The following article appeared in the June 28th edition of the Lincoln County News.
Similar to the children’s folktale, The Little Engine That Could, Whitefield Library has its own rendition of the positive rewards of persistence and hard work. This little library steams ahead at the top of Whitefield’s Grand Army Hill with its welcome mat delightfully rolled out every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and we have more exciting news to share about our most recent accomplishment! We now hold a piece of paper in our
hand that signals permission to renovate our historic gathering space on the 2nd floor. Months of planning, designing, and communicating with the Maine State Fire Marshall’s Office has finally resulted in agreement for public use of this amazing space. Our plan allows us three years to accomplish this endeavor, but we are wasting no time. Our Renovation Committee has established a project timeline, created a preliminary budget projection, and has already begun reaching out for funding sources to help us. Just like the 1st floor renovation, breathing life back into the 2nd floor will require a great deal of labor and financial support. Our intent is to reestablish the hall’s original position within our community by creating a vibrant gathering space of opportunity and learning provided by our library’s program offerings and a myriad of entertainment from the diverse artistic talents that surrounds us. Won’t you join us on the path of this mission and help us breathe life back into the 2nd floor of our 139 year old GAR Hall? Come aboard to experience more of the Whitefield Library journey. We welcome all support (financial, expertise, and labor)!
The buzz of activity within the library itself is full speed ahead. There are no sleeper cars attached to this little train. Collaborating with the regional Maine State Library consultant, our Library Director is focused on bringing services online for Interlibrary Loan, accessing Digital Maine Library, and gaining eligibility access to van delivery. Circulation volunteer training and testing systems has already begun, and we hope these wonderful new services will be available to our patrons very soon.
Along with our ever-growing and amazing book selection to choose from, our library’s free programming continues to attract an increasing number of patrons and families. Our Children’s Program coordinator, Ms Emma, has launched an entertaining and educational lineup this summer for kids of all ages. Join the “Sheepscot River Readers” challenge, and celebrate at the Grand Finale Party in August. Storytime every Friday at 10:30, and exciting field trips are scheduled June through August. The kids won’t want to miss this summer’s Movie Nights, Stuffy Sleepover, Puppet Show, and a visit with Maine author of the Oxbow Island Gang series. Your can check our website, social media posts, and details at the library for more information. We hope you add these children’s programs to your summer calendar.
On tap for July and August, we have: -STORYTIME (every Friday @10:30 as well as those special field trips and events mentioned above)
Monthly Programs include:
1st & 3rd Wednesdays (2:00-5): CRIBBAGE (friendly games)
2nd Wednesdays (2:00-4): BOOK CLUB (any book/lively discussions)
3rd Mondays (6:00-8): Game Night (ages 8 and up family friendly board games)
Special Events include:
July 4th’s Kings Mills Parade/Celebration (10:00): we’ll be in the parade and set to play games, paint faces, and sell popcorn and cool pops
July 8 (10:00-2) Annual Book & Yard Sale (baked treats, too) with live music provided by our very own entertaining Rusty Hinges
July 16 (3:00-5) Rhythm of Life movie & Drum Circle
Come join us! Help is always needed 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.