It is 2025 and Cundy’s Harbor Library is welcoming both a new year and a new board. If you came to the Cundy’s Harbor Fire Department Auxiliary craft fair, you may have had the opportunity to chat with several board members. Ruth Rose is our new treasurer and a crafter herself. She is new to the library board but well known to many in Harpswell. She lived on Harpswell Neck as she worked and raised three children: Chad, Emily, and Aaron. Along with her strong background in finance, she likes to knit and sew. Ruth is an avid reader, often providing recommendations for the shelves. If you are interested in a partner for a knitting session or a discussion about how to alter a pattern or where to find fabric, Ruth is one to call upon. Welcome, Ruth!
Beth Dufresne is our latest president of the board. She raised her children here and has a home on an island in Casco Bay. An engineer, she often travels for business, yet she manages to share her management expertise with our library. She is always willing to help with our outreach events, such as the craft fair, baking items for the annual Town Meeting, or helping with bookmark construction at the fall fair. Yes, she is that lady walking dogs on Cundy’s Harbor Road. Thank you, Beth!
Joanne Damon is our vice president. A longtime resident of the harbor, Joanne has many creative ideas. Maybe because she has a varied career history and a love of community, she has spearheaded several events. A story walk about birds, a photo contest, and Christmas cookie Saturdays were just a few. Her history with the library began in the time of Christine Miller, who lent out books from the upstairs of her general store, and has continued to the present. A member of the Thursday evening book club, Joanne and her laugh keep the library vibrant. Welcome back, Joanne!
Nancy Hatch hails from the Worcester area but has had a cottage in Harpswell for years. Since her retirement from nursing, Nancy has lent her love of reading to us. Not only does she serve on the board, Nancy is a regular volunteer. Without her, our books would never be covered and shelved as nicely. Looking for a book? Just talk to Nancy. She can easily provide you with three to four great suggestions and will want to know if you liked the book you chose. Her smile and laughter greet all who enter, but remember, she will notice if you don’t slow down when driving to and from the harbor. She too is a book club member, so come meet Nancy!
Lynn Kilchenstein just joined our board. She has roots in Maryland and New Hampshire but has had a place here in Cundy’s Harbor for many years. Her background in teaching and English is serving us well as we enter the new year. Already she has helped with the December craft fair, and she is just beginning to share her ideas about how to strengthen our library community. When the board meets again, the third Saturday in January, please drop by and say hello. Welcome, Lynn!
Eric Leonard has served our board as the maintenance and facilities lead. Eric is a movie buff. He also loves books, with a focus on cultural history and those wonderful illustrated books about the world and the universe. Originally from New Jersey, Eric spent years living off the grid near Farmington, only to relocate when his parents moved to Harpswell. He gets our Christmas tree, removes the trash, assembles shelves, and, most importantly, keeps the repairs and maintenance current. He schedules our plowing, cleaning, plumber and propane. He meets all our contractors, from the roof to the basement. Thank you, Eric!
Those are the library’s core board members. As 2025 rolls along, they will be there to serve coffee and baked goods at the annual Town Meeting or hot chocolate after the book walk on the Cliff Trail. They will help with Lunch with Friends and our ice cream social during Cundy’s Harbor Days. At our book clubs, these members will share their love of books and community. Thank you, 2025-26 Cundy’s Harbor Library board!
“Library Connections” is a monthly column that rotates among the three libraries that serve Harpswell: Cundy’s Harbor, Orr’s Island, and Curtis Memorial. Heather Logan is the director of the Cundy’s Harbor Library.
