ELLSWORTH – Ellsworth Public Library (EPL) and Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital are launching
“Baby’s 1st Library Card,” a collaboration fostering early literacy and a love for reading in infants.
Starting May 23, 2024, 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 the Ellsworth Public 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.
Ellsworth Public Library currently offers six recurring kid’s programs. Among these, “Baby Story &
Play,” held every Friday from 9 AM to 9:30 AM, is tailored specifically for infants, providing an
interactive and stimulating environment for early learning. The library is also a recognized Family
Place Library, whose goal is to develop and institutionalize a family-friendly environment by
transforming libraries into community centers for literacy, early childhood development, parent
education and engagement, family support and community information.
“We are thrilled to launch this program for our newest community members and their families”,
shares Northern Light Blue Hill and Maine Coast director of philanthropy Sarah Joy. “What a
unique opportunity to honor Melanie Zador with this collaboration with the Ellsworth Public
Library.” The care team in the Dixon Family Birthing Center at Maine Coast are looking forward to
participating in this program by encouraging new parents to start reading to their newborns
early and visit the local library.
This collaboration is part of the Ellsworth Public Library’s county-wide “Your Library, Your Journey:
Connecting Communities” effort. Through a variety of activities and strategic partnerships
throughout the year, the library aims to reach communities where they are. This initiative aligns
with the library’s mission to serve as a vital hub of learning and inspiration for the residents of
Ellsworth and its surrounding communities. “The Ellsworth Public Library reaffirms its dedication to
being the cornerstone of the entire community,” said Sarah Lesko, Library Director. “We are
committed to breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone has access to our resources.”
The Ellsworth Public Library, housed in the historic Tisdale House since 1897, is a cornerstone of
the local and surrounding communities, offering a diverse collection of over 46,000 in-house
items and an expanding Library of Things. In 2023, the library hosted 470 programs for all ages,
fostering learning and engagement. Patrons enjoy access to 8 million items from 63 libraries
statewide, along with subscriptions to 50 print publications and online services like the New York
Times. With a library card, patrons also gain free passes to Down East museums. Through
partnerships with local organizations, the library is committed to enhancing education,
entertainment, and literacy in the community. http://www.ellsworthlibrary.net/
At Northern Light Health, we’re building a better approach to healthcare because we believe
people deserve access to care that works for them. As an integrated health delivery system
serving Maine, we’re raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a
healthier future for our state. Our care team—in hospitals, primary and specialty care practices,
long-term and home healthcare, behavioral healthcare, and ground and air medical transport
and emergency care—are committed to making healthcare work for you: our patients,
communities, and employees. To learn more about Northern Light Health and our locations
across Maine, visit www.northernlighthealth.org.
Contact:
Berit Becker
Communications Director
Ellsworth Public Library
bbecker@ellsworthlibrary.net
(207)-667-6363
Kelley Anne Columber
Director, Communications
Northern Light Health
57 Water Street Blue Hill, ME 04614
50 Union Street Ellsworth, ME 04605
207.374.3418
kcolumber@northernlight.org
