Catch up with the Jesup!

October 10, 2025

News

Unveiling the Creating Acadia National Park Research Archive

After more than a decade of preparation, a digital collection of 30,000 primary documents related to the creation of Acadia National Park is now available to the public through the History Trust as the Creating Acadia National Park Research Archive. The Jesup Memorial Library is grateful to Ronald H. Epp for undertaking the herculean task of collecting documents from federal, public, and academic libraries and making the physical copies available to the public through the Jesup’s new archive.

Ronald H. Epp is the celebrated author of Creating Acadia National Park: The Biography of George Bucknam Dorr, published by Friends of Acadia in 2016. Public demand and the author’s desire for wide distribution led to preparation of the research archive, which includes manuscripts, interviews, and correspondence as well as transcriptions, maps, diverse news clippings, and a robust collection of relevant documents from the Rockefeller Archive Center.

The timeframe covers the early 19th century through mid-20th century. Since no administrative history of Acadia National Park existed, the biography was undertaken as an important contribution to the 2016 centennials of Acadia and the National Park Service.

The physical collection will be housed in the new climate-controlled archive of the Jesup’s expansion, scheduled to open to the public in 2026. In addition to preserving these resources for future generations, the expansion will provide for greater access to the library’s special collections and facilitate amateur and professional researchers to explore local history and genealogy and to contribute to the living body of scholarship on and about Mount Desert Island.

Access the archive

Periodicals Room Update

Construction continues apace, and we’re excited for passage to be created between the Youth Room and the new addition. While this is happening over the next month, Youth Services will occasionally expand its programs into the Periodicals Room. This will not interfere with any existing programs in the Periodicals Room nor will it interrupt access to the periodicals. Notices will be posted in the Rotunda on the days that Youth Services will be using the Periodicals Room.

Contradance with Big Moose Band

The last Bar Harbor Contradance of 2025 will take place on Saturday, October 25th, called by Chris Ricciotti and featuring the Big Moose Band. Dance from 7 - 10pm; beginners and families welcome! $10 suggested donation per adult for admission.

Upcoming Programs

An Evening with Award-Winning Songwriter Lyle de Vitry

Thursday, October 16th

6:30 to 7:30pm

Effortlessly moving between unity and dissonance, voice and instrumentation, rhythm and melody, Lyle de Vitry integrates the comfort of folk music with the emotional release and intentionality of classical compositions. In so doing, he manages to create a sound as dynamic and honest as the ocean’s eternally flowing tides or the planet’s ever-changing seasons. This event is offered in-person only.

Write On! Writers Share Their Work

Thursday, October 23rd

6:30 to 7:30pm

On Thursday, October 23rd at 6:30pm, members of Jesup Memorial Library's weekly online writers’ group will read and talk about their writing, how the group works, and how you can become a member. Featured writers will include Michelle Bates, Lisa Boblett, Joan FitzGerald, Stephanie Lyn, Andrew McQuinn, Dona Parker, Steven Roiphe, and Carol Woolman.

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!

View events calendar

Upcoming Youth Programs

Halloween Crafternoon with Mike Duffy

Wednesday, October 22nd or Friday, October 24th

3:00pm

Join us on Wednesday, October 22 OR Friday, October 24 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. for a crafty afternoon with local artist, Mike Duffy! Both programs will feature the same activities. Space is limited. We ask that children in grades 2 and under are accompanied by an adult who can help out with the activity.

Learn more

Parenting Workshop: Navigating Friendships and Understanding Bullying

Wednesday, October 22nd

5:00 - 6:30pm

Join us for a parenting workshop with Tara McKernan and Andrea Howell from Echo Consulting! This workshop will have a Q&A format and focuses on kids ages 6-12. Children are encouraged to attend the program. If they are comfortable sharing, they will have an opportunity to share their thoughts with other kids present. If they would rather hang out in the youth room during the program, that's fine too!

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.

Chronicles of Yarnia: Youth Fiber Arts Group
Enter the world of Yarnia! On Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00pm, youth ages 10 - 17 are invited to bring a fiber arts project or start a new project at the library.

Questions? Contact Youth Services Librarian Abby Morrow