Catch up with the Jesup!

March 20th, 2026

News

From Our Director

Our contractors are making great progress on the Jesup's expansion, and we’re getting close to finishing this main project. This week, much of the inside painting was wrapped up. The brickwork and tile in the doorways connecting the historic building with the new expansion are almost done.

Even more exciting, we received a large shipment of furniture that’s being assembled and arranged in all the different locations. There are still many details to finish, but chairs, tables, sofas, and more really bring the new building to life. We can’t wait to welcome you inside!

Recent Reads: Last week I read Run for the Hills by Kevin Wilson, a madcap and poignant road trip novel about finding lost family, taking risks, and reinventing yourself. Taking a page from We Rate Dogs, I give this book 12/10.

Read on,

Megan

Jesup Receives ‘Casual For A Cause’ benefit from Bar Harbor Bank and Trust

The Jesup is honored to be among ten organizations supported by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for a Cause. Read about this program in the Bar Harbor Story!

Photo credit: Bar Harbor Bank & Trust

Community Letter-Writing Workshop

On Saturday, March 21st from 12pm to 2pm, join Alison Bligh and other community members in the Basement Stacks to write customized letters to your legislators and representatives. Urge your legislators to support or oppose bills during the legislative session and contact your representatives about any issue you’re passionate about! Supplies and snacks will be provided, just bring yourself and a desire to build community power!

Learn more

Upcoming Programs

Maine Youth Power: Governor’s Forum Watch Party

Thursday, March 26th

6:00 to 8:00pm

Join our ‘Watch Party’ in the basement stacks for the Maine 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Candidate Forum. Maine Youth Power is hosting the forum in collaboration with the Community Organizing Alliance and the Young People's Caucus, and broadcasting the forum to ‘watch parties’ like ours across the state.

Learn more

Now More Than Ever: A History of MDI’s League of Women Voters and Its Work to Safeguard Democracy

Thursday, March 26th

6:30 to 7:30pm

In this program offered through the MDI Historical Society, Cara Ryan will trace League’s evolution from its suffragist foundations to its mid-century "wobbly steps," through a very active 1960s-1990s, and to its dynamic reinvigoration in the 21st century. This talk offers a fascinating lens on local and national women’s history, highlighting the colorful characters who have remained steadfast in their non-partisan commitment to free and fair elections.

Music & Conversation with DownEast New Music

Thursday, April 2nd

6:30 to 7:30pm

DownEast New Music’s hour-long program will feature selections for soprano, cello, double bass, and piano by composers Christopher Cerrone, Igor Stravinsky, Katherine Balch, and Charles Ives. Each piece will include discussions of themes, context, and techniques, led by Clare Monfredo, Edward Kass, Conrad Winslow, and Nina Guo.

Music & Conversation with Peregrine Road

Thursday, April 8th

5:30 to 6:30pm

Peregrine Road plays captivating acoustic music that occupies a sweet spot somewhere between chamber music and folk music, with complex arrangements and lush textures alongside raw energy and multi-cultural influences.

Karen Axelrod and Rachel Bell have become known together as a powerhouse duo capable of a huge variety of styles, in demand throughout North America and beyond for concerts, workshops, festivals, English country dances, contra dances, and other events. Peregrine Road’s music is rooted in Celtic, English, French, Quebecois, New England, and Appalachian traditions while at the same time infused with the excitement of new compositions and dynamic improvisation. Audiences frequently remark on Peregrine Road's exquisite musicianship and mastery of their instruments, as well as their outrageous humor and ability to connect with listeners of all ages and walks of life.

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, March 28th.

View events calendar

Upcoming Youth Programs

Crafternoon with Mike Duffy: Celebrate Spring!

Friday, March 27th

3:00 - 4:30pm

Join us on Friday, March 27 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm for a crafty afternoon with local artist, Mike Duffy! School-age children are welcome to attend. Children in grade 2 and under are accompanied by an adult who can help out with the activity. All materials will be provided. Space is limited.

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