On May 13, about 25 island librarians and island library supporters embarked on a daylong tour of the libraries of Casco Bay. Organized by the Island Institute Senior Fellow Dana Leath, the day was intended as a way for island librarians to gather ideas, create connections and appreciate each other’s hard work.
Librarians from Peaks, Swan’s, Chebeague, Cliff, Long, Great Diamond and Camden attended, as well as representatives from the Island Institute and MBNA. Highlights of the tour included viewing Long Island’s brand new library and community center, which was completed this spring after four years of fundraising and construction, and Cliff’s newly cataloged and rejuvenated Children’s Room, the first section completed in a planned revamping of the whole library. Chebeague showed off its vibrant, community-centered space, and Peaks librarian Priscilla Webster discussed her programming, which includes a movie night.
Attendees were brought out to the islands on Captain Bill Frappier’s charter boat and returned via the Casco Bay Lines, dropping off Casco Bay librarians at each island. Possible future tours of the libraries on both Penobscot Bay and Downeast islands were enthusiastically supported.