Summer is about freedom: the freedom to sleep a little later, change up your schedule and do more of the things you love to do! Summer is about discovery: make new friends, learn new skills, explore new terrain! Just because school is out doesn’t mean the learning stops. The Bass Harbor Memorial Library has put together a fun and flexible summer reading program for children of all ages. Studies show that reading regularly, even for a short amount of time, prevents the dreaded “summer slide.” Come Fall, teachers spend weeks closing the reading gap, helping kids to catch up to where they were before vacation started. Participating in a summer reading program not only reinforces a child’s reading skills, but it is also a fun way to experience something new, try out some new skills and learn something about the world or your own community.
Like many traditional summer reading programs, BHML encourages kids to read 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week, but we have also incorporated other activities and skills a child or family can participate in to earn credit toward a weekly prize. These activities focus on using the library, discovering something new, enjoying our island home and engaging in physical activity.
Each participant will receive a log book to record weekly reading/activity, as well as space to record book titles, draw, write or decorate as they please. The log will contain a list of suggested summer activities which will also earn them Summer Reading “credit.” Each day, they can read 20 minutes or more and/or choose to complete one of the suggested activities. Once 5 days have been logged (and initialed by an adult) the child will share the log sheet with a librarian and choose a prize. Sharing can take place in the library, through our curbside window, via email or Zoom. Children can come in once a week starting July 1 and ending August 31. There are 6 prizes to choose from ranging from mini golf and cookies to passes to the pool and museums.
Summer Reading materials can also be picked up at the Bass Harbor Memorial Library 89 Bernard Rd, Bernard. Call 207-244-3798 or email librarian@bassharborlibrary for more information.
Have fun! Read Books! Discover new skills! Explore your island home!
2021 Maine Public Library Fund grant
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.
May Travel Talk with Judy Taylor
Join painter and traveler Judy Taylor on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 7pm as she shares images and stories of her February 2020 trip to Europe with 7 students, to draw in London and Paris’ museums.
To reserve your spot for this Zoom presentation, please register at: https://forms.gle/dCEEz6s23PLXHZQ27
Women’s History Month 2021 Gallery
Lindsay Hopkins-Weld
Cold Spring
12″x12″ oil on birch panel
$900
“I find solace in nature and due to Covid, I have been spending more time walking and looking. I have a BFA from the Museum School in Boston, MA. I am a seasonal resident on MDI and live in Scarborough, ME. ” www.lhweld.com
Linda Rowell-Kelley
Kelley Community Garden
16×16 oil on panel
$260
“Island quarantine meant using the resources available and MDI provided beautiful, luscious places to plein air paint. The community garden was ever changing and offered a bounty of shape and color. A local island artist, working in oil, watercolor and mixed medium. My home base and studio is in Hulls Cove and I am fortunate to be able to safely explore the island for inspiration.” Linda Rowell-Kelley Art on Facebook
Elizabeth Keenan
Loose Leaf Lips
14″X 18″ (framed) Watercolor
NFS
“I’ve been painting A LOT during the pandemic. It is helping me to pass the time. I live in Bass Harbor and have been teaching Drawing, Painting, and Ceramics at MDI high School for over 20 years.”
Vicky Smith
Peggy’s Cows
12″ x 14″ Oil Painting
$175
Outdoor activities are the best way to stay safe . Our Plein Air Group has been a gift. Painting and socializing!
I have come to painting in the second half of my life. Grateful for the inspiration and support of the painting women in PAPA, Plein Air Painting Artists.
Beverly Bono
Winter on Babson Creek
9” x 11” (framed) watercolor
$50
Plein air painting (in the open air) with friends ( masked and socially distant) has made this year bearable. Cold weather made it prohibitive to paint outside in oils so I started painting with watercolors on site, but in my warm car. This painting is one of my 1st “in car” paintings.
Although I’ve been painting all my life, about 10 years ago I began painting “en plein air”. Living in Bar Harbor, near Acadia National Park provides boundless stimulation for my oil paintings. I’m on a wonderfully endless journey trying to capture the beautiful scenery of this island!
Jean Forbes
Sorrento Dinghies
10.25″ x 12.25″ matted and framed watercolor
$200
“The recent life changing circumstances have given me more focus to fine tune my craft. Sorrento Dinghies is the 2nd in a series of three paintings done to obtain desired harmony in the 3rd (larger) watercolor painting.”
Jean E. Forbes is a Fine Artist with over 50 years painting experience. She retired from teaching art in South Kingstown RI public schools in 2012. Jean lives with her husband Mike in Manset where they make their year round home. www.jeanforbesart.com
Sydney Roberts
Church Chair Woman
46” x 15” x 18” multimedia
$250
“Although I submitted it last year, it was welcomed this year because it wasn’t “seen” by other than library staff.”
A NEH summer kid from Philadelphia from age 3 weeks, (year-round for 20 + years), graduate of Philadelphia College of Art (Now U Arts) ’66: painting/sculpture/graphics.
Kathie Pratt and Christine Parrish
Sweet Liberty
40″ x 25″ acrylic on foam core
NFS
“This sign is a collaboration by lifelong friends with a desire for social action. Christine created the concept and Kathie executed it. The goal was a sign that would be impactful, visible from near and far, and functional. Christine carried it at the Black Lives Matter March in Augusta last summer.”
Kathie Pratt happily lives and works in Tremont. Art is her favorite thing. Christine Parrish is a writer, journalist, and natural resource conservation specialist who lives in Lincolnville. Her connection to the island began as a teenager, when she and Kathie departed from their family homes to live a rustic lifestyle on the back side. Decades later, she stays connected by hiking the hills of Acadia.
Health Quest Challenge
The Bass Harbor Memorial Library is pleased to continue their collaboration with Healthy Acadia in 2021 by promoting a healthy and wellness through their Health Quest Challenge. This free public health challenge runs through April 15, 2021 and aims to increase awareness and use of the National Library of Medicine’s free public health resources, which include: up-to-date information about wellness issues, diseases, conditions, peer-reviewed medical research articles, toxic substances and household product databases, clinical trials, and much more. Participants’ will be entered into weekly raffles with the chance to win prizes.
To join the challenge go to: www.healthyacadia.org/hpm-hq
Women’s History Month Art Show-March 2021
From March 6 through April 30, 2021, the Library will celebrate Women’s History Month with an art show featuring works from artists with a connection to Mount Desert Island. 10 artists will explore the theme of “Life Upended: Unexpected Inspiration.”
The show will also be displayed online for all to peruse HERE
Artists include: Sydney Roberts, Vicky Smith, Elizabeth Keenan, Debra Spressart, Jean Forbes, Linda Rowell-Kelley, Lindsay Hopkins-Weld, Kathie Pratt and Beverly Bono.
Hours and Building Procedure
As of June 1, 2021, the library is fully open during scheduled hours, without patron number limits. All of our services are now available, from browsing newspapers, books and magazines, to computer use and interlibrary loan. In-person programming will resume OUTSIDE this summer. When visiting, please abide by a few very simple common-sense guidelines:
*Wear a mask if you are not fully vaccinated
*Be mindful of distance with staff and other patrons
*1 Hour suggested in-library visitation
*With respect for our youngest patrons who are not yet eligible for the vaccine, we ask you to be socially responsible and wear a mask in the Children’s room.
*Wipe down keyboard and mouse after use. Wipe down touched areas in bathroom after use.
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.
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.
We have a wonderful new space and very excited to welcome you back! Please don’t hesitate to email or call me with any questions at 244-3798.
Lisa Murray, Director
Halloween Book Giveaway
Come to Bernard for free books! We have handpicked literary treats from picture books to YA novels, for all who stop in at the Library during our open hours, Oct 21-31, 2020. Parents welcome too! Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11-4, and Saturday 10-2
Climate Reality in Maine
Oct 10, 2020 05:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Former Vice President Al Gore’s stunning slides illustrate this Zoom talk by Maine Climate Reality leaders Derek Ahi and Hilary Hosmer. Hosted by Holly Hosmer.
Join Zoom Meeting with one click:https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/83011505060?pwd=QjhNcEpCa01UQ1JLWThTdkpnQ3FkZz09
Or sign into Zoom and enter when prompted: Meeting ID: 830 1150 5060Passcode: Bass
One tap mobile+16468769923,,83011505060# US (New York)
Join by SIP83011505060@zoomcrc.com
Join by Skype for Businesshttps://networkmaine.zoom.us/skype/83011505060
Create, Communicate, Connect! Public Art Show at the Kelley Farm, Bernard
Monday August 3 – Saturday August 15, 2020
For 15 years, the Bass Harbor Memorial Library has held a week-long, half day Art and Nature Camp for children aged 6-11. In-person camp was not possible this summer, but thanks to a generous grant from the Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, camp directors Kathie Pratt and Dawn Nuding retooled and adapted a new format, offering the same high quality art instruction, materials, and fun projects, but remotely.
The library is partnering with Maine Coast Heritage Trust to install an open air art show at Kelley Farm in Bernard.
The show consists of artwork by the children who participated in art camp, placed on signposts. Letter signs which spell out our theme, will span the road front. This message invites people to come view the work, but also suggests that anyone, in these often isolating times, can also create in their own way, communicate with their creations, and therefore connect with their community.
This year’s theme “Create, Communicate, Connect” addresses the shared experience of confusion, loss and isolation the pandemic has created. On the grounds of the preserve, paintings by the children will line the pathways between the community garden plots. Families can safely enjoy this open air art walk at their leisure, in the natural beauty of the setting.
http://bassharborlibrary.com/bhml-art-camp-project-list-and-journal-prompts/
Art Camp Art Walk 2020
Art Camp participants projects.
Genevieve Burke 
Genevieve Burke 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
By Cole Lessard and friends 
Juniper Macko painting at home 
Juniper Macko painting at home 
Oliver and Delfina 
Oliver and Delfina 
“pagoto SANTOUÏTS” by Isaiah Brugman “icecream sandwich” in Greek 
Isaiah Brugman 
Liberty Carter really gets into her art supplies! 
Junior Carter and Dad Spiff work on one of the projects