The Bass Harbor Memorial Library has been chosen as one of eleven recipients of the 2021 Mane Public Library Fund grant for its MDI Open Art Studio, a collaboration with licensed counselor and certified art therapist Dawn Nuding, LCPC, ATR, and professional artist and educator Kathie Pratt. The $3,585 grant will fund a free, art-based, wellness group/community pilot program for middle school students in the MDI area. The Open Studio concept is an evidence-based art therapy practice facilitating learning and insight through self-directed artistic expression. Research has shown that open art studio groups can build resiliency factors, encourage healthy connection and support freedom of creativity particularly during pivotal developmental stages such as adolescents.
“The COVID19 crisis has greatly limited natural outlets, social connections and community-based support for most students.” says Studio director Dawn Nuding. “As this crisis endures, we are seeing a significant decline in the mental health and wellness of school aged children. The MDI Open Art Studio project was developed as a collaboration between Bass Harbor Memorial Library, community mental health practitioners, and educators all of whom have identified an increased need to support the emotional, social and mental wellbeing of children during this unprecedented time. “

The free Open Art Studio sessions last 8 weeks, and meet for 1.5 hours at a time, via Google Meet. The group of 15 participants works alongside trained facilitators making art freely, based on a self-reflective/wellness-based prompt given at the start of each session. Participants are encouraged to request the support of the group when problem solving individual projects and have the opportunity to reflect on what they have made at the end of each session. Participants receive an art kit filled with quality materials to inspire artmaking both in group and beyond.

The Maine Public Library Fund allows Maine citizens to support public library services through a voluntary check-off on Maine income tax form Schedule CP. Since the program launched in 2013, small donations from thousands of people have helped purchase new reading materials and support innovative programs at a time when many libraries have faced tight book budgets.

**The library is open to 5 masked patrons at a time for 30 minutes. We will continue to offer interlibrary loans, curbside, window service and home delivery. You may also reserve the entire library for a 30 minute time slot for you and your family, if you’d like the library to yourself. Call 244-3798 to make book requests.**

The Library at 89 Bernard Rd in Bernard is open to the public on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10-5, Thursday from 10-8, and Saturday from 10-2.

In order to enter the Library, please abide by a few very simple common-sense requirements:

• MASKS AND DISTANCING REQUIRED
• PLEASE STAY HOME IF SICK OR HAVE BEEN OUT OF STATE WITHIN 2 WEEKS
• REFRAIN FROM HANDLING MATERIALS UNNECESSARILY
• DISINFECT AREAS OF USE (COMPUTERS, BATHROOM…)
• PLACE BROWSED MATERIALS IN BINS FOR 4 DAY QUARANTINE
• RETURN MATERIALS ONLY IN THE OUTSIDE DROP BOX OR TUB IN THE VESTIBULE

If you are uncomfortable with any of the above, we welcome you to utilize our curbside service. Information can be found HERE. To review our complete opening procedure and operations protocol, please go HERE. All of the above in-building expectations will be posted outside and the full document on our website. By entering the building you agree to abide by Library protocol.

We will offer the following services: Lending of all materials, interlibrary loan, printing, copying, faxing, indoor/outdoor wifi use, 2 computers for patron use, space for tutoring and one on one distanced meetings, bathroom, outside book drop during open hours, book fair donations, digital newspaper subscriptions on public computers, used books for sale.

The following services and materials we CANNOT offer right now: Toys, games, puzzles, food or drink, in-person programming, public use of space for large meetings, in-library magazine and newspaper reading (check out is OK), free magazines, in-person tech help, 24/7 book drop, non-staff use of staff areas.

We have a wonderful new space and very excited to welcome you back for a safe and enriching library experience. Please don’t hesitate to email or call me with any questions at 244-3798.

Lisa Murray, Director