Events at this location

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Celebrate the magic of the winter season with the Portland String Quartet’s Winter Solstice Concert! Join us on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 5:30 PM for an enchanting evening of classical music featuring The Art of the Fugue, a pinnacle of Bach’s contrapuntal mastery.

Join the Portland String Quartet Musicians Dean Stein, violin; Callie Brennan, violin; Brianna Fischler, viola, and Benjamin Noyes, cello for an unforgettable evening in the historic ballroom at Mechanics’ Hall.

Bring your loved ones, friends, or simply come alone to bask in the soothing sounds of the string quartet as we mark the longest night of the year.

Reserve your space now and join us!

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Book Launch: “Welcome Home, Stranger” by Kate Christensen with Caitlyn Shetterly

Join us at Mechanics’ Hall on January 25th for an unforgettable evening with two authors who have Maine ties as we celebrate the release of “Welcome Home, Stranger” by acclaimed author Kate Christensen. This literary event will feature a captivating conversation with Caitlyn Shetterly, adding depth and insight to the narrative.

Date: January 25, 2024
Time: 5:30 P.M. Location: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

Visit here to Register for the Event! 

What to Expect:

• Engaging conversation between Kate Christensen and Caitlyn Shetterly
• Book signing session
• Networking with fellow book enthusiasts
• Immerse yourself in the historic ambiance of Mechanics’ Hall

Christensen is a forceful writer whose . . . prose is visceral and poetic. . . . She is a portrait artist, drawing in miniature, capturing the light within.” —San Francisco Chronicle

From the PEN-Faulkner Award-winning author of The Great Man comes a novel about grief, love, growing older, and the complications of family that is the story of a fifty-something woman who goes home—reluctantly—to Maine after the death of her mother.

Can you ever truly go home again?

An environmental journalist in Washington, DC, Rachel has shunned her New England working-class family for years. Divorced and childless in her middle age, she’s a true independent spirit with the pain and experience to prove it. Coping with challenges large and small, she thinks her life is in free fall–until she’s summoned home to deal with the aftermath of her mother’s death.

Then things really fall apart.

Surrounded by a cast of sometimes comic, sometimes heartbreakingly serious characters—an arriviste sister, an alcoholic brother-in-law and, most importantly, the love of her life recently married to the sister’s best friend–Rachel must come to terms with her past, the sorrow she has long buried, and the ghost of the mother who, for better and worse, made her the woman she is.

Lively, witty, and painfully familiar, this sophisticated and emotionally resonant novel from the author of The Great Man holds a mirror up to modern life as it considers the way some of us must carry on now.

Kate Christensen’s new novel, Welcome Home, Stranger, is a revelation, offering characters as real as your family and friends, a rich, vividly drawn setting, grab-you-by-the-throat drama and always, lurking in the shadows, a fierce authorial intelligence. What more could you ask?

-Richard Russo, author of ‘Somebody’s Fool’

Kate Christensen is the author of six prior novels, including The Astral, and the memoir Blue Plate Special. The Great Man won the 2008 PEN/Faulkner Award for Fiction. She has written reviews and essays for numerous publications, including The New York Times, Vogue, Elle, The Wall Street Journal, and Food & Wine. She lives with her husband in Portland, Maine. www.katechristensen.net

Caitlin Shetterly is the author of Modified, Made for You and Me, and the bestselling Fault Lines: Stories of Divorce.

Pete and Alice in Maine is her first novel. A Maine native, she graduated with honors from Brown University and now lives with her two sons and husband in her home state. She held her book launch for Pete and Alice in Maine at Mechanics’ Hall.

Visit here to Register for the Event! 

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

Ease into Mondays with Quiet Nights: A Book Club at Mechanics’ Hall.

A unique and refreshing take on the traditional book club experience, Quiet Nights is about the shared enjoyment of reading without the pressure of group discussions or deadlines to finish. It is about giving yourself space and time to read in one of Portland’s most beautiful libraries.

Designed as an introvert’s happy hour, the first few minutes will be reserved for gathering and welcoming one another, pouring a cup of tea, and saying hello to friends, old and new. Then, the communal quiet will commence, and we’ll read silently for the next hour. Toward the end of the evening, we’ll spend our wrap-up time socializing.

🕰️ Mondays at 5:30pm (through February)

📍 Where: Mechanics’ Hall, Portland

💵 Free for Mechanics’ Hall Members, Drop-In: $10 (Email admin@mainemechanics.org to check your membership status; Members – check your email for a promo code for free entry!)

Visit Here to To Sign Up / Renew your Mechanics’ Hall Membership

Visit Here to Register

📖 What to Expect:

A fully stocked tea bar and light snacks

A few cozy blankets for those who wish.

Our new electric fireplace in the library will help set the tone and keep things warm.

This is a book-focused event, but writing or other quiet activities (drawing/doodling!) are encouraged. Please no laptops and cellphones will need to be silenced during the quiet part of the evening.

Schedule:

5:15 arrival, hellos, book selections

5:45-6:45 Quiet reading hour

6:45 – 7 Say hello to a new friend or chat with your bestie who joined you.

7pm: G/night.

Mechanics’ Hall members have full access to our circulating library, so bring your book or arrive early to pick up something new to read!

🎟️ Limited Comfy Seats Available – RSVP Now!

Let Monday nights be your haven for quiet reading and shared appreciation of books this winter. See you at Quiet Nights!

Scheduled Dates

December 11 & 18

January 8, 15*, 22, 29

February 5, 12, 19*, 26

(*Holiday Sessions Pending on Interest/Availability )

More Details to be Announced Soon