Catch up with the Jesup!

September 18th, 2026

News

From Our Director

Did you hear that The Librarians won an Emmy? Not our librarians, specifically, but the acclaimed documentary about book bans nationwide, and how librarians defend that freedom in service of independent thought, informed decision-making, and a democratic society.

We are so excited to bring The Librarians to our community in partnership with The 1932 Criterion Theater on Tuesday, October 6th, and to invite three real-life librarian superstars to discuss their work and the issues presented in the documentary. Please register on our website to attend!

Recent Reads: Lately I went down a rabbit hole with a new-to-me author. I binge-read the first four books in the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch. Premise: What do you get when you cross the London Police with the supernatural? Go on some police procedural adventures with Police Constable (and apprentice wizard) Peter Grant and find out. I rate these collectively as a 12/10.

Read on!

Megan

It’s National Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Maine has 257 public libraries, which open doors for every Mainer to free print and digital collections, borrow libraries of things - everything from apple slicers to xylophones - and inspire creativity, inspiration, and lifelong learning.

In honor of National Library Sign-Up Month, the Maine State Library and Maine State Parks have partnered to give all Maine library card holders free admission to participating Maine State Parks on Saturday, September 19th. Simply show your library card at the entrance of a participating park, and enjoy a day outdoors at no cost.

That’s not all! Through the 2026 Maine Library Passport Challenge, you can win prizes by visiting as many libraries as you can between now and the end of the year. You can pick up a passport to collect stamps at our circulation desk, or visit https://mainelibraries.org/passport to learn more.

What’s New on Kanopy?

September is the perfect time to discover your next favorite series. Kanopy’s TV Series in September collection features critically acclaimed dramas, docs, and limited series, available free with your library card. Browse the collection here!

Upcoming Programs

Otter Creek’s Lost Waterfront with Durlin Lunt

Thursday, September 24th

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Join the MDI Historical Society for a talk with Durlin Lunt about how land acquisitions by John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the expansion of Acadia National Park systematically isolated the village from its ancestral shores, and how a modern restoration of the village’s working maritime identity could remedy nearly a century of disenfranchisement.

Transformational: Ken Curtis, Maine’s Reform Governor

Thursday, October 1st

5:30pm - 6:30pm

When elected in 1966 at age 35, Ken Curtis was the nation’s youngest Governor. He served eight years through war and social upheaval, a liberal Democrat who nonetheless transformed state government and put it on a sound financial footing – all while working with a Republican Legislature. Author Douglas Rooks presents Transformational, a skillful portrait of Gov. Curtis and his role as one of the most significant change agents in Maine history.

Strengthening Community: Forging Connections Through Art

Thursday, October 4th

4:00 - 6:00pm

Join eight artists for an afternoon of creative expression, music, and refreshments. 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. Space will be limited to 120 participants.

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

Wings of Fire Workshop (Grades 4 - 8)

Saturday, September 26th

10:30am - 11:30am

The Makerspace is turning into a dragon nest this September! Kids in grades 4-8 are welcome to this "Wings of Fire" themed art program where we'll be making various dragon crafts and claw-some bookmarks. Whatever you make doesn't have to be an official dragonet or winglet. Original dragons are welcome! We can't wait to see who flies in!

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 3:15 - 4:30pm, 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