This year, Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML) is humbled to have the support of the DeLisle Family in appealing for donations to the annual operating fund. Members of this library-loving family are particularly appropriate ambassadors for this season in our region, as parents Gigi and Tyler are veterans of the United States Navy, the branch of military honored throughout this year’s 64th annual Windjammer Days.

“When we first moved to the Boothbay tegion,” the DeLisles wrote, “we were welcomed at BHML through weekly storytimes, crafts, and family programs. Once they each turned five years old, signing up for their very own library card was a rite of passage for our children Adira and Aidan.” For years now, Aiden and Adira have enjoyed weekly after-school clubs at the Library alongside dozens of local peers.

BHML is honored to be a welcoming “third space” for thousands in our community, often a first-stop for area newcomers, a destination for summer visitors, and a mainstay for year-rounders. Because of this, we hope that you might resonate with the DeLisle’s story and wish to support the work of BHML to the benefit of all Library users. Thanks to those who are able to make financial contributions during this calendar year. To view BHML’s 2025 Annual Report, including tributes and our donor list, please visit bbhlibrary.org/annual-report. We also invite you to purchase tickets to this year’s Storybook Ball, which will be an enchanting evening in support of the library: themed to “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, hosted by the Country Club, on Sunday, Aug. 2: https://bbhlibrary.org/event/storybook-ball-a-misummer-nights-dream/. We hope to see you!

Dear Readers,

As proud parents, Navy veterans, and Boothbay residents, we are honored to appeal to our generous community for financial support of Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML) in order to fund engaging and essential operations.

There is no doubt that becoming part of our Library’s community has grown our village. Our family is one of countless others who have found BHML to be a lifeline, an essential place of belonging. 

When we first moved to the Boothbay region, we were welcomed at BHML through weekly storytimes, crafts, and family programs. Once they each turned five years old, signing up for their very own library card was a rite of passage for our children Adira and Aidan. They were thrilled with their newfound autonomy to explore the world of books, igniting their imaginations.  

The after-school clubs for local students continue to be a favorite for our kids. These clubs hold their attention as they grow through various developmental stages. As parents, we've observed a growing curiosity of the world around them, fueled by their weekly visits. We deeply appreciate that this programming is available at our Library and completely free to families.

As adult readers, we have been able to take part in various book clubs offered, such as The Summer Read and Moms Night In. Through these gatherings and discussions, we've been able to connect to others in various stages of life, making us feel more rooted, empathic, and engaged in our community. 

These clubs have encouraged us as busy adults to take time for ourselves to slow down and read about other perspectives and experiences of the world. By doing so, we become better community members and model a lifelong love of reading and storytelling for our children. 

Thank you for reading about our story. Please join us in helping BHML reach its crucial fundraising goals, ensuring this local treasure may continue to grow and thrive to the benefit of everyone in our community! 

In community,

The DeLisle Family