The Popham Beach Library has a full schedule for its “Summer Series 2024” as well as additional community activities this summer. The Library welcomes all residents, seasonal residents, and visitors to stop by during regular hours, to borrow new books and DVDs and have a cup of coffee. Plan to attend the Summer Series programs, evening lectures and talks offered throughout July and August, the Bath Municipal Band concert in our historic fort on July 31 and the annual Flare night and historical parade on Aug. 16.

The Library opened for the season over the Memorial Day weekend. Library hours during the months of July and August are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Offering best sellers, old favorites and classics in books and DVDs for adults and children, the Library also has a welcoming children’s room as well as maps of the area and the Popham ecosystem. Information on local restaurants, hotels and other sites such as hiking trails and historic places is also available.

The Summer Series is offered at the Library on Thursdays in July and August. All programs start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted and are offered at no charge. The series will begin on July 11 when Phippsburg Town Administrator Ross McClellan will share his perspective on the community. On July 18, “Seguin Island, Past and Present” will provide an overview of the long history and current state of Seguin.

Local author Irene Drago will talk about her books and some midcoastal history on July 25.

In August Monica Wright from Bath Middle School will share Green Crab Student research on Aug. 8. Maine’s Poet Laureate Julia Bouwsma will present “Our Arms Spread Out around It All: A History of Malaga Island through Poems.” at the “Afternoon Tea and Poetry” at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

Free parking for all programs is available behind the Library.

"Special events" for this year include the Annual Fort Popham Concert featuring the Bath Municipal Band under the direction of Kathy Downing on Wednesday, July 31 at 6:30 p.m. This outdoor concert is a great time to gather the whole family, bring your own seating and snacks, and share in the joy of music as experienced in this historic setting. Donations are appreciated for this event.

This year’s annual Flare Night on Friday, Aug. 16 will follow the local parade led by George Popham from the Ft. Baldwin Parking Lot at 7:30. Children are encouraged to walk in the parade which celebrates the arrival of the Popham Colonists in 1607. Capping off the evening will be a beach bonfire and flares lighting up the beach and fort. Before the parade, the Popham Circle members will offer a Café from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Chapel House (beside the chapel) where they will offer light dinners, snacks and beverages. All are welcome!

These programs are brought to you by PBIA, The Popham Beach Improvement Association in conjunction with the library. For more information please stop by the library at 965 Popham Road, Phippsburg, ME or contact Barbara Ketonic at bkeltonic@gmail.com