103 Old Pine Hill Rd.
P.O. Box 838
Berwick, ME 03901
207-698-5737
LIBRARY HOURS
Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 9:30am to 7:30pm
Thursdays: 12:00pm to 7:30pm
Fridays: 9:30am to 5pm
Saturdays: 9:30am to 3pm
Week 1
1620
Your quest begins in 1620 among the Wampanoag people. The Librarian has instructed you to collect the essence of a wampum belt and they're pretty sure you can find one in the area. You travel through the pines and come across some Wampanoag children. You ask them if they have a wampum belt around and, although they are confused by your strange futuristic clothing, they agree to bring you to someone who is in the middle of making a belt at that moment.
​You share your story with the beltmaker, who agrees to help you if you learn more about the significance of wampum belts and the story they tell. Only by making your own version of a wampum belt will the beltmaker share the essence with you for the Preservation Potion.
Complete the activity below either in person or at the library before moving on with the story.
The beltmaker is satisfied with the belt you've created and your understanding of the importance of wampum belts to the Wampanoag people. They agree to provide you with the essence you need.
​Congratulations - you have received the first essence for the Preservation Potion! Stop by the library to collect a sticker for your Potion Tracker.
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Remember, you will need to collect all seven essences in order to successfully brew the potion.
Where will the Librarian send you next?
Dig a Little Deeper
This year's summer reading program is about celebrating the way people throughout history have shared their stories, and also spotlighting some stories you may not be familiar with. Each week, we'll feature a Dig a Little Deeper section with resources to help you learn more about the time period we're visiting, the people we're meeting, the essences we're collecting, and the connections between the stories of the past and today.
What is Wampum - and How Was it Used?
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The "First Thanksgiving" - How Can We Tell a Better Story?
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Stories from today:
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350 years of searching: Wampanoag still looking for historic wampum belt
King Philip's regal wampum belt was lost. See this new homage to the beaded masterpiece.
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​Wampum belt to return to Wampanoag Nation
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In exhibition at Brown, Wampanoag artist draws on tradition to celebrate Indigenous rights