a place that celebrates creativity in all forms.
VISIBLE MENDING
There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to summer
reading – the reading challenges, new books, the
kickoff event – but my favorite thing to talk about
would have to be the programs. Alongside our usual
programs,
each
department
is
adding
more
exciting activities to get library users of all ages
involved in art and reading. I’m especially looking
forward to our upcoming Visible Mending Workshop
with FixinStitch Clothing Repair, a Topsham-based
clothing alteration and repair service. Open to teens
and adults, this workshop is perfect for those
looking to take their first steps into sewing or those
wanting to try their hand at visible mending.
Visible mending has been rising in popularity in
recent years. As the name suggests, visible
mending allows the wearer to make repairs or
alterations to their clothes that are purposefully
noticeable, and unlike invisible mending, which
takes a lot of time to master, visible mending can
be done by beginners and can be done in less time
than an invisible repair. The purpose is not to hide
the worn down area, but to decorate it. Not only
does this prevent clothes from being thrown away
after the first tear or rip, but it also allows the wearer
to customize their wardrobe beyond just picking the
clothes they wear, turning an otherwise “basic”
article of clothing into something unique.
By Jenna Fowler, Teen Librarian
The personalization aspect that visible mending
offers draws in the attention of a lot of soon-to-be
sewers, especially so for young people who are
developing their own style. Whether it be through
the color of your thread, the stitch you choose, or
the patch you use, every choice exemplifies the
intention of the wearer, giving insight into who the
person is beyond their clothes. Being able to pick
what you wear, feeling comfortable in what you
wear, and being able to repair your garments are
important for building individuality and confidence.
There’s also an environmental benefit to picking up
visible mending. According to earthday.org, 87% of
garments made by the fashion industry end up in
the landfill, and only 1% of discarded clothes are
recycled. The fast fashion industry is one of the
biggest contributors to pollution and waste, but
learning how to mend your clothes can help
combat the damage. The longer clothes are kept in
use, the smaller their emissions footprint becomes.
Learning how to sew and make repairs is one of the
best ways to prevent your clothes from ending up
in a landfill. Along with being sustainable for the
environment, fixing your clothes is also good for
your budget in the long run!
If you’re interested in taking the first step in your
visible mending journey, register for our Visible
Mending Workshop on July 22nd! Be sure to bring
an item that needs to be repaired - examples
would be jean shorts, chino pants, or your favorite
button-down shirt. Please avoid garments that
have slippery or lightweight material. We hope to
see you there!
This summer, the Auburn Public Library is once
again proudly participating in Read ME, Maine’s
statewide
adult
summer
reading
initiative,
organized by the Maine Humanities Council in
collaboration with the Maine State Library and
Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance. Each year,
well-known Maine authors recommend titles by
lesser-known Maine authors, with libraries and
their patrons participating in a summer of reading
and discussing the featured books. This year’s
program runs from early June through August,
bringing the community together through shared
reading and lively discussion.
2025 titles, selected by Maine Poet Laureate Julia
Bouwsma, include:
American Breakdown: Our Ailing Nation, My
Body’s Revolt, and the Nineteenth‑Century
Woman Who Brought Me Back to Life by
Jennifer Lunden (non-fiction)
The Great Transition: A Novel by Nick Fuller
Googins (fiction)
To complement the statewide author conversa-
tions, Auburn Public Library is hosting two in‑person
discussion sessions (author not present), com-
plemented by online conversations led by the
authors.
American Breakdown
July 8, 4–5 PM, Conference Room; pick up books
after June 10. Register via the library’s website or
reference desk.
Online Conversation: July 15, 7 PM (virtual) with
Jennifer Lunden
The Great Transition
August
7,
4–5 PM,
Conference
Room;
books
available from July 8. Registration required.
Online Conversation: August 5, 7 PM (virtual) with
Nick Fuller Googins
READ ME
New for 2025, Auburn Public Library is expanding
its Read ME offerings with a children’s book group,
bringing younger readers into the statewide
reading celebration. This new group is designed
for readers ages 8–12 and will meet in July to
explore a Maine-themed children’s book selected
in collaboration with the library’s youth services
staff and the Maine Humanities Council.
This summer’s featured book for young people’s
literature is Wishing Season by Anica Mrose Rissi,
chosen by recommending author Samara Cole
Doyon. The book club starts July 3, 4:00 PM - 4:45
PM, in the library’s Maggie Trafton Room.
08
Can you tell us a bit about your background as an
artist? How did you get started with mural work?
I was hugely supported in making art when I was
younger and just never stopped (I have taken
breaks, though). I do not have much experience
with mural work. Though I did complete a
collaborative mural during my art school years.
Creating these murals for the library has stretched
my creative muscles to new heights!
What was your first project with the Auburn Public
Library, and how did that partnership begin?
The partnership happened in an organic and
unexpected way. I work from home for a job in
healthcare that I actually really like. But it can get
lonely, even for an introvert like me. I knew I needed
to get out of the house more, and the library is my
favorite place in the world, so I applied to volunteer.
The children’s librarian, Brandon, proposed that I
help create the seasonal murals. I immediately said,
‘SIGN ME UP!’
MAGIC ON OUR WALLS
The first mural was made for January 2025. The
theme for the winter reading challenge was hot
cocoa, so we created a hot cocoa pool party for
some marshmallow friends. My sister is the one
who came up with the pun, “Let’s cocoa-nnect
over books!” It was pretty cute!
How
do
you
approach
designing
murals
specifically for a children’s reading challenge?
What’s different about working in a library
space?
The most important thing when designing these
murals is to make sure they are interactive. Once a
reader finishes the challenge, they have an
opportunity to contribute to the design, usually by
adding an illustrated element that they color.
Working
in
a
library
space
is
extremely
collaborative and fulfilling. It’s very different than
working alone at my dining table!
An Interview with Megan Kudlack
Can you walk us through your creative process,
from concept to finished mural?
Once the seasonal theme is finalized, I make
sketches to present to Brandon. We adjust things,
and once we agree on a design, I start working.
Each week, I make a little bit of progress, and
eventually it all comes together! A week before the
next reading challenge, we take the old display
down and hang up the new one. My muscles have
become very strong from all the stapling!
What materials and techniques do you use to
bring your murals to life in the children’s room?
There is an abundance of supplies and materials to
play with in the children’s department. I have lots of
fun experimenting. I most enjoy making large
collage elements because they are a manageable
size individually, but arranged together on the
board, they make a fantastic big picture!
Each year’s summer reading theme is unique.
How do you take the theme, like this year’s “Color
Our World,” and turn it into a visual story?
This year is all about color. We chose Brandon’s
suggestion of gumballs. They are colorful, fun, and
universally known. The shape of the bulletin board
can be limiting, and it would look empty having a
gumball machine on just one side, or only in the
middle. In order to take up the whole board, we
decided to expand it into a candy shop, or rather, a
summer candy shack (a great suggestion from our
friend, Lexi!)
Do you draw inspiration from children’s books,
library spaces, or other sources when designing
your murals?
Yes! A good example of this was in the spring
mural, where there was a chipmunk reading in its
cozy burrow. I HAD to write the introduction to The
Tale of Peter Rabbit on the visible page. A little
nod to a classic.
How do you balance making something visually
exciting for kids while also ensuring it reflects
the spirit of the library?
Luckily, it has been intuitive! In the spring and
summer murals, we made an effort to include
‘APL’ in some form. The chipmunk's book in the
spring bulletin board had an Auburn Public
Library
barcode
(another
suggestion
by
patron!). In the summer mural, the candy shack
cash register has ‘APL’ as the total on the
checkout screen.
Do you have a dream mural concept or a theme
you’d love to work with someday at APL?
Something with cats!
What would you say to young artists or
creatives who might see your mural and think,
“I want to do that someday”?
I would encourage creatives of all ages to
remember that it's possible to find collaborators
and opportunities in unexpected places. I never
could have planned for this opportunity, but I am
so grateful for it.
10
Meet Sully and Alien: The Adorable Black Cat Brothers Ready for Their Forever Home at Auburn Public
Library
At Auburn Public Library’s pet adoption corner, two charming feline brothers are eagerly waiting to find
their new family: Sully and Alien. These 13-month-old black cats are not only stunning with their sleek,
super soft fur, but they also bring double the joy with their playful, loving personalities.
Sully and Alien are part of APL’s Cats in the Library program, a wonderful partnership with the Greater
Androscoggin Humane Society that helps connect community members with adoptable cats right here at
the library. Since the program’s start, APL has welcomed over 65 cats into this unique adoption initiative,
making it a beloved fixture that brings pets and people together in a cozy, welcoming environment.
Like many cats in the program, Sully and Alien may take a little time—about a week or two—to warm up to
new people and surroundings. But once they feel comfortable, their true playful nature shines through.
These brothers love to tussle and romp around together, showing off their close sibling bond with
delightful wrestling matches that will surely bring a smile to anyone’s face.
Their playful antics don’t stop there. Sully and Alien enjoy playing fetch, a fun and interactive game that
highlights their intelligence and energy. They also love to chase and bat around toys, keeping themselves
and anyone lucky enough to play with them thoroughly entertained.
After all their energetic play, Sully and Alien have a sweet, tender side. They love to curl up together for
cozy naps, snuggling close as they rest and recharge. This affectionate behavior shows just how much
they crave companionship and comfort, making them perfect pets for someone ready to give them the
love and attention they deserve.
If you’re looking to add a pair of delightful, soft-furred black cats to your home—ones who will keep you
entertained and then melt your heart with cuddles—Sully and Alien at Auburn Public Library are waiting to
meet you. Stop by soon to say hello and see if these playful brothers are the perfect match for your family!
CAT CORNER @ APL
Contest
Submit your own, original redesign of a book
cover for a chance to win a prize. Get
program details at the Reference Desk!
Scan the QR Code for more details, which are
available on our website.
JUNE 23 - JULY 21
RD
ST
Separate contests for adults & teens.
FIRE UP
THE GRILL!
COOKBOOKS FOR ALL YOUR BBQ NEEDS
For more recommendations, ask a librarian.
T H E S E B O O K S
A R E H A U N T E D
Get ready for spooky stories around the campfire. From evil
puppets to cursed films—horror lurks in every page.
JULY 7
Mon. 2025
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Computer Lab
JULY 17
Thu. 2025
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Maggie Trafton Room
Androscoggin
Community Room
JULY 1
Tue. 2025
3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Teen Space
JULY 7
Mon. 2025
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
JULY 14
Mon. 2025
5:15 PM - 6:30 PM
Teen Space
JULY 11, 18, 25
Fri. 2025
3:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Off Site
JULY 9
Wed. 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
JULY 22
Tue. 2025
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
JULY 21
Mon. 2025
4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
UPCOMING
PROGRAMS
JULY 21
Mon. 2025
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
JULY 23
Wed. 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Androscoggin
Community Room
Maggie Trafton Room
JULY 24
Thu. 2025
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM
Maggie Trafton Room
Androscoggin
Community Room
Androscoggin
Community Room
Androscoggin
Community Room
STAFF
SPOTLIGHT
Brian Usher is the Technology Director, and has
worked for the Auburn Public Library for almost 33
years. He lives in Monmouth with his wife of 33
years, Joyce. They have two daughters who they
are fortunate to have live near them with their
husbands and grandchildren. Brian enjoys Star
Trek, retro video games, and reading nonfiction.
What is the last thing you do before you
leave the house?
Throw a cat toy to distract my cats. They are
indoor cats, but they really want to be
outdoor cats, and they will do anything to get
out the door!
What is the last song you listened to?
Blaze and the Monster Machines from my
grandsons' playlist. They love the TV show
and always ask me to play it.
If you could live in a different period in time,
when would it be?
I would love to see the future. I don't believe in
a dystopian future; I am optimistic about
humanity's potential and believe we will solve
our problems.
What is a guilty pleasure you have?
I collect Star Trek memorabilia. I am fortunate
to have a wonderfully supportive wife who
lets me indulge in this hobby.
www.auburnpubliclibrary.org
SHELF LIFE
ISSUE NO. 12