NORWAY — The Friends of Norway Memorial Library joins communities nationwide in celebrating National Recovery Month in September 2024 with programs to increase public awareness of and action around substance use disorder.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA) says that with treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible for everyone.  Support can be from healthcare professionals and organizations that provide direct treatment and care. It also comes from family, friends, and community members who offer encouragement and empathy.

Knowing what resources are available is helpful to everyone. These programs are for people who want to gain a better understanding of what substance use disorder is and how it impacts individuals and the community. They aim to reduce stigma and increase empowerment to support those in recovery.

On Tuesday, September 3, the Norway Memorial Library will begin distributing free copies of the novel Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver to readers who want to participate in a community book discussion in early October. The Friends of Norway Memorial Library purchased 50 copies of the book for this program. This novel takes place in the mountains of Appalachia. It is the story of a boy born to a teenage single mother who has no assets beyond his father’s looks, copper-colored hair, caustic wit, and a talent for survival. After his mother dies, he uses his instincts to survive foster care, child labor, addiction, disastrous loves, and crushing losses.

On September 19, from 6:30-8 p.m., attend a panel discussion and hear from healthcare providers, counselors, peer support specialists, clinicians, and more about local services and supports. Learn ways to encourage recovery, reduce stigma, and foster a healthier community. Partners of the project and panel representatives are from MaineHealth, Western Maine Addiction Recovery Initiative (WMARI), The HILLS Recovery Center, Oxford County Mental Health Services, OPTIONS, and Common Ground Counseling.

On Thursday, October 3, 6:30-8 p.m., attend the community discussion of Demon Copperhead. This discussion will focus on aspects of the book that relate to rural life and stereotypes that are associated with it, such as poverty and social and economic influences on substance use.

The Friends of Norway Memorial Library is an association of individuals, families, and businesses whose memberships assist its board of directors in supporting library programs and services.

Both programs are at Norway Memorial Library, 258 Main Street in Norway. For more information, call 207-743-5309, or visit www.norwaymemoriallibrary.org.