May 2023: “What’s Happening at the Library?” you ask.

The following article appeared in the May 3rd edition of the Lincoln County News.

In 2017, when Whitefield Library embarked on its journey to create a “Summer Library” in the old Arlington Grange Hall, we had no idea regarding the extent to which that decision would lead us. The evolution of this small rural community library is quite amazing, and so is the accomplishment that we have most recently achieved. Our goal to meet all of the Criteria to become part of the Maine State Library regional network system has been reached, and we are officially part of the MSL Region 4; providing services and programs to our library! In March, after the Town of Whitefield voted to contribute a share of our library’s operating costs to support our only two administrative salaries (Library Administrator and Children’s Program Coordinator), our application to join MSL’s consortium was sent. A financial commitment on the part of our Town, and employing a Library Administrator were the last two items on the Criteria list, and we are extremely grateful to Whitefield community for supporting our efforts.

Being partners with Maine State Library brings us free Internet connection worth a minimum of $6,100/year, and access to Digital Maine Library databases including AncestryLibrary and LearningExpress. We will be eligible for van delivery of resources which our patrons request that are not available in our small library, and we will be eligible to apply for programs and grants from Maine State Library. These, as well as many other benefits, will be “rolled” into our library operations slowly, but surely over the next year with the knowledgeable training and specialists’ consulting services that MSL freely provides. Shawn, our Library Administrator, is already extremely busy and engaged with our regional liaison, Jared Leadbetter, laying the groundwork for our Internet connection which will connect our library with all other libraries across the state of Maine and beyond.

At our April Annual Meeting, we expressed our appreciation to three very dedicated retiring Board members who have diligently helped us grow ever since our very beginning in 2017 (Jane McMorrow, Judy Maldovan, and Kathy Dauphin). At the same time, we welcomed seven new members joining our mission (Brandi Verrill, Anya Lagasse, Michelle Finley, Jim Torbert. Mary Kaminski, Suzanne Balbo, and Stephen Piwowarski). We are anxious to continue the process of “building a library” in our rural community that serves all of the residents of Whitefield and its surrounding neighbors in a manner that we all will enjoy for years to come.

On tap for May, we have: -STORYTIME (Fridays @10:30 May 5 &19, June 2 &16), the Summer Program begins June 23 with special Field Trip events being planned

-BOOK CLUB (any book/lively discussions) Wed. May 10 & June 14 from 2-4

-CRIBBAGE (friendly games) Wed. May 3, 17, & 31 from 2:00-5

-SPECIAL EVENTS: (See our website for more details) *May 10 @12:30 a collaboration with Sheepscot Valley Hinterland Preschool ART SHOW

*May 12 @2:00 we are hosting Marti Stevens Theatre (“Adults Aging in Place”)

*May 20 5:30-7:00 OPEN MIC (all performers welcome w/music, poetry, stories, etc.)

It’s easy to see that we have been busy, and these next few months promise more of the same, but we have a terrific team of motivated staff and volunteers. The Book Committee is sorting and shelving exciting new books every week, the circulation volunteers never miss a day to hang out our OPEN flag, and the team of Storytime volunteers love seeing new faces on Friday mornings! The Renovation Committee is preparing for the new driveway, parking lot, and walkway improvements. The Events/Programming Committee is filling the calendar with summer activities. Come join us! There’s need for more help in every way, and we’d love to hear from you!

Whenever you see our OPEN flag flying, stop in (Wed 1:30-6:00, Fri. & Sat. 10-2:00). We serve (free of charge) all of the residents of not only Whitefield, but our neighbors in Windsor, Somerville, Jefferson, Alna, and Pittston as well. Become a library member, pick up your free Library Card, borrow our books, bring the family to Storytime, join our volunteers, and help us grow. Our contact is: 1 Arlington Ln, Whitefield, PO Box 5, Whitefield 04353, 207-549-0170, info@whitefieldlibrary.org, and see our informative website: https://whitefieldlibrary.org and follow us on Facebook.