Library reinstates curbside pickup, closed to browsing

Effective Jan. 14, Gray Public Library has temporarily suspended in-person browsing and has returned to curbside delivery due to a marked spike in cases of COVID-19.

Patrons may still request books, audiobooks, DVDs, Blu-rays, music CDs, video games and anything else usually available to borrow for outside pickup through the online catalog by emailing graylib@graymaine.org or by calling 657-4110 ext. 0. Residents will be notified by email or phone when items are ready for pickup. Call after arriving at the library and materials will be brought out. Items can be picked up during normal hours of operation: 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

“The situation will be assessed in two weeks as issues concerning the spread of COVID-19 evolve,” stated a notice on the library’s website. “Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times. … we greatly look forward to seeing you soon.”

The library is located in the Henry Pennell Municipal Complex at 24 Main St. Visit graypubliclibrary.com for more information and learn how to get the most out of the Gray Public Library.

Lights, camera … action!

Do you have an idea for a TV show, such as a gardening segment, a video of a public event, spotlighting a part of the community or another topic of general interest? The Community Television and Communications Advisory Committee is ready and able to help residents contribute programming on the town’s television channel. There’s even some equipment available to help get started.

Marilyn Keating-Porcaro can be contacted at mkp657@aol.com.

“We believe community television is one of the best resources we have to help increase public engagement within our town!” an announcement from the committee stated on the town’s website. “If you don’t want to sponsor a show but still want to get information out to the public, you can also suggest ideas for the channel’s bulletin board – the rotating slideshow of information that plays when there isn’t a show on the air.”

More information and a link to the application are in the town of Gray’s January newsletter at graymaine.org/#anchor_town_news.

New playground open

A new community playground was recently installed behind the outdoor basketball court at Newbegin Gym. Come spring, finishing touches such as adding a layer of wood chips and a stone dust path, installing a slide and swings and adding benches will be completed. The project was built by Ultiplay Parks & Playgrounds and made possible through a $67,000 Cumberland County Community Development Block Grant in 2020.

Ice rink ready

The Gray Ice Rink behind the Town Hall is frozen over and ready for skaters. Visitors are asked to follow the rules posted at the rink and skate in designated areas. Note that hockey players should yield to figure skaters.

Parent’s Night Out

Enjoy an evening out without having to worry about the kids from 5:30-9 p.m. Feb. 11. Gray-New Gloucester Recreation Departments will care for kids in pre-K to grade 6, with activities both in the Newbegin Recreation Room and the gym. The group will eat dinner together and end the night with a calm activity, so pack your child dinner and they’ll take care of the rest for a perfect date or a night out with friends. For more see gngrec.com.

Volunteers needed

Serve your town by volunteering for a committee. To see a list of available posts and apply, see graymaine.org/volunteer.

Clocking in

Thanks to the efforts of town staff, visitors to Town Hall will soon be able to view a real-time feed of the clock face on the lobby television.

Marilyn Keating-Porcaro can be contacted at mkp657@aol.com.

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