Catch up with the Jesup!

October 2nd, 2026

News

From Our Director

Did you know that October is National Book Month? It is! Started in 2003 by the National Book Foundation, this is a full month where we encourage you to enjoy books of all kinds! Below my note is a list of Jesup patrons’ favorite books of the year so far - an inspiring list of titles new and old, fiction and non. Check it out - maybe your new favorite is on this list!

Here are some ways to expand your book horizons at the Jesup:

Read a large print book
Read an ebook from Libby or CloudLibrary
Listen to an audiobook from Libby or CloudLibrary
Read a Wonderbook (audio-enabled print book)
Watch/listen to a storybook on Kanopy Kids
Read a comic book in ComicsPlus
Read a graphic novel
And of course, come to the library to browse through all the print books in our stacks!

If you want to go beyond the Jesup’s offerings, find more books from these trusted partners:

Access talking books and braille books from the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (requires registration)
Read a public-domain book through Project Gutenberg
Listen to a public-domain book at Librivox

Recent Reads: I just started listening to the Libby version of Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray, so I have no plot summary or rating to give you this week. Here’s my favorite tip for finding great audiobooks in Libby: search for books that have won an Audie Award.

Read on!

Megan

Archives & Special Collections: Grand Opening

We are honored to announce the Grand Opening of the Ronald and Elizabeth Epp Archives and Special Collections. Please join library staff and supporters on Wednesday, October 21st from 3pm to 5pm for short remarks, refreshments, and a tour of all the spaces in this extraordinary facility.

In development for over a decade, the Epp Archives and Special Collections includes the L.B. Deasy Research Room, the Douglas Chapman Archival Stacks, the George B. Dorr Instruction Space, and the First National Bank Digital Lab. This unique space was designed and funded by a number of donors and collaborators. The Jesup is deeply grateful for years of support that led directly to the opening of this remarkable new community resource.

The Jesup’s archives and special collections are currently spread among multiple locations in Bar Harbor and Augusta. In our new climate-controlled facility, these materials can be organized, preserved, and made available to the public for research. Historic newspapers and other items already in the library will be moved into the archives over the next several weeks. Additional collections that will come to the Jesup include Creating Acadia National Park: The George B. Dorr Research Archive of Ronald H. Epp and the Chapman Archive, a unique set of papers, maps, and other documents chronicling the development and creation of Acadia National Park.

RSVP

Strengthening Community: Forging Connections Through Art

On Sunday, Oct. 4th at 4:00pm, join eight artists for an afternoon of creative expression, music, and refreshments, hosted at the library in the Thomas Lord Wing. The event is organized by State Representative Gary Friedmann in hopes of strengthening community bonds and nourishing stressed minds at a time of political chaos and national divisiveness. Walk-ins are welcome! Learn more here.

Upcoming Programs

The Librarians Screening and Panel

Tuesday, October 6th

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Celebrate Banned Books Week with the Jesup Memorial Library and the Criterion Theatre, who present a screening of The Librarians on Tuesday, October 6th, at 6:00pm at the Criterion (35 Cottage Street, Bar Harbor). The screening will be followed by a short panel discussion with local librarians Davonne Pappas, Siobhan Ryan, and Janet Clifford.

Five Questions: The Gift of Conversation

Thursday, October 8th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Many individuals recognize the importance of discussing their end-of-life care wishes, yet few have had these conversations. Have you had that talk? In this session, you will discover more about advanced care planning and how to share this vital conversation with those who matter most in your life.

Bear Behavior: Mending Cozy Clothes

Wednesday, October 14th

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Winter is coming! Do you have any gear or clothes that you squirreled away during the warmer months and now are remembering said gear/clothing needs some TLC? Don't throw them away - come here and mend them! The Jesup Makerspace and Golden Hour Gear Repair are here to help! This program is intended for adults, and novice and experienced menders are both welcome. Materials and tools will be supplied.

Author Talk with Weslea Sidon: If Only

Thursday, October 15th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Poet Weslea Sidon will be joined by friends for a reading of her latest collection of poems, If Only, which offers a "portrait of place that is both specific and universal." Sidon's poems have appeared in many literary magazines as well as the New York Times, the Bar Harbor Times and the Mount Desert Islander.

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.

Next Chapter Book Club

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and caregivers are welcome to our book club on Thursdays at 2pm. We read, socialize, and build community! To join, please contact our Program Coordinator, Eloise, at eschultz@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, September 26th.

View events calendar

Upcoming Youth Programs

Indigenous Peoples’ Day Educational Art

Saturday, October 10th

10:30am - 11:30am

Celebrate Indigenous People's Day by learning about the Wabanki Nations through making and reading about art! This program was made in collaboration with the Abbe Museum and the Makerspace couldn't be more thrilled! Kids (ages pre-K and up) and adults alike are welcome to come and try out weaving and scratch art while learning about the different tribes in Maine and their history.

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.

Makerspace Open Hours

Bring your crafts, ideas, and/or curiosity and create with us! The Makerspace is open to ages 10+ on first Saturdays from 1:00pm - 4:00pm. Questions? Reach out to Makerspace Assistant, Sam, at syanevskyy@jesuplibrary.org.

Girls Who Code
Join supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world! On Wednesdays from 3:30 - 5:00pm, 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