Catch Up with the Jesup--October 2020

A Note from Our Director

"Welcome to the Jesup"--that's what I say when we begin a program. It looked like one thing when we were all gathered together in the Reading Room of the library, particularly on one of those evenings where we had smooshed chairs into every square inch of floorspace. Now, it looks like something else, when we see each other in little boxes on our computer screens. But you know what? It still means the same thing--we are glad you have joined us to share this experience together.

The Jesup loves to be able to offer opportunities for us to come together to learn about something, to hear from an author, to share our ideas. In the last month we took you on a harrowing adventure on the Pacific Crest Trail, heard about five people who are critical to how we understand our country, learned about experiments with zebrafish that may help us grow new kidneys, shared tales of our "first time," listened to two bestselling authors talk about writing and research, delved into the things that make our historic building a "jewel box" and experienced the making of an iconic film in a small town in Maine in the 1950s. If you missed any of these, they can be heard by going to our website.

With our new way of offering programs we have some advantages: No worries about bad weather or it being too hot! No one has to circle the block looking for parking! You don't have to get out of your comfy clothes into something my mother called "decent!" And, if you cannot join us right at that time you can still participate when it is convenient for you. This means that our friends who could not be on-island this year are still able to be "with us at the Jesup." We have had people attend from all over the country and even from other continents--our family grows larger.

We are delighted that we are able to continue to serve you. Thank you for joining us!

Ruth Eveland

Thanks to the Bar Harbor Garden Club!

This month Bar Harbor Garden Club members Kim Zdenek, Deb Smith and Sharyn Hastings replanted the three large flower pots accompanying the two benches the Club gifted to the Jesup earlier this summer. Make sure you check out their new fall arrangements. Our heartfelt thanks to the Club for creating this beautiful space for our community.

Online Events with the Jesup

Join the Jesup for a series of great events in October. Registration for all these events is required to receive the Zoom link. To sign up for these virtual events please fill out the forms linked below or email Kayla. If you missed a previous event there are recordings of most programs here.

Thurs., Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. Author Talk with Ginny Sassaman "Preaching Happiness: Creating a Just and Joyful World"

"Preaching Happiness" features a series of secular sermons on a wide range of happiness skills that encourages the transformation needed to live a full and happy life while also creating maximum well-being for the whole planet. Sassaman, the co-founder of Gross National Happiness USA, touches on topics from beauty to the need for an alternative economic framework, from kindness to social comparison, from lifelong learning to happiness skills for activists. The sermons included give a much deeper understanding of changes each of us can make to be our best selves, and work together for a better world. Sassaman is the founder of the Happiness Paradigm, has a master's in mediation and a certificate in positive psychology and teaches secular meditation classes. Copies of "Preaching Happiness" are available through co-sponsor Sherman's Books. Register for the Zoom link by filling out the form here.

Fri., Oct. 16 at 7 p.m. Words Unleashed! Story Slam "My Boss. The Good, the Bad and the Indifferent"

Those familiar with "The Moth" broadcast on NPR will recognize the format: these are true stories told live. Join emcee Jeff Miller and share your own, first-person, true story that fits the theme.This month the focus is on bosses. Did you have a horrible boss that made your life terrible? Or maybe you had a boss that just did not care about anything. We want to hear your story. Register for the Zoom link by filling out the form here.

Thurs., Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. Author Talk with Kim Stanley Robinson "The Ministry for the Future" with A Climate to Thrive

Robinson, a science fiction writer who The New Yorker called "one of the most important political writers working in America today," will speak about his newest book which uses fictional eyewitness accounts to tell the story of how climate change will affect us all. "The Ministry for the Future" is set not in a desolate, postapocalyptic world, but a future that is almost upon us. It is one of the most powerful and original books on climate change ever written. Robinson is a New York Times bestselling author and winner of the Hugo, Nebula and Locus awards. In 2008, he was named a "Hero of the Environment" by Time magazine, and he works with the Sierra Nevada Research Institute. Copies of "The Ministry for the Future" are available through co-sponsor Sherman's Books. A Climate to Thrive is also a co-sponsor of this event. Register for the Zoom link by filling out the form here.

For the Kids

Miss Mae is doing weekly preschool story times on Thursdays on our Facebook page. She reads a story, sings songs and does a craft. If you have missed any of Miss Mae's previous story times check out the playlist here. Miss Mae is also hitting the road and visiting locations around MDI for virtual field trips as well starting a fun new cooking series that focuses on stories and international cuisine. We will be launching these two new video series soon.

If you are looking for something to read there are new books in the children's room. Make sure to ask Miss Mae for a recommendation!

Thank You to Our Business Council

We want to thank our Jesup Memorial Library's Business Council Members for their generous support. We are extending 2019 Business Council Membership through the end of 2020 even if they are not able to continue their support at this time. We understand that the coming year may be difficult for many of our local business sponsors and want to do as much as we can to help them. If you are able, please visit, call, order take-out or refer these businesses to your family and friends as you need products and services in the coming days and weeks.

Visionary (5,000+)

Machias Savings Bank/ Bar Harbor Bank & Trust

Champion ($2,500-$4,999)

Sherman's Books & Stationery

Vanguard Level ($1,000-$2,499)

Henry Hotels, Inc. / Bar Harbor Campground / Window Panes / Mystery Writers of America: New England Chapter / Fiore Artisan Olive Oils & Vinegars / Bar Harbor Savings & Loan / First National Bank and First National Wealth Management / Coston, McIsaac & Shea / Bar Harbor (MDI) Rotary