In the last 15 years the Southwest Harbor Public Library has developed from a traditional rural library (book collection and reading room) to a modern information center library. The collection contains 20,000 books, plus periodicals and other media. Circulation has doubled in ten years, an annual growth rate of over seven percent, and passed 50,500 in 1992. The number of patrons has swelled to more than 2,000 regular users. In addition to Southwest Harbor residents they include many residents of Tremont, Mount Desert, and the nearby islands. The library is celebrating its 100th birthday in 1995. Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Special exhibits. 244-7065.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR OCEANARIUM
Young and old alike will be amazed and thrilled by the more than 20 exhibits and displays featuring the sea life found in the waters around the island. Informal tours and discussions geared to the listener. Many of the exhibits are a "hands on" experience. This much-praised exhibit and leaming experience is a "must see" for anyone visiting Mount Desert Island. Adults, $4.95; children 4-12, $3.50 - also offer all-site tickets. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Clark Point Road, next to the Coast Guard Station, 244-7330.
WENDELL GILLEY MUSEUM
More than 200 bird carvings ranging from a two-inch woodcock to a lifesize bald eagle by Southwest Harbor resident Wendell Gilley along with other American bird carvers. Special exhibits and carving demonstrations by artist-in-residence. Adults, $3; children under 12 $1. Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July and August, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rest of year. Comer of Main Street and Herrick Road, 244-7555. Nina Gormley, Director.
- Tremont -
BASS HARBOR MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Located in Bernard. Open Tuesdays 1-5 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays, 1-5 p.m. 244-3798.
NANCY NEALE TYPECRAFIF PRINTING MEMORABILIA MUSEUM The largest private collection of antique printing artifacts, dating back to the mid-nineteenth century. See all of the elements of letterpress printing and watch daily demonstrations of how wood and metal type are now being preserved. Talk with printing historians, Nancy and Irving Silverman. Best to call for appointment. Steamboat Wharf Road, Bernard, 244-5192.
SEAL COVE AUTO MUSEUM
June 20 through Labor Day, 10-5, 7 days a week. $4 adults, $1.50 children. Rte. 102, Seal Cove, 244-9242.
- Northeast Harbor -
THE GREAT HARBOR COLLECTION
Historical museum and cultural center. Special exhibits feature the carriage roads and life at Mt. Desert Rock Lighthouse as well as firefighting equipment, clothing, sleighs, machinery and tools from another time and way of life on MDI. Free admission; donations accepted, n-dd-june through September. 1917 Town Hall/Firehouse, Main Street, 276-5262.
culture
- outer Islands -
FRENCHBORO HISTORICAL SOCIETY Frenchboro on Long Island
Hours: I p.m. to 5 p.m. Other hours by appointment.
THE ISLESFORD MUSEUM
This is an historic maritime museum with lots of memorabilia of the Cranberry Islands and Acadia National Park. Examples of handiwork, tools, furniture. Open starting June 17 every day from 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 4:45 p.m. Free admission. Museum is accessible by boat only. Call Beal & Bunker, 244-3575 or Cranberry Cove Boating, 244-5882, for ferry schedule. Little Cranberry Island, 288-3338.
- Bar Harbor -
ABBE MUSEUM of STONE AGE ANTIQUITIES
Exhibits and artifacts of prehistoric Maine Indians. Special exhibits. Adults, $1.50; children, 500. Hours: 10 to 4 daily, spring and fall; 9 to 5 daily July and August. Sieur de Monts Spring, Acadia National Park 288-3519, Diane Kopec, Director.
BAR HARBOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Located in the basement of the Jesup Memorial Library. Artifacts and memorabilia of Bar Harbor's past. Scrapbooks of the Great Fire of 1947, complete collection of Mt Desert Herald, Bar Harbor Record and Bar Harbor Times on microfilm, old photos, stereopticon slides, papers of George B. Dorr, founder of Acadia National Park. Hours: 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday, June 15 through October. Admission is free. 34 Mt. Desert Street, 288-3838, Gladys O'Neal.
JESUP MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Special programs are announced when they happen. Mt. Desert Street, 288-4245.
ISLAND ASSOCIATION OF MUSEUMS
AND HISTORICAL SOCIETIES
Here is your chance to preview nine of the museums the area has to offer. See the sample exhibits and then schedule time to fully enjoy those you would find most interesting. Hours: daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting June. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Firefly Lane, next to the Police Station and Village Green, 288-2280.
NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
More than 60 exhibits depicting animal and plant life on Mt. Desert Island. Hands-on discovery room for children. Book and gift shop. Summer field studies for children. Group tours and programs available by appointment. Adults, $2.50; seniors, $1.50; children 3-12 50it. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June through Labor Day. Turrets Building, College of the Atlantic, 2885015, ext. 240.
THE OCEANARIUM: BAR HARBOR
This new addition to the Mount Desert Oceanarium family offers a Harbor Seal exhibit featuring live seals. Another feature of the Oceanarium is the Maine Lobster Museum with exhibits on everything you ever wanted to know about this crustacean, including live specimens from around the world. Take the Thomas Bay Marsh Walk and explore the flora and fauna of the "wetlands." Fun for all. Adults, $4.95; children 4-12 $3.95. Also: All-Site Passes, $9.00 adults; $6.70 children - a 30% discount good at all three sites. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Route 3, as you come onto the island, 288-5005.
