Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, a strong supporter of libraries as community builders, once addressed librarians saying,
“Unless you are out there changing neighborhoods, you are not completing the work you are to do.”
The vision for Whitefield Library and Community Center stretches beyond the usual “quaint” free lending library. In large part, our amazing community will help to inform the usage; from musicians to educators, from youth organizers to freelance workers, all will be welcome. Our space may be small compared to many Maine libraries, but our doors are open to host a variety of entertaining and educational events and programs.
Our library services provided on the first floor of our beautifully renovated space include the usual library services such as book lending, free wireless internet, MSL’s Interlibrary Loan, access to Digital Maine Library, and reading focused events such as Storytime for little ones and a variety of monthly programs like Book Club, Cribbage, Game Night, and the occasional Music Night and Author Visits.
When funds are raised to continue with building improvements, we will restore the top floor of the building (Phase 2); the historic gathering hall enjoyed by this community for nearly 138 years. This second floor will hold a removable seating area for exhibitions, programs and musical events, a portable stage for speakers and performers, and a display area showcasing the historical artifacts from our building’s past.
It is within this space where our imagination takes hold. There are numerous uses here including after school or weekend workshops for our youth, a celebrating and gathering space for the community, an educational and tutorial location for all learners, a welcoming spot for seniors to enjoy hobbies or clubs, a location for artists to exhibit their craft, and a showcase of the historic Arlington Hall!