Patten Free Library’s 4th annual Spelling Bee is next Friday in the park
Patten Free Library Hosts Fourth‑Annual Spelling Bee, Friday Night in Library Park
Patten, ME – The Patten Free Library’s annual Spelling Bee, which has become a staple fundraiser for the town’s community‑run library, will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 18, in Library Park. The event, now in its fourth year, promises another night of “nerdy” fun and community engagement for adults and teens alike.
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought online at pattenfreelibrary.org/spellingbee. In addition to admission, guests can enjoy a cash bar and a selection of local bites while watching teams compete for the title of Best Speller.
Teams Ready to Battle
Teams of two to five members—whether adults, teens, or a mix—have already begun lining up for the competition. Registration will close on Tuesday, September 15. Teams pay $125 to enter, which can be paid online or by emailing the Development Office at [email protected]. Three teen teams (ages 14 and up) will be sponsored by library donors and will compete free of charge.
Last year’s champions, The Orthographers, a duo from West Bath, will return to defend their crown. Other returning squads include the PFL’s Movie Group and The Woolwich Wonders, all of whom are eager to claim the title this year. The event encourages attendees to spell along and see how many words they can get right, turning the night into a shared learning experience.
Teams are also invited to dress up, with a Team Spirit award going to the best‑costumed group—a playful nod to the event’s tradition of “glitter and excitement.”
A Community Celebration
Samantha Ricker, the library’s Development Director and event coordinator, highlighted the Bee’s role in bringing the town together. “The best part of the event for me is seeing the engagement between the teams and the audience,” she said. “When we had our first Bee in 2023, I was nervous it was too nerdy for most people. But as the night began, I realized it was the perfect amount of nerdy. It was loud, there was glitter, and the words were incredibly challenging. We’ve kept that vibe going each year, and it continues to be a highlight of the year for the community.”
Ricker noted that the Bee’s “nerdy” atmosphere—loud applause, glitter, and tricky words—has become a hallmark, and she credits that energy for keeping the community’s interest alive.
Hosts and Word Caller
The evening will be emceed by Brian Stanton, an English teacher at Morse High School, who will guide the competition’s flow. The word caller will be Meg Barker, librarian at Fisher Mitchell and owner of Embark Tours, who will bring her local expertise and flair to the proceedings.
Silent Auction Launch
Alongside the spelling contest, the library will kick off a silent auction that will run online until October 3. Bidders will have the chance to win a variety of items, including cruise tickets from the Maine Maritime Museum, a signed Boston Bruins puck, memberships to the Owls Head Transportation Museum and Maine’s First Ship, as well as admission tickets to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine and the Portland Museum of Art. The auction’s proceeds will support library programs, services, and community spaces.
Sponsors and Support
The event’s lead sponsor is Bath Book Bash, with additional support from Judy Metcalf Law, Data Defined, and Frohmiller Construction. Their contributions help keep the event running and the library well‑funded.
The Spelling Bee’s funds go directly toward the Patten Free Library’s initiatives, ensuring that the library continues to offer educational resources, community events, and a welcoming space for readers of all ages.
For more information about the Spelling Bee, sponsorship opportunities, or ways to support the library, visit pattenfreelibrary.org/giving.
Patten Free Library’s Spelling Bee returns next Friday for another night of spelling, community spirit, and a generous silent auction—all in service of keeping this beloved local library thriving.
