APL Magazine Shelf Life Issue No

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

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