Get Growing at PML’s Fourth Annual Community Picnic

by kat szmit

Are you ready for some good, green fun? Do you like tasty food, fun games, and the chance to win prizes? Would you like to plant a seed? Then by all means, join us for the fourth annual Parsons Memorial Library Community Picnic!

On May 16, from 12-3 p.m., we’re kicking off our Summer Reading Program and celebrating all the ways the library brings people joy. From food to fun, you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.

We suggest starting with registering for our Summer Reading Program. The 2026 theme is “Plant a Seed, Read” and is all about growing - plants, flowers, food, and your love of reading! Remember, our Summer Reading Program isn’t just for kids. It’s for everyone! If you love to read, sign up. The program runs from June 22 to August 15 so get those bookmarks ready.

Continuing the theme of “Plant a Seed/Planta una Semilla,” the Alfred Conservation Commission will have seeds you can plant and take home with you! Stop by their table and get growing.

The ACC will also be offering a Letterboxing demonstration during the picnic. What’s Letterboxing? It’s treasure hunting with clues. You’ll have the opportunity to make your own letterboxing stamp and learn more about this exciting hobby.

Along with the ACC, look for community information tables from the Alfred Village Museum, Alfred Town Hall, Alfred Parks and Recreation, the Alfred Festival Committee, Three Rivers Land Trust, Massabesic Adult and Community Education, York County Community College, Work Source Maine/Career Center, and the Keepers of Parsons Memorial Library.

Also during the event will be a Sing Along with members of PML’s own Ukulele Explorers. If you’d like to try your hand at playing the ukulele, this is your chance! We’ll have ukes you can try and you can sing along while our Ukulele Explorers entertain.

Throughout the day there will be delicious food, including hotdogs, popcorn, and other delights. If you’d like to bring something to share, please do! We’ll also have games and activities, bubbles for blowing, and chalk for making masterpieces on our sidewalks.

The fun starts at noon on May 16, so have some good, green fun and grow with us.