Catch up with the Jesup!

February 20th, 2026

News

Island Readers & Writers and Jesup to host Mac Barnett on National Tour

The Jesup is honored to be among five libraries nationwide selected to host award-winning author Mac Barnett on his national tour as the 2026 Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Mac Barnett will appear at the Jesup on Wednesday, June 3rd. Here’s an introduction from Island Readers & Writers:

The tradition of the picture book is a tradition of experimentation, just like childhood itself. Every page turn contains infinite possibilities—a journey of discovery and connections. After all, picture books blend words and illustrations to create a uniquely powerful reading experience, one that is often the foundation for a lifetime of reading.
On his nationwide tour as national ambassador, Mac invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.

Maine is the only East Coast stop on Mac Barnett’s tour. Mark your calendars — and read more about the National Ambassador program from Island Readers & Writers and the Library of Congress!

Story Sponsors: National Library Lovers’ Month!

Story Sponsors for February are still open! 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

Upcoming Programs

A History of Bar Harbor with Paul Maristany

Saturday, February 21st

2:00 to 3:00pm

Join Paul Maristany in the Periodicals Room at 2pm on Saturday, February 21st for an informal historical lecture with a focus on European and nautical history. Paul will survey major developments in Western history and how they relate to the history of Bar Harbor.

Learn more

Echoes in the Fog: Literary Reflections on the Liminal Spaces of Maine’s Coast

Thursday, February 26th

6:30 to 7:30pm

Echoes in the Fog: Literary Reflections on the Liminal Spaces of Maine’s Coast gathers 58 poets, essayists, storytellers, and photographers exploring the mystery and beauty of Maine’s coast. From island harbors to fog-draped peninsulas, each piece reveals how tide, weather, and light shape the lives of those who call the shoreline home.

Learn more

The Singing Journalist

Thursday, March 5th

6:30 to 7:30pm

In this evening of storytelling and songs, longtime journalist, author, educator and performing songwriter Andy Revkin will explore the evolution of his dual-path journey aimed at connecting the public with ideas, issues and solutions using any means possible

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, February 28th, 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!

CES Chess Club

Wednesday, February 25th - Wednesday, March 18th

4 - 6pm

We’re excited to host the Conners Emerson Chess Club for weekly meetings until March 18th. Chess Club will take place in the basement stacks on Wednesdays from 4 - 6pm.

Contact Abby to 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