Catch up with the Jesup!

February 6th, 2026

News

Women’s History Month Exhibit: Call for Registrants

Mount Desert Island libraries invite individuals and groups of all ages of the MDI community to exhibit in March 2026. Pieces inspired by the theme “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” or that celebrate women’s history are welcome to be part of the 2026 Women’s History Month islandwide library shows. For ideas regarding the sustainability theme, visit the National Women’s History Alliance.

Participants can use any media to create a work for the exhibit that exemplifies the theme. One does not need to be an “artist” to participate. Exhibit pieces we welcome are, but not limited to, collage, jewelry, literature, musical compositions, needle work, painting, photography, poetry, quilting, rug hooking, sculpture, sewing and weaving. Collaborative group projects such as quilts, shared stitchery pieces will also be considered. If you’re interested in sharing your work at the Jesup Library, please contact Laura at ledwards@jesuplibrary.org.

Story Sponsors: National Library Lovers’ Month!

Did you know that February is National Library Lovers’ Month? We’ve added dozens of new titles to our Story Sponsors so that you can make the Jesup your Valentine! For a donation of $15, choose a title from our curated list of books to add to the library’s youth collection. Each sponsored book will feature a custom bookplate dedicated to you, a loved one, or a young reader who loves seeing their name in a library book. It’s a thoughtful and personal gift for anyone who cherishes reading and supports local libraries. Here are some of the titles available for sponsorship:

Rumpelstiltskin by Mac Barnett
I'm So Happy You're Here: A Celebration of Library Joy by Mychal Threets
Here Come the Aunties! by Cynthia Leititch Smith
The Lions’ Run by Sara Pennypacker
Crouton: One Cat’s Adoption Tale by Christine Lombardi
The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander
An Immense World - Young Readers’ Edition by Ed Yong
Dive by John David Anderson

View all titles

Jesup Joins Safe Streets for All

The Jesup is participating in Safe Streets for All, a campaign to eliminate severe injuries and fatalities on our roadways by 2035.

Your feedback will help to refine our plan and focus on the actions that matter most to our community. Participate by using this link to review the draft plan and submit feedback. Your responses will help to set priorities for implementation.

Upcoming Programs

Seed Sowing Workshop

Saturday, February 7th

1:00pm - 3:00pm

Join 5 Star Nursery and Orchard and the Native Gardens of Blue Hill for a presentation and workshop in the Periodicals Room. Learn how to get started planting and designing with native plants in your garden or yard. There will be a hands-on demonstration on winter-sowing native plant seeds, and each participant will be able to take home a seeded pot with them to germinate at home.

Understanding the ‘Harboring’ Statute

Wednesday, February 11th

6:30 to 7:30pm

Can you legally help people evade ICE? Is it a felony to help feed migrants' children in America? On Wednesday, February 11th at 6:30pm, Phil Worden will offer a public presentation on Federal Harboring Statute 8 USC 1324 on behalf of RedBooksMDI. The statute is especially important to anyone planning on providing food, transportation, or other benefits to vulnerable community members, such as migrant workers or asylum seekers.

Learn more

Malaga Island: A Community Erased

Thursday, February 12th

6:30 to 7:30pm

Maine State Archivist Kate McBrien will speak about the forced eviction and dismantling of the mixed-race Malaga Island community during the early 20th century. This presentation will be held by Zoom, and the public is invited to join others at the Jesup to watch the presentation together.

Author Talk with David Florig: Negative Peace

Thursday, February 19th

6:30 to 7:30pm

David Florig will return to the Jesup to present his third novel, Negative Peace. Negative Peace follows the journey of Joshua Sheehan, a Bucksport, Maine native who rises from Mayor of Bucksport to President of the United States. He has a plan - he wants to create a lasting world peace. It might only be Negative Peace, but it would be a start. What could be any easier?

Recurring Programs

Bar Harbor Scrabble Club

Connect with fellow word-lovers: all skill levels are welcome! Players are encouraged to bring their own boards, and some boards will also be provided. Scrabble Club meets on second and fourth Saturdays from 10:00am to 1:00pm.

Write On! Writing Group

Join the Write On! Writing Group for support in your craft. The Write On! writers meet Saturday mornings at 9:00 a.m. on Zoom. For more information, please contact the library at info@jesuplibrary.org.

Jesup Knitters' Guild

Fiber artists of all skill levels are welcome to drop in and enjoy crafting and conversation with the Jesup Knitters' Guild, Thursday evenings at 5:00pm!

Contradance with Big Moose Band

On the fourth Saturdays of the month, from 7:00pm to 9:30pm, dance the night away with a guest caller and music from the Big Moose Band. Anyone can attend with or without a partner. The next dance is on Saturday, January 24th, 2026.

View events calendar

Upcoming Youth Programs

We are partnering with Neighborhood Forest to give children in our community a free tree during Earth Week! Sign up at this link from now through March 15th. Trees will arrive at the Jesup Memorial Library during the week of Earth Day (April 22). We’ll contact you when your tree is ready for pick-up at the library!

February Vacation at the Jesup Library

Tuesday, February 17th - Friday, February 20th

1pm - 4pm

During February Vacation, drop by from 1 - 4pm on Tuesday through Friday for craft activities related to the Lunar New Year, Board Games, Pom Poms, and Legos! We ask that children in grade 2 and under are accompanied by an adult who can help out with the activities. View our calendar for more information and contact Abby with any questions: amorrow@jesuplibrary.org.

Learn more

Recurring Youth Programs

Story and Play
Children ages 5 and under and their caregivers are invited to join Abby on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 - 11:15 am for stories, songs, and playtime afterward to connect with other kids and parents.

Girls Who Code
Join supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world! On Wednesdays from 3:15 - 4:30, build coding skills and community while you complete coding projects. Grades 6-12. Email girlswhocodebarharbor@gmail.com to sign up.

Questions? Contact Youth Services Librarian Abby Morrow