Staff

Laura fell in love with Mount Desert Island and its community the first time she saw it on an Outward Bound trip at the age of 17 to hike the trails of Acadia National Park. When she moved to the island, one of her first jobs was teaching swim lessons at the MDI YMCA. She graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts, writing a final project on the taxonomy of dye plants. After graduating she continued to volunteer at the YMCA, as her two daughters swam with the Sharks swim team. She owned and operated several small businesses with her husband.

Laura began at the Jesup as a patron, became a board member, a volunteer, a substitute and finally a member of the staff. She loves books, information and working with people. Working at the library is her dream job – the library’s services are free to all and anyone can walk through the front door with only their imagination to limit them. Laura still hikes the trails of the park with her husband, two daughters and their families and three grandpups. Email Laura here.

Lila grew up on MDI, spending much of her childhood in each of the island's libraries. She is proud of her Somesville roots, and has spent the past 13 years living in Washington DC and telling everyone she meets about her hometown in Maine. An avid reader, Lila worked at the local bookstore Port In A Storm, and started her library career in American University's Interlibrary Loan office.

Lila spent 5 years working in international development, with a focus on rule of law in Central Asia and Serbia, youth entrepreneurship, and business development. She ran her own baking company for 3 years, and still loves to bake.

She is dedicated to her role helping to build the connection between the Jesup Library and the local community, and advancing the exciting capital campaign plans. Lila believes firmly in the value of libraries as sources of endless information, community resources, as meeting places, and an essential pillar of every community. Email Lila here.

Abby grew up on books by Maine authors and illustrators. Barbara Cooney's Miss Rumphius has always stuck with her and she follows the advice that Alice's grandfather gives her in the story: travel to far away places, come home to live by the sea, and do something to make the world a more beautiful place.

Abby previously worked at the Ellsworth Public Library for 12 years, first in the Youth Services Department, and then as Community Engagement Librarian. She enjoys connecting people with books, resources, and new ideas. She is excited to join the team at the Jesup. Abby welcomes new ideas and book recommendations for the youth collection. Email Abby here.

Lexie graduated from college with her Bachelor of Arts degree in educational studies and received her State of Maine K-6 teaching certification. After teaching, she owned a small local baking business.

Lexie has been a regular at Jesup's author talks and community events over the years. She enjoys being surrounded by books and serving her community. Lexie often brings home more books than she can read. Email Lexie here.

Janet was a summer resident here on MDI for 30 years while she was a high school chemistry teacher in northwest NJ. She received her BS degree from Rutgers University and her Masters Degree from Seton Hall University. After retiring from teaching she began working part-time at one library and now splits her cataloging time between Jesup and Southwest Harbor.

As a lifelong learner, teacher and reader Janet found that working in libraries felt like “home” to her and she enjoys keeping up with the latest books being published and reading as many as possible. She encourages patrons to send in book suggestions using the link on the Jesup website or by talking with the circulation desk staff.

In her leisure time, Janet plays clarinet with the Bar Harbor Band each summer and enjoys conducting the Acadia Handbell Choir as well as singing in the choir at the Somesville Union Meeting House. She has a new granddaughter who is already growing into a reader and she looks forward to balancing her working life with spending time with her growing family. Email Janet Here

Eloise grew up in the libraries of her hometown of New York City. She moved to Maine to earn her secondary teaching certification and a B.A. in Human Ecology. She was a classroom teacher for nearly ten years before joining the Jesup Library staff. As a teacher, Eloise loved helping her students develop their passions and become confident knowledge-seekers. As Program Coordinator, she is excited about building community through new program opportunities. Outside of the library, Eloise enjoys playing traditional folk music, trail running, and writing poetry. Email Eloise here.