Support
Small libraries like ours survive on the generosity and support of the community. We rely on our patrons and friends to support us through financial contributions, volunteer work, and by joining our Friends program.
While the Somesville Library Association gratefully receives support from the Town of Mount Desert, the majority of our operational and programming funds must be raised. We hold two major fund-raising efforts each year: our annual Books and Blueberries Sale in August and our Annual Appeal in November.
Annual Appeal
Each November, we send out an Annual Appeal to our patrons, supporters and local residents, and rely on the generosity of our visitors to help us continue our good works. We are happy to accept any donation throughout the year, and as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, acknowledge gifts in writing.
Winter 2022
Dear Friends,
Through the open door of the Somesville Library, you will find your place.
A beautiful place to work
A place to give and receive help
A place for fun and learning for all ages
A place to find your next great read or chat about your last
A community gathering place after years of staying home
From the quiet of Covid-19, despite its continuing effects, I would like to welcome you back to the heart of our community. Programming has actively resumed with regular story times, special events like Halloween (50+ children trick or treated for books and sweets), monthly community events like Pizza and Pumpkins, and soon, Soup and Bread nights. Please help the Board of Trustees maintain our special place and nurture its growth by making a gift today.
I joined the library in September after working in libraries large and small. Rarely in all my travels, have I visited a library so beloved by its community. Tom Lange provided 22 years of steadfast service to the library. I am grateful to him for his hard work curating a beautiful collection and offering programs to bring the community together. Please join me in celebrating Tom’s lifetime of dedication by supporting the library with a generous gift to Somesville Library Association in his honor.
And please, if we haven’t already met, I look forward to learning how you will find your place at the Somesville Library.
For the Board of Trustees,
Meghan Clark McDaniel
2022-3 Town Funding Letter
The Board of Trustees of the Somesville Library Association would like to honor and thank Thomas Lange for his 22 years of service. Tom has retired but continues to offer his wise counsel and substitutes as needed. He helped the library weather the storm of Covid-19 and left it in beautiful condition for the future. For over 125 years, The Somesville Library Association has provided services to the year round and seasonal community. Tom has ensured that the library will continue to thrive.
After Tom’s retirement, Director Meghan Clark McDaniel, M.A. library and information science, was hired in September. I have over 20 years of experience working in large and small libraries. My family and I live in Somesville and are pleased to be part of village life.
Until August, the library offered regular circulation services with limited programming. The mask policy has been aligned to the masking requirements of the local school district. August marked a return to the Books and Blueberries sale which was well attended and an important source of financial support. An ice cream social celebrated Tom’s retirement. Bi-monthly story-times were introduced in September to welcome children back to the library. Halloween was a popular event in the village with over 50 children trick or treating for books and treats. Community building evenings including pizza and pumpkin decorating, open house, and gratitude trees have revived programming curtailed due to the pandemic. Stop into the library to learn about upcoming programs or to suggest an addition to the collection.
The collection continues to grow with a focus on popular fiction but also includes collections of the latest bestseller non-fiction, juvenile, board book, young adult and Maine books. WIFI internet access is available throughout the grounds as well as wireless printing. The meeting room is available for use by outside groups by application and is a fine workspace with a beautiful view during open hours.
Looking ahead, the library plans to begin weekly story-times, revive the winter monthly Soup and Bread nights, and offer regular programming for the entertainment of all ages. Interview prep and resume review will also be offered. For the first time in several years, the library will offer an adult and children’s summer reading program. Also look for a July 29, 2023 open house art exhibit in partnership with the Gallery at Somes Sound.
Donations of books are welcomed for the ongoing year round book sale and for the upcoming Books and Blueberries sale in August 2023. Volunteers are welcome to keep the collection in fine shape and to assist with some programming. Call 244-7404 for more information, or to volunteer.
Stay in contact through our website www.somesvillelibrary.org, Facebook and Instagram @ somesville.library. The library remains open on Wednesdays from 1-6 and Saturdays from 9-2. Popup programming during school holidays may be offered during closed hours.
We thank the Mount Desert Island Community and the Town of Mount Desert for all the generous support that we have received.
Respectfully submitted for the Board of Trustees,
Meghan Clark McDaniel
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Library are an important group of community volunteers who support the mission and operations of our library. These dedicated volunteers help with administrative tasks, programs and events, and fundraising.
If you have an hour, a day, or a season, we can find a way to use your talents. Our librarian will be happy to train you for projects taking from a few hours to a few weeks.
Contact our Friends of the Library program today to find your niche.