We’re celebrating the third annual Earth Day Fest here at the library on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside on the lawn (rain location: Boothbay Harbor Fire Station).

If you’ve never been before, Earth Day fest is a chance to celebrate the arrival of spring and the health of our amazing home planet with local co-sponsoring institutions, each of whom will be set up at a booth to explain how their work intersects with the environment and with a craft or activity for kids and adults alike.

We’re joined this year by the Sea and Science Center, Boothbay Region Refuse Disposal District, the Land Trust, Botanical Gardens, Crow Point Yoga, Bigelow Lab, Lincoln County Gleaners, the Garden Club, and a new group called Plastic-Free Peninsula.

The Chewonki Foundation will also be there with their Bug Mobile from 11 a.m. until noon, so be sure to catch that.

I think that all of us who choose to live in a place like the Boothbay region do so because we love the outdoors, spending time in the woods or out on the water. My guess is that most of us are already doing a lot to help the environment: repairing items instead of throwing them out, line-drying clothes in the summer at least, and winterizing our homes to save both money and reduce pollution.

One of the things I’ve loved about our past Earth Day Fests is that I get to hear all of the great things that other organizations are doing. It’s been inspiring to find out how much of what goes through the Transfer Station is recycled (and how profitable recycling can be for our community), how the Water District keeps our drinking water safe, and how Bigelow Lab is studying our ocean to protect all of the animals that live there.

I also really love coming home with seeds started and more to put in the ground for May. I think half the beans in last year’s garden came from Earth Day Fest 2018. I also just love getting outside with our community in the spring; in fact, we started Earth Day Fest because we missed Fishermen’s Festival so much. Yes, it lacks the cod fish relay, lobster boat races, and crate running events, but it captures the spirit of getting together after a long winter. But who knows — maybe we can add those in as we grow?

So mark your calendars and be sure to stop by on April 20!

Upcoming events

So Near & So Far Book Group: Saturday, April 6, 10:30 a.m.-noon, “Dreaming in Cuban” by Cristina García. Great Room.

Monday Night Book Club: Monday, April 8, 7 p.m. “A Piece of the World” by Christina Baker Kline.

PJ Story Time: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Bring your PJs and a favorite stuffy to hear an evening story with Miss Harolyn.

I Love A Mystery! Book Group: Saturday, April 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. “The Alchemist’s Daughter” by Mary Lawrence.

One-on-One Tech Help: Tuesdays, 2-4 p.m., Wednesdays 6-7 p.m., and Saturdays 1-2 p.m. Call 633-3112 or email desiree@bbhlibrary.org to make an appointment.