Stockton Springs Community Library Has Hired Sally Stanton as Library Director

Since its founding in 2001, Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) has been an all-volunteer organization. For years, the board of directors has had a goal of hiring a part-time Director to work in support of the large number of volunteers. That goal prompted SSCL to start an endowment fund at the Maine Community Foundation. After dedicating proceeds from annual appeal campaigns and many fundraising events to the endowment fund, the income from the fund was enough to begin the search process for a Director. SSCL has now hired Sally Stanton to be the library’s Director.

Sally Stanton is an artist, writer, and librarian with twenty years of experience working in RSU#20 libraries. She holds a B.F.A. from Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Solstice Program at Lasell University. Her paintings have been exhibited in group and solo shows around New England including the Portland Museum of Art and Waterfall Arts in Belfast. She is a member of the Association of Rural and Small Libraries, The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, and the Union of Maine Visual Artists. She lives in Northport, Maine. 

Carol Fuller, SSCL Board Chair, stated:

“We are delighted to have Sally join us as our new director. She brings with her many skills and talents and has a depth of experience in the library field having worked in RSU 20 for many years. Sally is also creative both as an artist and a writer. Her genuine passion for libraries is very evident. We knew right away that Sally would be a great fit for us. We are so pleased to welcome her to our library and to the community of Stockton Springs.”

Stockton Springs Community Library Hosting THE GREAT EVENT Saturday, September 7th

THE GREAT EVENT, hosted by the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will take place on the grounds of the library and town office on Saturday, September 7th from 8 am until 2 pm. The event provides a festive atmosphere with something for everyone.  

THE GREAT EVENT is a celebration of the spirit of community which features a large community yard sale, live music, barbeque, homemade donuts, strawberry shortcake, bake sale, children’s activities, and more. It’s a great opportunity to find some bargains, enjoy great food and music, and have fun connecting with friends and neighbors.

There are still some spaces available in THE GREAT EVENT large community yard sale. Spaces are 10 feet by 15 feet and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Spaces are $30. Crafters and organizations are welcome to reserve spaces. Library hours are Monday 3 – 5 pm, Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, Wednesday 3-5 pm, Thursday 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm. 

Everyone’s invited to come out and see what’s so great about THE GREAT EVENT!

For more information call SSCL at 207-567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Stockton Springs Community Library Now Reserving Spaces for The Great Event

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) is currently reserving spaces in the community yard sale at The Great Event, its popular fundraising event and community gathering which will take place on Saturday, September 7th from 8 am to 2 pm.

The Community Yard Sale at the Great Event takes place on the grounds of the Library and Town Office. Spaces are 10 feet by 15 feet and may be reserved by visiting the library during open hours. Spaces are $30. Library hours are Monday 3 – 5 pm, Tuesday 4 – 7 pm, Wednesday 3-5 pm, Thursday 9 am – noon and 6:30 – 8:30 pm, and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm. 

The Great Event includes the giant community yard sale, BBQ, bake sale, children’s events and more. SSCL is a nonprofit all-volunteer library. All proceeds from The Great Event will benefit the library.

For more information call SSCL at 207-567-4147 or visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Author Cathie Pelletier to speak at Stockton Springs Community Library on Sunday, July 28th at 2 PM

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will present author Cathie Pelletier discussing her work on Sunday, July 28th at 2 PM. Seating is limited, so pre-registration is required. Stop into the library or call 207-567-4147 during open hours to reserve your seat.

Cathie Pelletier is the author of sixteen books beginning with The Funeral Makers, her first novel published by Macmillan in 1986. Her most recent book is Northeaster, A Story of Courage & Survival in the Blizzard of 1952. She and theoretical physicist S. James Gates, Jr. co-authored Proving Einstein Right, released in 2019 by Public Affairs. The book was awarded the Brown University Book Award for 2020. Also released in 2019 is The Ragin’ Cajun, a memoir she wrote with her friend fiddler Doug Kershaw (Mercer University Press). A Middle Grade novel, Mystery Traveler at Lake Fortune, was released in July 2023 by Down East/Rowman & Littlefield. Evangeline’s Journey is due in 2024.

Producer Gabrielle Tana has recently optioned Pelletier’s novel The Funeral Makers for Doug Liman to direct and Pelletier to adapt. She has worked on several film projects with Grammy-winner and AFI founder George Stevens, Jr. She and the late Donald Sutherland collaborated on one of her original screenplays. Under the pseudonym of K.C. McKinnon, Pelletier wrote Dancing at the Harvest Moon and Candles on Bay Street, both with Doubleday, the latter earning a million dollar advance. Harvest Moon was printed in 22 languages and was a CBS film starring Jacqueline Bisset and Valerie Harper. Candles was translated to 16 languages and was a Hallmark Hall of Fame film starring starring Alicia Silverstone.

Two of her novels received notable mentions from the New York Times Book Review. Her third novel The Weight of Winter, won the New England Booksellers Award. In 2006 Running the Bulls won the Paterson Prize for Fiction. Her first middle grade novel, The Summer Experiment, was published in 2014. Pelletier was privately hired to write a memoir, now finished, that centers on the Vietnam War.

Cathie created and sold to Simon & Schuster a book for country music icon Tanya Tucker, titled 100 Ways to Beat the Blues. She co-wrote The Christmas Note with her friend, and Grand Old Opry legend, the late Skeeter Davis. She has co-written songs that were recorded by David Byrne (of the Talking Heads), the Texas Tornadoes, and others. She and Tanya Tucker are working on a children’s book.

A book-signing will follow the presentation. Books will be available to purchase.

Be sure to pre-register at 207-567-4147 to reserve your seat for what promises to be a very interesting afternoon!

Stockton Springs Community Library Hiring

Library Director

  • Library: Stockton Springs Community Library
  • Town: Stockton Springs, ME
  • Library Type: Public
  • Position Type: MLS Preferred
  • Deadline: Open until filled

Description, How to Apply, and Contact:

The Stockton Springs Community Library Board of Directors is seeking a part-time Library Director. This is a newly created position in a small, vibrant coastal town. SSCL has a dedicated team of volunteers who currently staff and manage the library.

The Director will be responsible for the overall day to day operations of the library including specific responsibilities such as:

  • budgeting, programming, scheduling volunteers, recommending policy adjustments to the Board and working cooperatively within the community to further the library’s programs and services to meet community needs.
  • Previous experience and knowledge in the library field is a definite plus.

This position is for 10 hours per week at $20 per hour.

Please send a letter of interest, resume and three references to the Search Committee at: ssclboard@stocktonsprings.lib.me

Or mail to:

Stockton Springs Community Library
Attn: Director Search Committee
PO Box 293
Stockton Springs, ME 04981

(207) 567-4147

**Stockton Springs is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary: $20 per hour

Website: https://stocktonspringslibrary.org/

Summer Reading Program at Stockton Springs Community Library Begins Tuesday, July 9th

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a Summer Reading Program on Tuesdays from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM from Tuesday, July 9th to Tuesday, August 6th.

We will explore themes such as endangered animals, ways to repurpose, recycle, and reuse, and more. There will be stories, activities, snacks, and lots of fun. 

Come to one session, all sessions, or come whenever you can! 

This is a free program and open to all.

For questions contact the library at 207-567-4147.

Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale at Stockton Springs Community Library June 1st

 On Saturday, June 1st from 9 am to 1 pm the Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host its very popular Annual Book, Bake, and Plant Sale. This event provides an opportunity to stock up on books in all genres, a wide variety of plants, and delicious home baked goods. There’s always a range of sweet and savory baked goods available. It’s also a chance to reconnect with friends and neighbors after the long winter.

June 1st is also the last day of the “Art in the Stacks” exhibition in the nonfiction room at SSCL. The exhibition features works by the SSCL Wednesday Art Group. The event will also feature a drawing for the winner of the raffle for a $100 gift card to Stone Fox Creamery.

The Stockton Springs Community Library was founded in 2001 and is located in the historic Colcord House, which is owned by the Stockton Springs Historical Society. The library is run by a group of dedicated volunteers and new volunteers are always welcome. For more information visit www.stocktonspringslibrary.org

Mac Smith to Speak about his new book “Plain Madeleine” at the Stockton Springs Community Library on Sunday, April 21st at 2:00 PM.

Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a talk by author Mac Smith on Sunday, April 21st at 2:00 pm at the Stockton Springs Community Library. The talk will focus on Smith’s new book, Plain Madeleine. 

The story of Madeleine and Colonel John Jacob Astor is very much part of the story of Bar Harbor, Maine. The relatively poor Madeleine Force met Colonel Astor, the third richest man in the United States, in Bar Harbor in 1910. The vicious scandal after their wedding caused the newlyweds to board the Titanic to return to America; the ensuing tragedy would claim the life of the colonel.

Madeleine Astor returned to Bar Harbor after the Titanic disaster, where all eyes were on her, and where she was triumphant in claiming the role of social leader. In 1916, she remarried in the center of Bar Harbor, and gave up everything Astor.

The story follows the 17 years of her second marriage, and then her scandalous third marriage. Madeleine, now in her 40s, married a penniless young boxer and her name erased from the Social Register after that. She died a lonely figure in her 40s.

This new book from historian Mac Smith documents Madeleine’s life in Bar Harbor and the Astor presence on Bar Harbor through Colonel Astor’s family and the Kane family–Astor cousins who were prominent there. It puts Madeleine Astor’s story in the context of Bar Harbor’s Golden Age. In telling Madeleine Astor’s story, the story of a changing Bar Harbor is also revealed. 

A Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and former reporter for The Bar Harbor Times, Mac Smith lives in Stockton Springs, Maine in the village of Sandy Point. He is the author of several books of Maine history, including Mainers on the TitanicPeyton Place Comes Home to Maine, Siege at the Statehouse, and Disaster at the Bar Harbor Ferry.

Following the talk Mac Smith will sign copies of Plain Madeleine, which will be available for purchase. Copies of his other books will also be available.

Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.

SSCL is located at 6 Station St. in the heart of Stockton Springs. For more information please contact the library at 207-567-4147.

Stockton Springs Community Library Hosts a Spring Fling Story Hour April 6th

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a Spring Fling Story Hour for children of all ages on Saturday, April 6th from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In addition to the stories, there will be snacks and a craft activity.

All are welcome to this free event. The library is currently engaged in a fundraising raffle for a $100 gift card to Stone Fox Creamery. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the Story Hour and during all regular library hours.

Stockton Springs Community Library Story Hour Celebrates Dr. Seuss March 2nd

The Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a Celebration of Dr. Seuss at the March Story Hour for children of all ages on Saturday, March 2nd from 10:00 to 11:00 am. In addition to the stories, there will be snacks and a craft activity. 

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known under his pseudonym “Dr. Seuss,” was “probably the best-loved and certainly the best-selling children’s book writer of all time,” wrote Robert Wilson of the New York Times Book Review. Geisel entertained several generations of young readers with his zany nonsense books. Speaking to Herbert Kupferberg of Parade, Geisel once claimed: “Old men on crutches tell me, ‘I’ve been brought up on your books.'” His “rhythmic verse rivals Lewis Carroll‘s,” stated Stefan Kanfer in Time, “and his freestyle drawing recalls the loony sketches of Edward Lear.” Because of his work in publishing books for young readers and for the many innovative children’s classics he wrote himself, during the second half of the twentieth century Geisel “had a tremendous impact on children’s reading habits and the way reading is taught and approached in the school system,” declared Miles Corwin of the Los AngelesTimes.

All are welcome to this free event. The library is currently engaged in a fundraising raffle for a $100 gift card to Stone Fox Creamery. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase during the Story Hour event.