"Free for All: The Public Library" tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today's librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, meet those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all. (Run Time: 60 min)

Join us for this free advance screening before the film’s PBS premiere in April 2025. Following the screening, Amy Wisehart (NEHL Director, Maine Library Association President) will host a conversation exploring how public libraries shaped the country and continue to be a sanctuary for Americans everywhere, despite the threats to funding the civic institution has faced in recent years.

January 25 from 1-3:30pm, at Reel Pizza, we will host a free screening and discussion of the full-length documentary "Join or Die." Follow the half-century story of America's civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam, whose groundbreaking "Bowling Alone" research into America's decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy's present crisis. Admission is free, but registration is required as seats are limited. CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SEATS

This course, upon completion, will qualify students to take the FAA Knowledge exam; a requirement for a Private, Sport or Recreational Certificate. The course will begin January 28th 2025 and will run for 8 weeks, ending on March 20th. These sessions will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:30 PM at the Hancock County – Bar Harbor Airport. The course cost is $260 plus $130 for books and supplies. Please call (207) 664-600 to register or for more information. There are only a few remaining spots, please call soon to secure your enrollment. 

A session for parents and community members to share their vision of what skills and attributes our students should have when they graduate, presented in collaboration with MDIRSS/AOS91.

We invite you to help shape the future of education at AOS 91 by participating in our Vision of a Graduate session. Your input will directly influence how we prepare our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Come share your thoughts on the workforce of tomorrow, the pace of change, social intelligence, and more. Let’s work together to ensure that MDIHS students are ready for success! We hope to see you there! Your voice matters.

More information is available at nehlibrary.org/events or at 207-276-3333.

Additional sessions are scheduled for: 4:00 Pemetic Elementary School (Dec 18th at 4:00 pm) and Tremont Consolidated School (January 15th at 5:00

Experience the dramatic debut of four original 10-minute plays - written, rehearsed and performed in just 12 hours!

Register to be a writer, director, actor - or all three - for a whirlwind creative collaboration. Writers/writing teams will have six hours (starting Friday, Jan. 31) to pen an original 10-minute piece of theater from prompts provided by our youngest library patrons, students from MDES. The next day (Saturday, Feb. 1), scripts are handed to teams of actors and directors, who are given six hours to rehearse before the curtains open for a one-night-only public performance. There will be baked goods and refreshments for sale during the performance benefiting Acadia Community Theater. Please contact Kate Young at kyoung@nehlibrary.org or call 207 276 3333 with any questions.

Register to be a writer: https://nehlibrary.libcal.com/event/13516194
Register to be an actor/director: https://nehlibrary.libcal.com/event/13842082
Register to attend the public performance: https://nehlibrary.libcal.com/event/13842176

The “Community Cafe” is a unique program offering community luncheons on the first and third Thursday of each month from mid-fall through late spring. Originally started as a simple opportunity to give those around the village and throughout our town an excuse to gather a couple of times a month, the program has grown exponentially over the past decade. In recent years, it is not uncommon to have over 150 guests from across MDI stop by to join us for lunch!

Thanks to the generous support of our local business sponsors, we are able to offer lunches at a suggested donation of just $10, and all seniors are invited to enjoy their meal “on the house.” This year’s Cafe season gets underway on Thursday, October 17th, and will then meet on the first and third Thursday through April 17th.

Community Circles are a space to come together, share and listen to each other around a variety of difficult and sensitive topics so that we may build healthy relationships, understand and support each other while acknowledging differing experiences. Facilitated by Downeast Restorative Justice, each meeting will focus on a different discussion topic guided by the interests of participants and recent events. We’ll meet on the first Thursday of each month, with breaks in April, August, and December; intermittent or occasional participation is welcome.

At the opening of each circle, DRJ’s Restorative Practitioner Kayla Gagnon will introduce Restorative principles & practices to facilitate the circle conversation. There is no expectation to share; showing up to listen is just as valuable.

More information and register: https://nehlibrary.libcal.com/event/13856441

We are thrilled to announce the return of the Sugar Showdown, back by popular demand after last year's incredible success! This baking competition invites attendees to taste delicious treats, vote for their favorites, and participate in the raffle of stunning showstopper cakes. There will also be live music, a cash bar, and lots of Valentine's Day love!

Tickets are on sale now - $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Get your tickets here!

Are you a baker? Join the fun and show of your skills! We're still seeking bakers for this exciting event in four categories:

• Showstopper

• Whoopie Pie

• Blueberry Bliss

• Sweet Surprise (anything goes!)

For more information participating as a baker, visit our website or sign up here!

The “Community Cafe” is a unique program offering community luncheons on the first and third Thursday of each month from mid-fall through late spring. Originally started as a simple opportunity to give those around the village and throughout our town an excuse to gather a couple of times a month, the program has grown exponentially over the past decade. In recent years, it is not uncommon to have over 150 guests from across MDI stop by to join us for lunch!

Thanks to the generous support of our local business sponsors, we are able to offer lunches at a suggested donation of just $10, and all seniors are invited to enjoy their meal “on the house.” This year’s Cafe season gets underway on Thursday, October 17th, and will then meet on the first and third Thursday through April 17th.

An eclectic mix of music, poetry, storytelling and performance, the Friday Night Coffeehouse meets on the third Friday of each month, January through May. Hosted by MCs Rick and Beth, folks of all ages are invited to perform and enjoy the talents of friends and neighbors in the library's cozy event space. Coffee and refreshments will be available by donation to benefit the Mount Desert Elementary School PTO.

Registration is encouraged but not required; more information is available at nehlibrary.org/events. or at 207-276-3333.

The “Community Cafe” is a unique program offering community luncheons on the first and third Thursday of each month from mid-fall through late spring. Originally started as a simple opportunity to give those around the village and throughout our town an excuse to gather a couple of times a month, the program has grown exponentially over the past decade. In recent years, it is not uncommon to have over 150 guests from across MDI stop by to join us for lunch!

Thanks to the generous support of our local business sponsors, we are able to offer lunches at a suggested donation of just $10, and all seniors are invited to enjoy their meal “on the house.” This year’s Cafe season gets underway on Thursday, October 17th, and will then meet on the first and third Thursday through April 17th.

Community Circles are a space to come together, share and listen to each other around a variety of difficult and sensitive topics so that we may build healthy relationships, understand and support each other while acknowledging differing experiences. Facilitated by Downeast Restorative Justice, each meeting will focus on a different discussion topic guided by the interests of participants and recent events. We’ll meet on the first Thursday of each month, with breaks in April, August, and December; intermittent or occasional participation is welcome.

At the opening of each circle, DRJ’s Restorative Practitioner Kayla Gagnon will introduce Restorative principles & practices to facilitate the circle conversation. There is no expectation to share; showing up to listen is just as valuable.

More information and register: https://nehlibrary.libcal.com/event/13856441

The “Community Cafe” is a unique program offering community luncheons on the first and third Thursday of each month from mid-fall through late spring. Originally started as a simple opportunity to give those around the village and throughout our town an excuse to gather a couple of times a month, the program has grown exponentially over the past decade. In recent years, it is not uncommon to have over 150 guests from across MDI stop by to join us for lunch!

Thanks to the generous support of our local business sponsors, we are able to offer lunches at a suggested donation of just $10, and all seniors are invited to enjoy their meal “on the house.” This year’s Cafe season gets underway on Thursday, October 17th, and will then meet on the first and third Thursday through April 17th.

An eclectic mix of music, poetry, storytelling and performance, the Friday Night Coffeehouse meets on the third Friday of each month, January through May. Hosted by MCs Rick and Beth, folks of all ages are invited to perform and enjoy the talents of friends and neighbors in the library's cozy event space. Coffee and refreshments will be available by donation to benefit the Mount Desert Elementary School PTO.

Registration is encouraged but not required; more information is available at nehlibrary.org/events. or at 207-276-3333.

An eclectic mix of music, poetry, storytelling and performance, the Friday Night Coffeehouse meets on the third Friday of each month, January through May. Hosted by MCs Rick and Beth, folks of all ages are invited to perform and enjoy the talents of friends and neighbors in the library's cozy event space. Coffee and refreshments will be available by donation to benefit the Mount Desert Elementary School PTO.

Registration is encouraged but not required; more information is available at nehlibrary.org/events. or at 207-276-3333.