Ellsworth Public Library

06/01/2026

When we see the WE ❤ OUR LIBRARY signs around town, it reminds us that we can count on you!

Whenever the library has needed support, you show up for EPL.

Today, that support continues through

-Donations
e.g., since July 2025 we bought 865 new teen and youth books which were all funded by donations: $13,878!!
-Volunteering
about 700 hours in 2025!!
-Partnerships
We have run countless events with partners on local, regional, and state levels
-Your Visits to the Library:
73000 over the past year!!

THANK YOU! 🥰

05/31/2026

June starts tomorrow and so does another fun-filled week at the library!

From book clubs to a mocktail class with Jean and Renee, we've got something for everyone! Check out our calendar to learn more and register: https://www.ellsworthlibrary.net/

05/30/2026

To prepare for our Mocktail Class this coming Wednesday, our assistant director, Renee McManus and Jean Pauly, our youth programmer, tested their recipes on library staff this week! Those were some seriously punchy, fruity, and zesty drinks!

If you are looking for fun mocktail recipes that will impress friends and family at your next lawn party 🥂 sign up for this free class.

You'll learn how to make 4 mocktails that will wow your guests and have them guessing when you became a mixologist. 😉

Register here: https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/EPL-Events/mocktail-class

05/29/2026

Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 dollars that support your local library comes from sources beyond City funding?

While the City of Ellsworth provides the majority of the funding that keeps the library running, community support plays a vital role in everything we do.

Donations, grants, support from surrounding towns, our endowment, Friends of the Library, and library fees help make up nearly 25% of our funding.

These funds help us care for our historic building, maintain collections, offer programs for all ages, and respond to new community needs.

This spring, unexpected building repairs and rising costs have placed additional pressure on our budget. If the library has made a difference in your life, please consider making a gift to support the services and spaces our community relies on every day.

Every contribution helps keep the library welcoming, accessible, and inspiring for everyone!

Find out how you can donate on our website: https://www.ellsworthlibrary.net/donate/

05/28/2026

We are honored! 🥰
Thank you Maine State Library and Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL)!

The Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) holds an annual Spring Photo Contest, where small and rural libraries are encouraged to provide photos capturing outstanding or everyday moments that represent the library. This year's winners were each from Maine!

The first place award was given to the Southport Memorial Library, for the photo titled "Newly Donated Books". Director Casey Martin "captured the joy of sharing new donated books with the weekly coffee group — a perfect snapshot of community connection."

The second place award went to the Ellsworth Public Library for celebrating 32 years of service from custodian Edmund Murray and "honors the quiet dedication that keeps our libraries running."

The Camden Public Library received the third place award for its photo titled "Plant Sale," taking place in the Camden Amphitheatre adjacent to the library, sharing the vitality of the community space.

Congratulations to these three libraries!

05/28/2026

Last year, more than 73,000 visits were made to the Ellsworth Public Library — enough people to fill Fenway Park twice. 💙

Every day, people come here to find books, attend programs, use technology, connect with others, and simply spend time in a welcoming space.

As our community continues to grow, so does the need to care for our historic building and sustain the services people rely on. While the City supports much of our operating budget, community support helps make so much of what we offer possible — from children’s books and large print materials to e-books, programs, and more. It's community donations that make it possible to innovate and grow.

If the library has meant something to you or your family, we hope you’ll consider supporting this year’s spring appeal.

And if now isn’t the right time, that’s okay too. Visiting the library, attending programs, and sharing what we offer with others also makes a difference! 💕

Thank you for being part of the EPL community. 📚

05/27/2026

Please vote YES on June 9!

We need to diversify and expand our board of trustees to benefit from a broader range of skills — especially during this time of expansion and evolving needs.

I am writing on behalf of the Ellsworth Public Library (EPL) Board of Trustees to ask Ellsworth residents to vote in favor of the proposed city charter amendment that expands

05/23/2026

It’s been great having you all at our second annual Mer-May event this morning! Thank you for joining us for stories, songs, and crafts, learning about the river herring, and our bubble parade up and down Riverwalk North! We hope to see you again next year 🌊🥳

05/23/2026

PLEASE VOTE YES!

On June 9, 2026, you will have the chance to help us get more resilient.
During Ellsworth's Municipal Election, please vote yes on this issue:

Ellsworth Public Library Charter Amendment:

Due to the forthcoming renovation, capital campaign and general increased demands on our Trustees, we are requesting to increase the Board from 5 to 7 members. (Trustees are volunteer positions.)

Read this letter to the editor by our Chair of the Board of trustees, Craig MacDonald from May 15, 2026: https://www.ellsworthamerican.com/opinion/commentary/larger-board-will-support-librarys-mission/article_65f8c714-cb8c-43f1-bbd2-fa68acd3055b.html

05/21/2026

Joanna will have her final grand appearance this Saturday at our Mer-May event! Expect lots of sequins!

Ms. Jean will make sure we celebrate our favorite Merfolk with stories, songs, games, crafts, and more! Stay till the end for our bubble parade!

If you feel inspired, DO dress like a mermaid or sea creature, or just wear something shimmery. Whatever feels right.

The event will be held outside. Meet us on the Riverwalk behind the library!

In case of inclement weather, the festivities will be in the Riverview Room.

Find the event on our website: https://ellsworth.libcal.com/calendar/EPL-Events/mer-may-2026