Members of "Write On!", the Jesup Memorial Library’s weekly online writers’ group, are scheduled to visit the library on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 5:30 p.m. for a public event. This gathering will provide an opportunity for the group's members to read selections from their ongoing writing projects and engage with the community about their creative endeavors.
Beyond sharing their individual works, the featured writers will also delve into the mechanics of the "Write On!" group itself. Attendees can expect to learn about how the online forum operates, its weekly routines, and the collaborative environment it fosters for aspiring and established writers. A key part of the program will also be dedicated to explaining the process for interested individuals to join the group, fostering new participation in the library’s literary community.
The event will feature presentations from six members of the group: Michelle Bates, Joan FitzGerald, Stephanie Lyn, Andrew McQuinn, Steven Roiphe, and Carol Woolman. This hybrid event offers flexibility for the public, with options to attend either in-person at the Jesup Memorial Library or to participate virtually online. Registration is required for attendance, and further details, including how to sign up, are available through the library’s dedicated events page.
Separately, news has emerged regarding the future of independent journalism in Hancock County and the broader Downeast region. A new nonprofit organization, the Acadia Newspaper Trust, is actively working to preserve and strengthen locally owned news outlets crucial to the fabric of these communities.
The Trust’s mission focuses on ensuring the vitality and independence of local reporting. Its strategic plans include the acquisition of several key regional publications. By 2027, the Acadia Newspaper Trust intends to acquire The Ellsworth American, the Mount Desert Islander, and The Bangor Historian. This initiative aims to maintain these newspapers’ deep connections to the areas they serve.
The organization underscores its commitment to the longevity of community news, stating its goal is to ensure these newspapers remain rooted in the communities they serve "for generations to come." The Trust is advocating for the critical role of local journalism and the importance of community support for its enduring future in the region.