On October 22 at 5:30 p.m., the Jesup Memorial Library will host a presentation by Lisa Taplin Murray on the founding of MDI’s public libraries. Using research and photographs from her 2026 article in the history journal Chebacco, Lisa will explore the individual and collective efforts  that established the island’s six existing public libraries, examining how these vital institutions became the modern community anchors they are today.

Now the Assistant Director and Program Coordinator at the MDI Historical Society, Lisa brings over a decade of local library expertise to this talk, having previously served as Director of the Bass Harbor Memorial Library, a circulation librarian at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, and volunteering at the Hancock County Jail library.

This program is a collaboration between the MDI Historical Society and the Jesup Memorial Library and will be offered in person and online. Registration information available soon.

Photograph: Courtesy Jennifer Booher