Last Friday morning Maine Public Radio aired a segment on the specialness of libraries. The script shared thoughts about how libraries can help people whose home life might not feature reading and how libraries can be a sanctuary for many folks. This awakened in me a variety of thoughts. For example, when we lived in D.C., even in the safer areas of town, the library was often the daytime resting place for the homeless folk. They could be warm and amuse themselves with magazines and books to leaf through even if they did not want to read.

In elementary school, my friends and I, instead of playing house, played library, making our own library at my home, putting cards in holders on the back inside page of many of the books on our shelves and setting up a “desk” from which to check the books out. Then we took turns being the librarian. Even today, since I inherited many of my parents’ books, I will open one and see the homemade card in the back.

In our later school years, my friends and I frequented the Carnegie Free Library in our home town, reading through series such as Bobbsey Twins, then moving on to a series of biographies written for younger students, then to the Wizard of Oz series, and finally to more adult books that we often had to beg the librarian, Miss Medley, to allow us to check out because some of these books, such as the “Forsyth Saga,” were kept in a special room, unavailable to high school students.

All this reminiscence is called up because our own Southport Memorial Library, although much more modern, also has a very special feeling: comfortable chairs to curl up in to browse through a book, coffee and sometimes other treats in the middle room, healthy apples by the front door, lovely pictures on the walls, tables in the middle rooms to meet with friends or put a few pieces in the current puzzle, and librarians, Jen and Anne, and sometimes other volunteers, always helpful, either to find the book you are looking for in our collection or find the avenue best available to obtain the book you are seeking.

And it is the location for a variety of special programs on the island. The students from our local school often have a special story time at the library hosted by volunteer Leigh Perkins. Once a month the Caregivers meet to share wisdom. Sometimes authors or other speakers present their experiences and point of view there. Many mornings, usually Tuesday and Thursday, anyone may come to join in the “coffee klatch” of jokes and stories. And this last Friday, as is true every year, our library was the location for the remembrance of veterans on Nov. 11, originally Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I, organized by the Library Aids, this year coordinated by Jane Mulholland.

The program began with Jane welcoming attendees and announcing the program. Then Tim Handley lowered the flag. Donald Duncan gave a brief history of the development of Veterans’ Day. Barclay Shepard read the poem “In Flanders Field.” Kit Sherrill then led the group in prayer. Our Head Selectman, Gerry Gamage, read the list of those veterans from the area who had died in the past year and led the assembled folks in singing patriotic songs. After taps played by the Reverend Bob Dent and a second player creating an echo effect, Tim raised the flag. During the social hour of cider and donuts, Jim Singer played his video collection of all the people in the area who have served in the armed services. Thanks to all who organized and participated in the special gathering.

We so much appreciate all our librarians and other volunteers do to create such a special place. Although this paper ran an article several weeks ago about the current art exhibit on the walls for November and December, a reminder that Lois Glaser’s work is well worth a visit. Her photographs are mounted on canvas, giving them a special clarity. Most pictures are from the area.

Also last week was election day. A total of 455 Southporters cast votes, either as absentee ballots or in person. In those elections that were contested Democrats, Janet Mills, Cameron Reny, Holly Stover, and Chellie Pingree, won by substantial margins. On a separate ballot, Southporters voted to keep our public water enhanced by fluoride with 266 voting “yes” and 177 voting “no.” Thanks to all who keep our democracy strong by voting, and thanks to all who oversee that voting.

More discussion occurred last week on Tuesday to advance the plans to improve the forest area behind the Southport Central School used for teaching and playing. Led by school principal, Lisa Clarke, and attended by Pam Baldwin, Eden Climo, Sarah Sherman, and myself, we discussed the landscape plan provided by the architect, ideas for sharing this plan with public, and fund raising opportunities. The principal has involved the school children in this discussion, finding they are very enthusiastic. Watch for more information as these plans proceed.

Thanksgiving will soon be here. If you want to order bread or pies at our Southport General Store, Nancy says you need to do so by Nov. 17.