I had to go into this library a couple of years ago while I was on vacation to email a paper to a…read moreprofessor and fell in love. Every trip back since then I've taken a walk through. This is as good as it gets for a local library, comfy couches and chairs in front of the fireplace (!), great little nooks for the fiction collection and a great children's section. The staff is always friendly and helpful. It makes me want to grab a book and take a seat.

This is such a lovely little local library but a few things are lacking; public parking and more…read moreelectrical outlets so that people can plug in their laptops if they need to work, which I did. The librarians were super nice and made sure I was comfortable and had access to an outlet, this is a gorgeous old-school library with antique wood panelling and study desks upstairs which look out over the library. I hope the citizens of Bar Harbor can keep this place going because you just don't see these kinds of old heritage libraries around anymore and from what I understand, this place runs on donations. They also badly need to update their electronic collections and access to databases and such. Other than that, it was a wonderful place to spend an hour away from the maddening crowds and get some work done.

While meandering the quaint avenues of picturesque Bar Harbor, I stumbled upon the Jesup Library…read moreduring their annual Book Sale. The library is closed a few days ahead of time to prepare for this vast emporeutic event every August. Cartons piled three deep were neatly placed under tables of books that covered the entire lawn. To the left of the entrance were the nonfiction materials, and the right held all aspects of fiction. I headed right. I was quite pleased with my restraint as I only purchased one book - an out-of-print Velda Johnson novel that takes place in - you guessed it - Maine. The library itself is also gorgeous. The Federal style structure is composed of lovely red brick, and the inside boasts wooden bookcases, high ceilings and architectural embellishments. The staff here are friendly and informative. They also have a room with local artists' work on display. Definitely worth a visit for any fellow booklover.

We again visit this library both for the scenery and to view the current exhibitions - a 9/11…read moreremembrance via posters and Chan: The Blues of Art-Making. The 9/11 exhibit was closed due to staffing shortages, but the visit did not disappoint thanks to the works of artist Deborah Loughlin and the grounds.

Even if the library is closed, the grounds are still worth a visit. With landscaping designed by…read moreFrederick Law Olmsted (think Central Park), you can enjoy the cool shade of the trees around the amphitheater or stop and smell the roses -- literally -- while taking in a view of the harbor. I came back to see the inside of the library, since it was closed on the day I first visited. It has been beautifully renovated and has a great selection of new books for recreational reading. The rotunda on the first floor has a small vaulter ceiling with the words of Edna St Vincent Millay's poem "Renascence" inscribed on the perimeter. For Camden dwellers and visitors alike, the library is one place to be sure to visit during your time in the area!

I went to the Belfast Free Library to join a knitting circle…read more It was a gathering of local knitters taking place in a community room to the right of the entrance. All local knitters in attendance appeared to be wearing something amazing and beautiful that they had knitted themselves. It was a very nice way to spend two hours, among fellow knitters. I wish I lived closer.

Utilizing wifi at the Belfast Free Library on this windy rainy day during covid 19 quarantine! A…read morefoot of wet snow took out our power/phone lines 3 days ago...Thanks BFL for leaving the wifi on! Can't wait to step through your doors again when this is all over!

This beautiful library is a comfortable place to work with reliable free wifi. However- during my…read morebrief visit, the library assistant at the front desk was babbling and giggling loudly for over an hour. It was bizarre! It sounded like a one person tween slumber party. There didn't even seem to be anyone in particular participating in this apparently hilarious conversation with her. I had come to work, but it didn't really bother me, in fact, I figured while this ongoing animated display continued in the front of the library, it would be cool for me to make a short work call from the library, especially since there was no one else in the room besides the other librarian, who seemed to be doing her best to ignore her weirdly immature colleague. Nope. I whispered a couple words into my phone and immediately the other librarian hurriedly approached me and asked me to go upstairs to make calls. I asked her if she was joking or somehow hadn't registered the chaos in the next room- but no, she was dead serious. I was appreciative of the space provided upstairs, but the whole situation just seemed so strange. I haven't heard anyone giggle consistently for that length of time since high school. Her behavior seemed so odd and unprofessional for a person employed at a library. And the other librarian just seemed oblivious. Maybe the cold and isolation of a Maine winter makes people weird.

If you're in the area and (as I was) on vacation, the Blue Hill library stands out foremost as a…read moreplace to get some free wifi for a while--and it fulfills that duty with aplomb. But beyond that, this is actually an amazingly pleasant and well-stocked public library. The second floor boasts a room with a nice conference table to get some work done on, as well as a balcony if you'd rather answer your emails en plein air. Just around the corner is a small selection of books for sale (50c paperback!) for when you've blown through your beach reading, and in between, a rotating selection of local art and history (right now, I'm looking at bronze bears and wooden birds). I've never actually tried to take out a book, so I don't know how easy it is to get borrowing privileges if you don't live in the area, but I'm constantly tempted by (especially) the selection of DVDs that greet you as you walk in. All in all, it's maybe not worth a trip up the coast just for the library, but it's definitely a great place to spend an afternoon catching up on work that can't quite wait until you get back to the big city.

This is my local library, and I love it. I've been a patron for over 30 years, and know it very…read morewell. I'm writing a review now because one person gave a 1-star review with anger over the library's mask policy in 2021 (please note that they followed the Maine CDC's guidelines for masking all throughout Covid, which I greatly appreciated; notably there is no mask policy now). This skewed the average star rating greatly in a negative direction, so I wanted to do something to skew it back up where it belongs. Ellsworth's librarians sincerely care about their patrons, and it shows.

Crazy about masks. I'm in a room in the basement, 100% alone yet they still feel the need to come…read moredown and tell me to go outside or put mask on. Nothing like being harassed at a local library over a silly mask.

This place is a small library that is in front of seal harbor. It is cute and is mainly for…read morechildren. They have good books and good variety. You return your books outside if they are closed. This place has a kind of weird opening schedule, I will update it when I check it. It has comfortable chairs, a quiet space, and beautiful views of seal harbor.

There is so much to love about this library! The staff is exceptional, friendly, and informed. The…read moreprogramming shows an understanding of the patrons of all ages. There are books available for loan, for purchase, for free, serving all the needs of the people. It is a welcoming space even when it is closed! The Director is kind and knowledgeable.