The Whitefield Library & Community Center is located at 1 Arlington Lane, right in the middle of beautiful Whitefield, Maine. We currently have a collection of over 5,000 donated books on our shelves.
From the inspiring spark of a 2nd-grade student’s letter to the Whitefield Select Board, a small group of volunteers took up the challenge to create a community library. Little Quinn’s letter to the Select Board pleaded on behalf of all local children their shared desire
The saying “When one door closes, another opens” held true in a very unique way. The local grange membership was in decline and struggling to remain active. With the hope of attracting and serving more community members, the grange offered its space to the newly organized library. In mid 2017 the request for more library volunteers went out and the grange’s first floor was turned into a welcoming summer library. With an outpouring of used books and furnishing, the space was transformed.
Having provided more than 130 years of service to veterans and farmers, the building began to take on a new role. The used books were shelved and readied for circulation into the community and a few summer activities were planned. The first season saw a small but dedicated group of patrons of all ages.
As the first summer library closed its doors for the winter months (due to the inability to heat the building properly) plans were already being made for a second season. It was exciting to have a library in this small farming community! The hopeful wish from a 7-year-old boy who simply loved to read had become a reality.
The second summer library added even more books and patrons. Family memberships doubled as did the circulation, despite the tedious process requiring patrons to wait while books were stamped and cards were filed….all pleasant time to make conversation. The number of volunteers increased and the Library was able to host an Open House, a fundraising event that drew wide attraction with its music, foods, games, and a silent auction. During this same
During that 2nd year, the Library Board successfully became a recognized 501c3 NonProfit and set its sites on conforming to all required Maine State Library regulations. Plans were made to expand hours, increase the number of days open, and future programming.
At the same time, the Whitefield grange members were happy to see the building being used as it was once intended.
At the end of that second season in 2018 it was announced by the grange association that membership could not sustain the property and that the Arlington Hall would be closed, and eventually sold. After much deliberation, the Library Board made the decision to negotiate the purchase of the property. The Board’s intention is to restore the grange hall to its full potential; a library for all ages and any resident within easy reach of Whitefield and a generous community space for performances, classes, and general events.
Please see our Purchase & Renovation Efforts page to read about our plans for the Arlington Hall!