Catch up with the Jesup!

August 21st, 2026

News

From Our Director

Over the past few months, I’ve heard a lot of folks ask questions about our Makerspace, located in the back portion of the Community Room. What is it? When can I use it? What can I do in it?

We have answers!

A makerspace is a space for collaboration, creativity, and (of course) making things. Makerspaces typically house a wide range of tools, supplies, technologies, and machines for independent or staff-facilitated use.

The Jesup’s makerspace is currently staff-facilitated by Makerspace Assistant Sam. Each month Sam will offer at least one adult and one tween/teen program. On the first Saturday of the month from 1 - 4pm, Sam will hold open hours for makers in fifth grade and older. Sign up on the website for these events.

In our makerspace, you can do things like:

Bring in a work-in-progress from home and finish it up
Ask for help on where to start with a project or idea
Show up with no plan and use whatever materials we have to make something
Use the Chompsaw to make cardboard creations
Be there to support a friend
Socialize with your neighbors while doodling
Simply check out the space and its vibe

Have a suggestion for tools, programs, and the space itself? Share your ideas!

Recent Reads: I just checked out Tiny Pep Talks: Bite-Size Encouragement for Life's Annoying, Stressful, and Flat-Out Lousy Moments by Paula Skaggs and Josh Linden, because sometimes it’s important to get a pep talk when you’re facing a mundane but daunting issues like forgetting to reply to a text, responding to your friend who constantly pushes a podcast you’re never going to listen to, or parallel parking in a busy city street. No time to read the book? Listen to Skaggs and Linden on NPR’s Life Kit podcast. (See what I did there?) I rate this little gem 13/10.

Read on!

Megan

The History Trust Launches New Online Archives Platform

The History Trust invites the public to join us at a launch event on Thursday, August 27th at 5:30pm in the Thorndike Library Reading Room, College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor. The event is free and open to all and will feature a guided introduction to the new Online Archive platform and refreshments. It is a wonderful opportunity to explore what local archives have to offer, meet the people behind the work, and raise a glass to collaborative stewardship. Sign up for the launch here!

The History Trust was founded on the belief that historical collections should be a community resource, and that collaboration is key to making them accessible. The new platform succeeds the Digital Archive, the new Online Archives builds on its legacy with powerful new tools, including online exhibits that bring curated collections to life through storytelling, and a professional collections management system that helps member organizations better care for their holdings for future generations. Enhanced searching, high-resolution viewing, curated virtual exhibits, and mobile-friendly access make the archive easier to use than ever before. From genealogists and students to educators and curious neighbors, the Online Archives serves the regional community in a variety of ways, offering something for every audience. For more information about the event, visit historytrust.org or email info@historytrust.org.

News Flash! The Jesup Library is launching the Next Chapter Book Club.

At the Next Chapter Book Club (NCBC), adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities read and learn, make friends, and enjoy a fun community gathering place. Anyone can participate, no matter their reading level or ability. Caregivers and communication partners are also welcome to attend. To start the Next Chapter Book Club at the Jesup, we are looking for 4 - 8 participants to meet weekly at the library.

If you are interested, please join us on Wednesday, September 9th at 5:30pm for an initial Meet n’ Greet in the Poteet Gallery. Get to know the group facilitators and other book club members, see the space where the book club will be held, and tell us about your favorite books!

If you are interested in joining the NCBC but are unable to attend, please contact Eloise at eschultz@jesuplibrary.org, by calling 207-288-4245 or by inquiring at the circulation desk.

Learn more

Upcoming Programs

MDI Housing Opportunities: How Much Do We Need? Where Could It Go?

Thursday, August 27th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Available and attainable housing is a persistent challenge on Mount Desert Island. How much do we need? Where should it go? Learn more about the MDI & Acadia Region Housing Analysis and Housing Opportunities Map, and possible strategies for using these tools to create new housing opportunities in the MDI Region.

Author Talk with Caitlin Shetterly: Gulf of Lions

Thursday, September 3rd

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Reconciling with her husband after a betrayal and recovering from a yearlong battle with breast cancer, Alice longs for an escape from the trials of everyday life. When the opportunity arises for a once-in-a-lifetime camping trip across France, she packs up her daughters, hoping it’s the new start she so desperately needs. Join author Caitlin Shetterly in conversation with novelist Ann Packer about her new novel, Gulf of Lions.

One Nation, Under Fraud: The Penobscot Remonstrance and the Fight for Sovereignty

Thursday, September 10th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Join the MDI Historical Society and the Abbe Museum for a panel discussion of how law and policy were deliberately shaped to control, diminish, and deny Wabanaki sovereignty. Following the panel, participants are invited to continue the conversation next door at the Abbe Museum, where the exhibit In the Shadow of the Eagle offers a powerful visual and cultural companion to the issues discussed.

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 9:00am 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, August 22nd.

View events calendar

Upcoming Youth Programs

Weird Little Guys (Grades 4 - 8)

Saturday, August 22nd

10:30am - 11:30am

Fuglers and Labubus are cool… but have you ever wanted a custom one? Come to the Makerspace and make your own weird little guy to carry around! This program will be like Build-a-Bear in that kids can come in, pick up a little guy, and decorate it however they want. Kids will also be welcome to freestyle from the materials available.

Learn more

Pop D.A.R.T.S. (Grades 5 - 12)

Saturday, August 29th

10:00 - 2:00pm

Are you in grades 5-12? Drop by between 10-2 for a party before school starts. Play pop darts, eat pop tarts, make pop art and listen to pop songs. A gluten-free vegan alternative will be offered for a snack. If you have any questions, please contact Abby (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 - 11:15am for stories, songs, and playtime afterward to connect with other kids and parents.

Questions? Contact Youth Services Librarian Abby Morrow