In the late 1960s there was a growing environmental movement happening in the United States stoked in part by authors like Paul Ehrlich, Edward Abbey, and a very important Boothbay region summer person, Rachel Carson. Carson, marine biologist, conservationist, and author of the prescient environmental classic "Silent Spring" (1962) built a camp on Southport Island in 1953. She was an avid reader, writer, and her work has left an indelible mark on environmentalism and the Boothbay region. Carson’s works remind us that we are stewards of this Earth and that humans have a big part to play in sustaining a healthy planet.

The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is honored to have been selected to be the new home for the Rachel Carson plaque that has resided outside the First Bank for over 30 years. Thanks to the commitment of Rupert Neily, and with the cooperation of the town of Boothbay Harbor, First Bank, and the Boothbay Region Garden Club, the plaque will be moved to its new home and unveiled at the Library’s first Earth Day celebration. In honor of this year’s Earth Day the Library has organized a smorgasbord of activities to support the continued stewardship of our local resources. Programs and activities will be offered by the Boothbay Railway Village, Boothbay Sea and Science Center, Boothbay Region Land Trust, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Glidden Point Oyster Co., Crow Point Yoga and Chewonki.

Join us on the library lawn Saturday, April 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for fun, games, and lots of learning. The re-dedication of the Rachel Carson plaque will take place around 1 p.m. At 2 p.m. we’ll move indoors where the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and the Boothbay Region Land Trust will co-host a screening of the PBS American Experience documentary on Rachel Carson. There will be something for everyone and all ages … spend the whole day with us, or just drop by for a bit. We’re kicking off at 10 a.m. with “Chalk Where We Walk” in homage to Jim Taliana’s Art on The Hill during Fishermen’s Festival. For the full schedule of events visit www.bbhlibrary.org.

In case of rain we will move the outdoor activities over to the Boothbay Harbor Fire Station. The event is not sponsored by the municipality of Boothbay Harbor, nor does it necessarily represent the values and opinions of the board of selectman or the community at large.