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