Riverwalk North Rejuvenation
– with Heart of Ellsworth and Frenchman Bay Conservancy
Heart of Ellsworth recently announced that they’ve been awarded the Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) grant, supported by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation! This funding allows them to enhance Riverwalk North and transform it into a vibrant Sculpture Trail in collaborating with Frenchman Bay Conservancy and the Ellsworth Public Library.
In this first planning phase, the project will blend art and outdoor recreation, featuring sculptures by Maine artists from the Schoodic International Sculpture Symposium (SISS). Frenchman Bay Conservancy will continue to work to extend the trail, while the library will explore how to ensure accessibility for all through the replacement of the stairs behind the library, improve the parking lot situation and work on the retaining wall also in the back of the library. Together, we aim to create a unique cultural and recreational space that celebrates Ellsworth’s heritage and ensures future enjoyment for all.
Read on in the Ellsworth American: Planning underway for the new Riverwalk Expansion [by Sarah Halberstaedt, 2 January 2025]
Neighborhood Libraries
– in three different rural areas in Hancock, ME
In June of 2024 we deployed Neighborhood Libraries in three rural communities: Surry, Lamoine, and Hancock. The boxes represent the library’s commitment to overcoming geographic barriers that hinder access to library services in rural areas. The initiative stems from the library’s mission to serve as a vital hub of learning and inspiration for the residents of Ellsworth and its surrounding areas. These are the specific locations: Surry (Gatherings), Hancock (Hancock Community Center), and Lamoine (Town Hall).
“We recognize that the rural nature of Hancock County presents challenges for many residents to access library resources,” says Gene Pellerano, President of the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library. “Through the introduction of Neighborhood Libraries, we aim to break down these barriers and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting the pursuit of knowledge in all communities we serve.”
Find out more about Neighborhood Libraries.
Baby’s 1st Library Card
– in collaboration with Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital
On May 23, 2024 we launched “Baby’s 1st Library Card,” a collaboration with and Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in an effort to foster early literacy and a love for reading in infants. Currently, every baby born at Maine Coast Hospital will receive a welcome package that includes a board book and a complimentary voucher for a library card for our library.
The program underscores that it is never too early to start reading to your baby.
This initiative is made possible through funding dedicated to the memory of the late Melanie Zador, a devoted hospital volunteer and Vice President of the Friends of the Ellsworth Public
Library. The program stands as a testament to her commitment to community enrichment through literacy.
Find out more about Baby’s 1st Library Card.