Library’s 130th Anniversary Celebration Week of Events July 21-27, 2025

 

Southwest Harbor: The Southwest Harbor Public Library is proud to commemorate 130 years of service to the community with a week-long celebration filled with engaging events for all ages. From Monday, July 21 through Sunday, July 27, the library will host a wide range of activities that honor its rich history and vibrant role in the life of the town. The celebration marks the 130th anniversary of the construction and opening of the library’s iconic brick building at 338 Main Street in 1895.

Festivities begin Monday, July 21 at 4:30 p.m. on the library's Main Street lawn with a Town Proclamation Ceremony. Town Manager Karen Reddersen will officially declare Southwest Harbor Public Library Week, followed by celebratory cake and lemonade.

Highlights of the week include:

● Tuesday, July 22 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – The McCue Lecture with Lincoln Caplan, renowned legal scholar and author of six books on the Supreme Court. Caplan will present: "Does the Supreme Court Have Too Much Power — or Not Enough?"

● Wednesday, July 23 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. – Children’s Celebration, featuring fun activities including coloring, library-themed cookie decorating, and more.

● Thursday, July 24 from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. – Featured Guest Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo, will speak on the lawn of St. John’s Church. Russo’s novel Empire Falls, set in coastal Maine, won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2002.

● Friday, July 25 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Library Open House, featuring local oral histories and a walk-through of the library’s evolving legacy.

● Saturday, July 26 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. – Front Lawn Read-a-thon. Community members are invited to bring and read a favorite book or poem aloud on the library lawn.

● Sunday, July 27 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Finale Celebration Pig Roast Plus, a ticketed event on the lawn of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church. Enjoy delicious Pig Roast by Pitmaster Seth Mclain, additional dishes by Clark Point Catering, and live music from J.B. Harrison and the Seal Harbor Boys.

Throughout the month of July, visitors can enjoy special historical exhibits inside the library, including: a curated selection of historic photographs of the library; works and equipment from photographer Willis Humphreys Ballard (1906–1980); photographs of Ralph Stanley Boats; and opportunity to explore the library’s Oral Histories Collection.

Join us in honoring the Southwest Harbor Public Library’s 130-year journey of literacy, learning, and community connection. Registration and details at www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.

For the Calendar

July 21 Town Proclamation & Party 4:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Kick-off Event. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 22 Supreme Court Lecture 5:30-6:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. McCue Lecture Lincoln Caplan. "Does the Supreme Court Have Too Much Power — or Not Enough?" www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 23 Children’s Celebration 3:00-5:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. Activities and cookie decorating. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 24 Author Talk Richard Russo 5:30-6:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. On the Lawn of St. John’s Church across from the library. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 25 Open House & Oral Histories 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 26 Front Lawn Read-a-Thon 9:00-1:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library 130th Anniversary Event. Bring and read a favorite book or poem aloud on the library lawn. www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

July 27 Pig Roast Plus Fundraiser 5:00-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Event. On the Lawn of St. John’s Church across from the library. Rain or Shine. Tickets $130 available at www.swhplibrary.org/celebrate. 207-244-7065.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Receives “Best-In-State Bank” Recognition from Forbes for Fourth Consecutive Year

 

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB), the parent company of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce that the Bank has been recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of America’s “Best-In-State Banks” for the fourth consecutive year. The Bank was selected for the honor based on customer feedback and is one of only 191 banks to be recognized, representing less than 5% of all U.S. banks.

“To be named one of Forbes’ Best-in-State Banks for our home state of Maine for the fourth year in a row is a tremendous honor,” said Curtis C. Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “This recognition reflects our entire team’s unwavering dedication to our customers and communities, and our commitment to provide exceptional service to everyone who trusts us with their financial needs. We strive for excellence every day because we believe that is what our customers deserve.”

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been serving the financial needs of Northern New England residents and businesses since it was founded in 1887 in Bar Harbor, Maine. The Bank balances the delivery of digital services that customers require, such as mobile banking and mobile deposit, with a personal approach to banking that customers desire. The Bank has a full-service network of more than 50 branches across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

In addition to the “Best-in-State Banks” honor, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust also received recognition from Newsweek earlier this year as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks.”

For Forbes’ eighth annual ranking of the best banks in each state, the magazine partnered with market research firm Statista to conduct surveys with more than 26,000 U.S. residents about the banks and credit unions where they have a checking or savings account. Survey participants evaluated financial institutions based on criteria including: trust, customer service, digital tools, terms and conditions, and financial advice. The evaluation process also included analyzing more than 500,000 public reviews and ratings submitted over the past three years to gauge public sentiment about the banks under consideration.

Visit the Forbes website at www.forbes.com/lists/best-in-state-banks/ to learn more about the 2025 “Best-in-State Banks” recognition and the selection process.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating more than 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine, and has more than $4 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiary Bar Harbor Wealth Management. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

Welcome to new Chamber Member Bramble & Stone!

 

Please join us in welcoming Bramble & Stone to the Chamber!

They are "A small boutique where you’ll find fun items for women, children, and home."

They are just starting their 5th Season here in Southwest Harbor at 326 Main Street!

Be sure to stop in, say "hello", check out their lovely selection of gifts, and see what's new on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064131758491

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo in Book Groups, Screenings, & Talk featured for 130th Anniversary Celebrations

 

Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo and his books, will be featured as a part of the Southwest Harbor Public Library’s 130th Anniversary Celebration events in June and July. In preparation for Russo’s talk on Thursday, July 24th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the lawn of St. John Church across from the library, take part in pre-talk activities: an Empire Falls Book Group on Wednesday, June 11th at 5:30 p.m., a screening of the Empire Falls HBO TV Mini-series, Part 1 on Wednesday, June 25th from 5:30-7:00 p.m., Part 2 on Wednesday, July 2nd from 5:30-7:00 p.m., and a Life and Art Book Group on Wednesday, July 16th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Books are available to purchase at the library; Book Group attendees receive a discounted price. View details and registration information as well as other anniversary events at https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.

Richard Russo has written two memoirs and ten novels, most set in fictional small towns in New England. They include Straight Man, Bridge of Sighs, and three books set in upstate New York and referred to as the North Bath series: Nobody’s Fool, Everybody’s Fool and Somebody’s Fool. His 2001 Empire Falls, set on the Maine coast, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and Russo later adapted it into a television mini-series.

For more information or questions, email programs@swhplibrary.org, or call 244-7065.

Upcoming events:

June 11 Empire Falls Book Group 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130 Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

June 25 Empire Falls Screening Part 1 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 2 Empire Falls Screening Part 2 5:30-7:00 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130 Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/.programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 16 Life and Art Book Group 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. 130th Anniversary Celebration Event. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/. programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

July 24 Richard Russo Author Talk 5:30 p.m. Southwest Harbor Public Library. Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Richard Russo. On the lawn of St. John Church. Southwest Harbor. https://swhplibrary.org/celebrate/. programs@swhplibrary.org. 244-7065.

Island Connections Raises the Bar for $20K Match Challenge

 

Island Connections is once again celebrating independence on Mount Desert Island with the launch of its annual Match Challenge fundraising campaign, running May 26th (Memorial Day), through the 4th of July. This Independence Day themed campaign highlights Island Connections’ mission to promote independence and dignity by providing essential rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and more, all at no cost to riders.

This year, the stakes are even higher; thanks to generous seed donors, this year’s goal is $5,000 higher than last year’s. All donations up to $20,000 will be matched dollar for dollar to support free, reliable transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.

“We’re challenging ourselves to go further than we did last year,” said Executive Director Carissa Tinker. “It’s the perfect time to do it; what better way to celebrate Independence Day than by investing in Independence for our Neighbors?”

Board President Stephanie Clement added, “This campaign is an opportunity to highlight one of the core values behind our mission: independence. Island Connections empowers people to live their lives fully, regardless of age or ability, and supporting this challenge means making that possible for more members of our community.”

Donations made between May 26th and July 4th will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. This match campaign would not be possible without the generous support of the seed donors: Glenn & Nancy Tucker, Liz Cutler, Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, and two anonymous donors.

To contribute to the Match Challenge, visit islconnections.org and click “Donate,” or send a check to 93 Cottage St, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Call 207-288-4457 for more information.

Free Museum Passes With Your Library Card!

 

Three new partners have joined the local library museum pass program: the Abbe Museum, the Dorr Museum, and Land and Garden Preserve. Patrons from the Jesup Memorial Library, Northeast Harbor Library, and Southwest Harbor Public Library can borrow complimentary daily admission passes using their library cards.

New passes for 2025 include the Dorr Museum (Bar Harbor), the Abbe Museum (Bar Harbor), and the Land and Garden Preserve. Land and Garden Preserve passes will be available for the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden (Seal Harbor), as well as the Asticou Azalea and Thuya Gardens both located in Northeast Harbor.

Antonella Mastroianni, the Abbe Museum’s Senior Manager of Visitor Services, says, “The Abbe Museum prioritizes accessibility and takes pride in being a community partner. Because of this, we are excited to collaborate with local libraries to eliminate potential barriers that, for whatever reason, may prevent our community from visiting the museum.”

The other participating local museums in the program include the Maine Granite Industry Museum and Historical Society (Mt. Desert), the Oceanarium (Bar Harbor), Seal Cove Auto Museum (Tremont), and Wendell Gilley Museum (Southwest Harbor).

Contact your local library to reserve or borrow a pass. The Northeast Harbor Library and Southwest Harbor Public Library also offer passes to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens (Boothbay Harbor), the Maine Discovery Museum (Bangor), the Farnsworth Art Museum (Rockland), and the Portland Museum of Art.

Contact any of these libraries to get more info and to reserve your pass:

Jesup Memorial Library, https://www.jesuplibrary.org/museum-passes, 288-4245, info@jesuplibrary.org.

Northeast Harbor Library, https://nehlibrary.org/services/, 276-3333, talktous@nehlibrary.org.

Southwest Harbor Public Library, https://swhplibrary.org/passes/, 244-7065, circulation@swhplibrary.org.

Welcome to our new Chamber member, Scenic Acadia Tours!

 

Welcome to our new Chamber member, Scenic Acadia Tours!

At Scenic Acadia Tour Company, we offer immersive, locally guided experiences that showcase the best of Acadia National Park. With deep roots in the area and years of guiding experience, our tours are crafted to be informative, relaxed, and tailored to each group’s pace and interests.

Our guests often tell us how much they appreciate our friendly approach, rich knowledge of the park, and the thoughtful touches that make each tour special—rain or shine. Whether you're here for the stunning views, the hidden trails, or the stories behind the scenery, we're here to make sure you experience Acadia like a true local.

See more, learn more, and explore with ease. This is Acadia, the local way.

And check out their web site at: https://scenicacadiatours.com/#contact

Welcome to new Chamber Member, Lindenwood Inn!

 

Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber member, Lindenwood Inn!

Here's the Lindenwood owner, Jim King's, incredible story:

In February of 1993, Jim purchased the Inn, keeping the Lindenwood Inn name. Jim was born in Australia and loves traveling the world. After getting mugged in NYC on one of his adventures, he went to the Port Authority, explained his situation, and was put on a bus to Bar Harbor, Maine by the caring woman behind the counter. This chance journey was the beginning of Jim’s story in Maine.

Shortly after purchasing the Inn, a nor’easter blew off half the roof and the furnace went out. Jim immediately got to work putting his touch on the Inn as he made the repairs and soon after started welcoming guests. He planned to run the Inn for about five years, yet he felt the island’s pull as he returned to open the Inn each season. Eventually, he knew he had two homes-one in Australia and one in Southwest Harbor-and obtained dual citizenship.

A former cabinet and furniture maker, Jim’s design touch is infused throughout the Inn. His love for art flows throughout the Inn with carefully gathered pieces from his adventures around the world. What Jim loves most, however, is connecting with guests and welcoming them to the space he has lovingly created over the years. He knows we are all on a journey and appreciates the opportunity to provide travelers with modern comforts and simple luxuries during their stay at Lindenwood Inn. Jim is thrilled to celebrate his 30th year owning the Inn in 2023.

Learn more about the Lindenwood at https://lindenwoodinn.com/

ArtWaves April Member’s Show Opens at Northeast Harbor Library

 

ArtWaves is proud to present the April Member’s Show, an all-media exhibition celebrating the creative talents of its artist community. The show will be on display from April 2 to April 29 in the Mellon Room at the Northeast Harbor Library, located at 1 Joy Rd, Northeast Harbor, ME.

This exhibition showcases work from over 30 ArtWaves members, featuring painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, photography, and mixed media. An opening reception will be held on Thursday, April 3, from 5–7 PM, offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.

Library & Viewing Information

● Exhibit Dates: April 2 – April 29

● Library Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday, 9 AM – 5 PM

● Visitors are encouraged to check the library’s schedule at nehlibrary.org or call (207) 276-3333 to confirm room availability.

Featured Artists Include: Nancy Norris, Vicky Smith, Kailey Lewia, Kathie Pratt, Julie Meltzer, Autumn Smith, Laura Naomi, Brian Caine, Sue Christian, JoAnne Yates, Tracy Grieves, Isabel Mancinelli, Kelly Cutler, Roger L. Brignull, Laney Lloyd, Rick Osann, Jake Jacobson, Neil Needleman, Caroline Keller, Shelly Price, Terre Lefferts, Bonnie Chase, Maria Charette, Paige Collins, Joan Vienot, Mary Ternus, Liz Cutler, Katie Hodgkins, Will Erlanson, and Sherri Christianson.

About ArtWaves

ArtWaves is a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creative expression in Mount Desert Island and beyond. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative events, ArtWaves connects artists of all levels and mediums.

For more information about ArtWaves and membership opportunities, visit www.artwavesmdi.org.

Welcome to new Chamber member, Mount Desert Island Marathon!

 

Please join us in welcoming our new Chamber Member, Mount Desert Island Marathon!

The Mount Desert Island Marathon, Half & Relay is North America’s premier destination road race. The award-winning course features miles of pristine terrain passing tranquil lakes, soaring mountains, sleepy Maine villages, and stunning seaside vistas —including Somes Sound, the only fjord on the Eastern Seaboard— all set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Acadia National Park in peak fall foliage season. The Marathon and Team Relay start in the world-famous Bar Harbor, while the Half-Marathon starts in picturesque village of Northeast Harbor. All three races finish on the quietside of MDI in the hardworking lobster fishing community of Southwest Harbor.

Held annually the weekend following Indigenous Peoples’ Day, this fall classic has earned national and international accolades. Once you #RunMDI, you’ll see why!

Proudly hosted by Crow Athletics.

Learn more at: https://www.runmdi.org/

Library Celebrates 130 years of Service to the Community

 

As part of a year-long celebration of 130 years of service to the community, the Southwest Harbor Public Library is planning a mid-summer series of anniversary events for all ages. Happening July 21-27, activities will include a kick-off party, historical displays, children’s activities, and an evening with Pulitzer Prize winning author Richard Russo. The culminating event will be a festive barbecue with live music.

The anniversary celebration recognizes the construction and opening of the library’s brick building at 338 Main Street, built to house a growing collection that began in 1884 when resident Annie Sawyer Downs gathered cast-off books from the summer hotels and placed them on a shelf in a local drug store. Funded by donations from year-round and summer residents, the building was constructed over the summer of 1895 and was officially dedicated on October 31. (The library staff had been planning to celebrate the 125th anniversary in 2020, but the COVID pandemic forced a postponement.)

Featured writer Russo, who will speak Thursday, July 23 (time and venue to be announced), has written two memoirs and ten novels, most set in fictional small towns in New England. They include Straight Man, Bridge of Sighs, and three books set in upstate New York and referred to as the North Bath series: Nobody’s Fool, Everybody’s Fool and Somebody’s Fool. His 2001 Empire Falls, set on the Maine coast, was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and Russo later adapted it into a television mini-series.

The finale of the 130th anniversary celebration week will be a ticketed event on Sunday, July 27, on the lawn of St. Andrew’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church, a barbecue with live music by J.B. Harrison and the Seal Harbor Boys. More information and access to registrations and tickets will be available on the library website this spring as details are firmed up. www.swhplibrary.org.

“We are so proud of how the community has embraced this place and our mission,” says library director Erich Reed. “We refer to our library as the living room of the community, and we take that to heart. We also take seriously our celebration motto, Opening Doors for 130 Years. Our goal is to open doors to knowledge and to the joys of reading. And with the continued support of the community, we’ll be opening these doors for another 130 years and beyond.”

Watch for updates at www.swhplibrary.org, call 207-244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.

Welcome to new Chamber Member Friends of Acadia!

 

Please join us in welcoming our newest Chamber Member Friends of Acadia!

Since 1986, Friends of Acadia has been inspiring park lovers to give back to this magnificent place. There are many ways you can become a friend of Acadia – by volunteering, attending an event, becoming a member, or raising an important issue with elected officials.

We provide the tools and support to ensure that the park receives the most benefit from your efforts. Together, we can make a difference.

Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Our members make possible essential conservation projects in Acadia National Park and the surrounding communities.

THE KNOWLES COMPANY ANNOUNCES KEATING PEPPER’S RETIREMENT AND WELCOMES NEW OWNERSHIP

As The Knowles Company celebrates its 127-year legacy, it is with great pride and heartfelt emotion that we announce the retirement of Keating Pepper as an owner, effective December 31, 2024. Keating, who has been a cornerstone of the company since 1988 and co-purchased the business in 1994, has left an indelible mark on both the company and the community.

 

For over a century, The Knowles Company has stood as a pillar of excellence in real estate and vacation rentals on Mount Desert Island and beyond. Founded in 1898 by Belle Smallidge Knowles, it was built on a foundation of professionalism, local expertise, and a commitment to community. Guided by Kathy and Bob Suminsby, who led the business from 1972 to 1994, the company evolved through generations of leadership while preserving its reputation. Today, The Knowles Company remains a trusted name, continuing to honor its legacy as a boutique, independent company while adapting to meet the needs of a modern market.

 

Keating Pepper: A Career of Excellence and Dedication: Keating joined The Knowles Company as a broker in 1988 and became a co-owner in 1994, helping guide the company into a new era of independence. His leadership, professionalism, and community involvement have left an indelible mark on both the company and Mount Desert Island. Keating has long enjoyed sailing the Maine coast and is a trustee of the Mount Desert Island YMCA, where he remains actively involved in child development initiatives. Readers can learn more about his legacy in the March 2025 edition of the KnowlesLetter, available on Knowlesco.com  

 

A Generational Shift: New Leadership for a Legacy Company: As Keating steps back, The Knowles Company welcomes a generational shift in ownership, combining the wisdom of long-time leaders with the energy and vision of new partners. Joining existing owners Mia Thompson and Kate Chaplin are Claire Dorwart, Kitty Barbee, and Emily Anne Pepper. Together, this team reflects the company’s steadfast commitment to its traditions while embracing opportunities for growth.

 

Claire, who joined The Knowles Company in 2024 as Business Manager, has already made a significant impact on daily operations, leveraging her expertise in team leadership and operational systems to strengthen the company and position it for success. Kitty, the company’s CFO, brings a wealth of financial expertise and a strong commitment to the company’s future, ensuring stability and strategic growth. Both Claire and Kitty’s expanded roles as owners are a natural progression of their deep involvement in the company’s daily business and long-term planning. Emily Anne, the daughter-in-law of Keating Pepper, brings her strong ties to the family business and a deep appreciation for the Mount Desert Island community.

 

A Legacy of Leadership and Tradition: The Knowles Company’s legacy is deeply rooted in female leadership and a proud connection to Boston University. Founder Belle Smallidge Knowles, the first woman from Mount Desert to attend Boston University, set a standard of excellence that continues with current owners Mia Thompson and Claire Dorwart, both Boston University alumni. This shared connection underscores the company’s enduring commitment to excellence, leadership, and a vision that bridges its historic roots with its evolving future.

 

Honoring Tradition, Embracing Growth: “Keating’s retirement is a moment of reflection and celebration,” said Mia Thompson, Owner and President. “We honor his years of dedication and look ahead with excitement as our new ownership team carries The Knowles Company into its next chapter, staying true to our principles of professionalism, integrity, and community stewardship.”

 

About The Knowles Company: Founded in 1898, The Knowles Company is a boutique real estate agency located in Northeast Harbor, Maine. Known for its unmatched expertise, local connections, and commitment to service, the company remains a leader in the Mount Desert Island real estate market.

 

Southwest Harbor Public Library Receives $50,000 Grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for Solar Panel Installation

 

The Southwest Harbor Public Library is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a generous $50,000 grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.

“We are deeply grateful to the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation for their support,” said Erich Reed, Library Director. “This grant not only helps us address our operational costs but also aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship. By reducing our reliance on nonrenewable energy, we’re setting an example of sustainability for the entire community.”

In partnership with SolarLogix, the library will implement a solar panel system designed to harness clean, renewable energy. Once operational, the solar panels are expected to significantly lower the library’s energy costs, allowing more resources to be directed toward community programs and services.

The Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation was established to strengthen and support Maine communities. The Foundation focuses on initiatives that advance education, literacy, arts, and social services, with an emphasis on projects that benefit underserved populations and promote sustainability. This grant underscores the Foundation’s commitment to enriching Maine communities like Southwest Harbor.

The project is expected to be completed this spring. To learn more about opportunities to support this project, please contact Erich Reed at (207) 244-7065 or email director@swharborlibrary.org.

Upcoming at the Southwest Harbor Public Library!