By Kim Brawn, Thompson Free Library
We live in interesting times. Maybe too interesting. We are surrounded by AI: some headlines, news segments, podcasts and social media promote the pros, while others highlight the cons. Meanwhile, chatbots lurk everywhere. Is it an existential threat or a tool to help humanity? Google now offloads our searches to their AI assistant, Gemini. Many use AI to make tasks easier and more efficient. We go about our daily lives and yet there’s this nagging background noise — wondering what to make of this brave (crazy?) new world — and who or what to believe. There’s something comforting about being able to go to a library at a time like this where you can delve into cutting edge topics in a reassuring space, sharing your curiosity and skepticism with others.
November at the Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft starts up with TFL’s Reading Group on Thursday the 12th at 6 p.m. when they discuss Kristin Hannah’s bestseller “The Women”. It’s the story of one woman who goes to war (Vietnam), but it shines a light on all women who put themselves in harm’s way and whose sacrifice and commitment to their country has too often been forgotten. Nicholas Kristof, with the New York Times, describes the book as “ . . . historical fiction at its very best. So moving, so wrenching, and yet, in the end, uplifting. Brava! I loved The Nightingale and The Four Winds, but The Women is my favorite.”
TFL’s Youth Services librarian Michelle Fagan once again plays international tour guide as she hosts another “Teen Taste Test” on Tuesday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m. This time the Universal Yums Box features snacks from Spain. Ages 12-17 are invited to join Michelle at the biblioteca!
At 6 p.m. on Nov. 17 Library Director Jon Knepp hosts “Making Informed AI Choices” that will cover topics like: What is AI? What’s wrong with AI? Why are tech companies pushing it? How does it appear in devices, programs, and sites we use every day? Are there good and/or ethical uses for AI? Jon has adapted his presentation from the work and slides of Hannah Cyrus at the Bangor Public Library, who is helping to lead the way on AI education in libraries.
“Originally, I wanted Hannah to present on this topic, but she does not have the time. So, I have taken her class, talked with her and adapted the class for our audience. Rather than preach about the potential danger and harms of AI or shame anyone who uses it, I hope to provide information to allow attendees to make informed decisions about using AI or not. I will also have handouts and advice for removing AI from common pieces of technology if you desire to do so,” Jon said.
Get ready for “Glow Party” on Friday, Nov. 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be canvas and face painting under the glow of black lights (like Spencer Gifts back in the day!), snacks and music for ages 12-17. Space is limited so please register by calling TFL or filling out the form you can find on our Facebook page.
Now it’s entirely possible that Santa and those busy elves already use AI to streamline their North Pole operations. Ok, here comes the holiday teaser: on Saturday, Dec. 5 (from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) our own library elves join in the Hometown Holidays festivities with ornament making, card creating, and, of course, cooking & eating pizzelles!
Back to November with some important reminders: the library will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 11 for Veterans Day and Nov. 26-28 (Thursday to Saturday) for the Thanksgiving holiday. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Once again, we find ourselves in the wild west (or Westworld?) like in the early days of the internet, unsure of how things will unfold. Will AI agents go rogue and wreak havoc, or will they find cures for deadly diseases — or both? Well, at least we have each other and a library that encourages learning, investigating, and staying informed. A place to find shelter from the storm as well as understand the weather behind it.
TFL hours: Tues. & Thurs. 9-7, Weds. & Fri. 9-5 and Sat. 9-1. Visit our website: www.thompsonfreelibrary.org, our Facebook page, Instagram @tf_library or contact us at thompsonfreelibrary@gmail.com or 207-564-3350. All programs are free & open to the public. Free Wi-Fi available 24/7 in the parking lot.