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NEWS RELEASES

March 14, 2025

Nantucket Atheneum Announces Departure of Executive Director Ann Scott.

The Nantucket Atheneum, the island’s free public library, announces that Executive Director and Head Librarian Ann Scott will step down from her role, effective May 1, 2025.
“Ann Scott has been a visionary leader of the Atheneum for five and a half years, and we are deeply grateful for her service,” said Sam Flax, Chair of the Atheneum’s Board of Trustees. “Her leadership was instrumental in navigating the challenges of the pandemic while ensuring the library remained a vital resource for our community. She also spearheaded two transformative initiatives — the acquisition of much-needed employee housing and the creation of Weekend at the Library, now our signature summer fundraiser. We wish her all the best in the next stage of her professional career.”
Reflecting on her time at the Atheneum, Scott shared, “I have immense respect and admiration for the library’s mission and for the talented, committed team that brings it to life every day. I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together. I couldn’t ask for better colleagues.”
Flax also emphasized the strength of the Atheneum’s dedicated staff, saying, “The Atheneum team is the heartbeat of the library — passionate about serving the community through events, programming, and services that reach all of Nantucket.”
The Board of Trustees will soon begin the search for the Atheneum’s tenth librarian in its nearly 200-year history, continuing a legacy that began with the renowned Maria Mitchell, the first professional female astronomer, who became the institution’s first librarian at just 18 years old.
Founded in 1834, the Nantucket Atheneum has long been a center for knowledge, culture, and civic engagement. As Nantucket’s only public library, its mission is to provide free and equal access to a world of ideas and information, foster a love of reading, and serve as a hub for community learning, creativity, and connection.

February 11, 2025

Nantucket Atheneum Bids Farewell to One Book, One Island with Gratitude and Reflection.

For nearly two decades, One Book, One Island (OBOI) has united the Nantucket community through the shared experience of reading and discussion. Led by the Nantucket Atheneum in collaboration with numerous local organizations, this cherished annual tradition has encouraged literacy, cultural engagement, and meaningful dialogue. As the program comes to a close, the Atheneum and its partners celebrate its lasting impact while embracing new opportunities to foster community connections through literature and the arts.

Honoring a Legacy of Community Reading Since its inception, OBOI has brought together residents and visitors alike through a carefully selected book, inspiring events, and thought-provoking discussions. Past selections have included a wide array of fiction and nonfiction titles, each chosen to spark conversation and reflection. The program’s success has been made possible through the dedication of local organizations, volunteers, and funders, including the Tupancy-Harris Foundation and the Hale Family Foundation.

A key aspect of OBOI has been its collaborative spirit. Initially founded as a way for executive directors of local organizations to connect over books, the program evolved into a multi-faceted initiative with contributions from groups such as the Artists Association of Nantucket, Mitchell’s Book Corner, the Nantucket Historical Association, and many more. Over the years, passionate individuals, including the late Jim Lentowski, played pivotal roles in ensuring the program’s success, from designing promotional materials to actively participating in events.

Navigating Change and Embracing New Directions While OBOI has been a beloved tradition, shifting engagement levels and evolving community needs prompted thoughtful reflection on its future. Library Director Ann Scott noted that attendance did not always reflect the immense effort required to plan and execute programming. “As programmers, we put our hearts into creating meaningful events, but we found that the return on investment in terms of participation was not always what we hoped,” said Scott.

In response, the Atheneum and its partners explored ways to make the program more sustainable and inclusive. Efforts included streamlining the book selection process, democratizing access to materials, and leveraging social media for broader outreach. However, after careful consideration, it became clear that it was time to transition from OBOI and reallocate resources toward fresh, dynamic initiatives that continue to bring the community together in meaningful ways.

Commemorating One Book, One Island As the program concludes, the Atheneum is committed to honoring the legacy of OBOI and its contributors. In March, a commemorative display of past selections will be featured at the Atheneum, celebrating the program’s rich history. Additionally, a special tea event will be held on March 7th (The exact time TBD; check our Calendar at nantucketatheneum.org) to recognize past organizers, supporters, and the many community members who helped make OBOI a success. Limited-edition promotional items featuring each year’s selected titles will also be available as a tribute to the program’s impact.

Looking Ahead: One Community, Many Stories Although One Book, One Island is coming to an end, the Nantucket Atheneum remains dedicated to fostering community engagement through literature, conversation, and shared experiences. “We are saying bon voyage to One Book, One Island and hello to additional meaningful experiences for One Community,” said Scott. The library and its partners look forward to continuing to provide enriching programs that reflect the evolving needs and interests of Nantucket residents.

For more information about upcoming events and initiatives, please visit the Nantucket Atheneum’s website (nantucketatheneum.org), or follow us on social media: Instagram (@nantucketatheneum) and Facebook (NantucketAtheneum).

If you liked OBOI, you may also like:

IN THE HEART OF THE SEA – A READATHON

March 8th & March 9th, 2025

Take a step back in time to learn about whaling history in this immersive weekend experience centered around the story of the whaleship Essex.

The main event will be a community read-through of Nathaniel Philbrick’s book In the Heart of the Sea, with engaging activities sprinkled throughout, including hands-on activities, collections object viewing, sea shanty concert, chowder dinner, trivia, and more. For a full schedule of weekend events, visit https://nha.org/whats-on/public-programs/in-the-heart-of-the-sea-community-reading/

One Book, One Island, OBOI Nantucket Atheneum, Lighthouse

December 19, 2024

Historic Digital Newspaper Archive Launch!

The Atheneum’s Historic Digital Newspaper Archive now allows researchers to use keyword searching, interact with, make corrections and view issues online from the historic Inquirer and from the Inquirer Mirror newspapers from 1821 to the present. Our collection contains 10,596 issues comprising 100,858 pages and 547,195 articles. Future additions will include the Weekly Mirror and the short run of the Daily Mirror. The Atheneum will add sixteen other 19th century newspapers to the searchable collection and repair any data missing from transfers from the old database.
As custodians of Nantucket history, the Atheneum has remained dedicated to restoring access to “The Historic Newspapers Database” as quickly as possible, and understand more than ever how important this content is for research, advocacy, and education. We have been humbled by the offers of support we have received from researchers and patrons alike. Your understanding as we worked to resolve this issue and offer alternative ways to access the content has been greatly appreciated.
We want to thank the following organizations and individuals who helped make the original Nantucket Atheneum’s Digital Historic Newspaper Archive possible. The original funding for the digitization of the Nantucket newspapers was provided by the Nantucket Community Preservation Committee. In addition, the Atheneum would like to thank the Nantucket community, Boston Public Library, and The Inquirer and Mirror for their support of this new project.
Current Dataset:
  • Nantucket Inquirer: July 5, 1821 to Dec.29, 1847
  • Inquirer: Jan. 5, 1848 to June 29, 1855
  • Nantucket Inquirer: July 6, 1855 to March 22, 1865
  • The Inquirer and Mirror: April 1, 1865 to  Dec 31, 1990
  • Incomplete months between 1991 and 2013
  • The Inquirer and Mirror: 2015 to 2023
Coming Additions:
  • Nantucket Weekly Mirror: June 14, 1845 to March 1865
  • Filling in the incomplete months between 1991 and 2014

December 9, 2024

Nantucket Atheneum Launches December Programs to Support Mental Health and Foster Community Resilience

Empowering the Nantucket Community with Tools, Knowledge, and Support for Mental Wellness

NANTUCKET, MA — The Nantucket Atheneum proudly announces a series of programs this December focused on promoting mental health awareness, providing essential resources, and fostering a supportive environment for community members. These free programs, hosted at the Atheneum’s Learning Lab, are designed to educate, empower, and destigmatize mental health discussions and create a safe, inclusive space for all residents.
“The Nantucket Atheneum is all about being a key part of our community,” said Lisa Lothian, Head of Outreach Services. “We’re here to enrich minds and support everyone’s well-being. These programs tackle important mental health issues and provide life-enhancing tools, all while bringing our community closer together. Providing this type of meaningful programming to our community is what I’m most passionate about.”
Program Highlights:
  1. QPR Suicide Prevention Training
    • When: Monday, December 16, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
    • What: Gain life-saving skills with Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) training. This workshop helps attendees recognize suicide warning signs and respond effectively. Space is limited to 15 participants — registration is required.
  2. Trauma-Informed Care Training
    • When: Monday, December 16, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    • What: Learn how to provide compassionate, trauma-informed support. This workshop covers trauma theory, attachment, and neuroscience, equipping attendees with actionable strategies to assist those impacted by trauma. Co-hosted with Nantucket Health & Human Services Department.
  3. The Roundtable: Helping Men Reach Their Next Level
    • When: Wednesday, December 18, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Meetings will occur the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month)
    • What: Visit a supportive space for men to explore challenges and strategies for personal growth. Participants will collaborate with Time-Line Therapist and NLP Coach Neil Murphy to develop healthy habits and achieve their goals.
For more information about these programs and to register, please visit nantucketatheneum.org or contact us directly.
The Nantucket Atheneum acknowledges the importance of mental wellness in building resilient communities. The library has created a valuable list of resources on its Wellness Literacy webpage (on our website, click Read/Watch/Listen – Digital Library or follow this link: https://nantucketatheneum.org/wellness-literacy/) to empower individuals with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their physical, mental, and emotional health.
About the Nantucket Atheneum
The Nantucket Atheneum is the island’s free public library and a vital community resource. Offering free access to a wide range of educational, cultural, and wellness initiatives, the Atheneum is dedicated to enriching lives and fostering a thriving, resilient community.

October 10, 2024

Strengthening the Community: Nantucket Atheneum Offers Essential Wellness Programs This October

Library Programs Address Critical Social Issues and Promote Community Support

Nantucket, MA – The Nantucket Atheneum is exemplifying the evolving mission of public libraries as community lifelines, providing essential social services through a series of programs starting this October. These programs are designed to address critical social issues and promote community support. These impactful initiatives include film screenings, training sessions, and wellness classes to enhance our residents’ mental and emotional well-being. 

October/November Wellness Programs Overview:

  • Film Screening, A Still Small Voice

In partnership with the Nantucket Cottage Hospital, the Atheneum presents this thought-provoking documentary that delves into the emotional resilience required in healthcare chaplaincy. The film offers viewers a unique perspective on compassion within the healthcare field. Sat, Oct. 19, 5:30-7:30PM

  • QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training

The Atheneum and the Town of Nantucket co-host a crucial training that empowers participants with knowledge and tools to effectively recognize and respond to mental health crises. Mon, Oct. 21, 11-12:30PM

  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Information Session

Representatives from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization provide details on how adults in the community can get involved in mentoring and supporting local children and teens. Tues, Oct. 22, 5:30-6:30PM

  • Somatic Yoga

Somatic Yoga with Sheri Perelman offers a restorative and peaceful practice that helps individuals manage stress and heal the nervous system with gentle movement. For all levels. Every Tuesday, 12:15-1PM 

All community members are invited to join these programs at no charge, and registration is encouraged for each event. The Nantucket Atheneum is dedicated to expanding its role in promoting social well-being and fostering a supportive environment for all residents. For more information about these programs, visit the Nantucket Atheneum website.

September 11, 2024

Nantucket Atheneum Hosts Engaging Presidential Debate Viewing and Announces Upcoming Civic Engagement Events

Last night, the Nantucket Atheneum’s Great Hall was abuzz with excitement as dozens of community members gathered to watch the eagerly anticipated presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. This engaging event, a community-driven initiative inspired by former librarian Joanne Polster, successfully united residents in a dynamic atmosphere that celebrated civic participation.

The evening unfolded with attendees enjoying debate bingo cards, complimentary popcorn, and cozy seating arrangements in front of a large screen, creating a lively yet respectful environment. Atheneum Director Ann Scott remarked, “The audience was surprisingly demure, but their engagement was palpable. It was a night of community togetherness and respectful discourse.” Many attendees expressed gratitude for the library’s thoughtful programming, thanking the staff for their efforts in organizing this event.

Inspired by Polster’s keen insight, this initiative was designed to address the community’s need for accessible, shared experiences since not everyone has access to the technology required to watch such significant events. “Joanne’s idea resonated deeply with us. It’s about creating a communal experience that strengthens our democratic processes and fosters connection,” Scott explained.

She further praised the library staff’s dedication to this mission. “Our Head of Outreach, Lisa Lothian, along with our Adult Programs team, Sammy Aguilar and Sean Allen, are committed to expanding knowledge and fostering community interaction. We truly enjoy bringing these opportunities to our patrons.”

Looking ahead, the Nantucket Atheneum is thrilled to announce its next civic engagement event — a “Mock” Open Town Meeting scheduled for Thursday, September 12, at 6:30 PM in the Great Hall. This informative session will provide insights into essential town meeting procedures, including understanding warrants, citizen articles, and voter roles.
We will also host the Vice Presidential debate on October 1, from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM, and hope to see the same amount of engagement, enthusiasm, and respect.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Nantucket Atheneum remains a cornerstone of democracy and community engagement. For more information about upcoming programs and events, please visit www.nantucketatheneum.org and explore the “Calendar” section or contact Lisa Lothian at llothian@nantucketatheneum.org

2024 United States presidential debates
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