Press Release
ELLSWORTH – This is a first: New or existing patrons of the Ellsworth Public Library (EPL) will be able to sign up for locally designed library cards starting April 8. That day marks the beginning of National Library Week which celebrates and promotes the work of all US libraries. 1000 special library cards will be available: 500 will have a rendition of Hana Firestone’s bird character “Abby” on them, and the other 500 will be printed with Brian Estes’ “Portland Headlight”. The cards are available as long as the contingent lasts.
Current library patrons who would like to replace their active card with a limited-edition one are kindly asked for a suggested donation of $10. These donations will support the library’s Summer Reading Program which runs in July and August. The program features talks and concerts as well as incentives for reading for all ages. Maine residents of non-funding towns pay $30 for the services available through EPL’s library card.
Photos and video footage are available. Please contact Berit Becker for access.
Hana Firestone is a Maine artist and Ellsworth resident who enjoys making fun and colorful art that makes people smile. She graduated from Maine College of Art in Portland with a BFA in Illustration. Her self-published book children’s book for ages 6 and up is available on Etsy and is based on her three parakeets. Her birds have their own Instagram.
Brian Estes was born in Hampden and lives in Ellsworth, Maine. He graduated from Maine College of Art in Portland with a degree in painting. He is also a poet and an award-winning songwriter. His first book of illustrated children’s poetry, Flying Pigs & Dinosaurs & Things You’ve Never Seen Before was published in 2017 and he is at work on the sequel. For the past fifteen years, Brian has taught art at a middle school in Brewer, Maine.
How do I apply for a library card?
To apply for a library card, stop by the circulation desk with your photo ID (license, passport, state ID, school ID, etc). If your photo ID includes your current mailing and physical addresses, you’re all set. If not, please bring a piece of mail or other official document that includes your current mailing address and documentation of your physical address.
The Ellsworth Public Library has been residing in the historic Tisdale House since 1897. It hosts a collection of more than 46,000 items in-house including books, large print books, audiobooks, movies, music CDs, and its growing Library of Things. In 2023, the library ran a total of 470 programs for all ages. Patrons have access to over 8 million items from 63 libraries statewide as well as subscriptions to 50 print publications and online access to streaming and download services as well as to the New York Times. An Ellsworth Public Library card also gives its holder access to free passes to many renowned Down East museums.
Funding towns outside of Ellsworth are Eastbrook, Great Pond, Hancock, Lamoine, Mariaville, Otis, Sorrento, Surry and Waltham. The towns of Franklin and Trenton reimburse their residents for library card sign-ups.
This project is funded by a generous donation by the Friends of the Library
About National Library Week
National Library Week (April 7-13, 2024) is a time to celebrate the nation’s libraries, and library workers’ contributions and promote library use and support. The theme for National Library Week 2024 is “Ready, Set, Library,” illustrating the idea that in our always-online world, libraries give us a green light to something truly special: a place to connect with others, learn new skills, and focus on what matters most.
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