Read a Library Story!

Have a library story to tell? Please share your story.

What are people saying about their Library's place in community? "helpful/resourceful; invaluable; vital; enriching; greatest value; utilized; terrific; undervalued; magnificent; important; wonderful; reliable; awesome, community-centered; most important; most enjoyable; resourceful; inclusive; most attended; user-friendly; outstanding; inclusive; laudable; understanding; active; welcoming".

An Interest Sparked

April 29, 2011

A few summers ago the Norway Memorial Library book discussion theme was China, and one of our Reads was "Rivertown" by Peter Hessler, about his two-year teaching stint in the Peace Corps in Fuling in China's Sichuan province. Later we viewed a DVD on the building of the Three Gorges Dam and saw that same town flooded, in the name of progress. What a visual! All of that sparked in me an interest in China that holds to this day, and as a result I am taking a three-week tour of China in September that includes a 3 day, 4 night cruise on the Yangtze River. All because of a summer series at the library!

Submitted by Natalie, Retired - Oxford County

A New Home

March 30, 2011

Just over 2 years ago my husband and I made the difficult choice to leave our home of 19 years in Northern Maine and move. We had raised our sons and built of life of family and friends we knew we would miss.

After a long search of many towns in the greater Bangor area, we settled on a house in Hampden. The first thing we did was to unload the moving van.

The second thing we did, on the second day in our new town was find the library! We looked it up in the phone book and set out. We were happy to discover there was wireless internet available as we wouldn't be on line for a week or more.

The first person I ran into in the Edythe Dyer Library was the Director, Debbie Lozito. She made us welcome and showed us around the facility.

I asked her if there was any sort of volunteer organization and she told me that a small group of women was just beginning to meet and organize. Lucky for me they were knitters as well!

Here we are less than 2 1/2 years later and our small group of women is now an official Friends organization and we've opened an onsite bookshop. These women have become good friends outside the library setting too.

This first visit on our second day here in Hampden created a wonderful life experience for me in particular. A local library is a place to find much more than just a good book!

Submitted by Pat, Retired - Penobscot County

No Move From My Library!

February 10, 2011

Since we moved from Tennessee to Oakland, my daughter and I have been frequently visiting the Oakland Public Library. In addition to borrowing books and other items, we have greatly enjoyed attending the Summer Reading Program events. We love the facility and the staff are all so friendly and accommodating.

In December, my husband and I decided to buy a new home, but the problem was that the house that we found was in Waterville. But we made a deposit on the house and prepared for the move. Then on the morning of signing the contract, I awoke crying and told my husband that we couldn't move from Oakland and the Oakland Public Library! So, even though we lost our deposit, we have now bought our new home in Oakland and are very happy to still be a part of the Oakland Public Library!

Submitted by Rachel, Homemaker - Kennebec County

Marvelous MARVEL!: Maine's Virtual Library

January 10, 2011

Marvel is marvelous! I can't tell you how many people I've told about it for work purposes and now that I found the Hobbies and Crafts center I've told a bunch more people. Look for a mini-spike in requests for library cards. :)

A few years ago I had to do a lot of research for my job and used the business and company resource center all day, every day for months. I only need to use it a couple hours a week now but it would have been interesting to calculate the worth of it that one year!

Submitted by Sue, Other - Kennebec County

Quiet Learning Environment

December 17, 2010

The library is important to me because it gives me a quiet learning environment to research on a project or to just look around and find a good book or movie that interests me.

Submitted by Nikki, K-12 student - Cumberland County

Storehouse of the World

December 9, 2010

Our library provides access to the world's store of literature, research and opinion. Our library's stacks provide at our fingertips - entertainment, information and education. Through interlibrary loan our library opens the storehouse of the world to us.

Submitted by Mary Lou, Professional - Cumberland County

Feeding My Habit

December 9, 2010

No other way I can afford to feed my reading habit!!

Submitted by Deb, Other - Cumberland County

Social Contact Through My Library Book Group

December 9, 2010

The library's book group gives me social contact with ladies of my own age and interests. Our library has a large amount of books I can read at no cost to me.

Submitted by Claire, Retired - Cumberland County

An Open and Welcoming Place

December 9, 2010

I grew up within walking distance of a library and remember it being an open and welcoming place for me as a young boy. One of the positive features that helped us decide on our home in this neighborhood was that it would afford our children the same opportunity as they were growing up.

Submitted by Keith, Educator - Cumberland County

Twofold

December 9, 2010

At this time in my life, it is twofold. One, first, is to take my 8-year-old daughter to places only "books can bring one to" - to introduce her to the world beyond our town and start her on a journey that brings her to this wonderful building where that adenture begins. To instill a curiosity to all things! Second, it is a place that I know I can come to to continue my journey. Besides, our ladies are nice to talk to!

Submitted by Robb, Other - Cumberland County

The Importance of a Library

November 23, 2010

The Thompson Free Library in Dover-Foxcroft, Maine plays a vital role in our community and for my family. It is a place to share the discovery of reading and learning with my children. Often, our family (my husband, 3 children, and I) will walk to the library and spend the morning picking out books, reading stories, exploring new journeys of knowledge and imagination. The weekly story hour is a favorite event for my kids. The children's librarian is very creative and follows-up the story with a special craft.

Not only is the library a place to instill the value of reading but it also provides a safe and comfortable location to meet with other moms and their children. In our small town we are limited to a handful of child-friendly locales. The library welcomes us and understands the importance of providing a positive environment for us to be together. The library also provided us security when we moved from out of state. We met, and continue to meet, other families who share similar values.

The staff is incredibly helpful and knowledgeable. We are greeted with a smile as we enter the building. The librarians are always willing to help us to find a book, movie or begin a research project. We are very fortunate to have such a wonderful library in our community.

Submitted by Jessica, Educator - Piscataquis County

Happiness for an Eclectic Reader!

November 12, 2010

Being an eclectic reader, I need to borrow far and wide, and our local library brings these books in for me. Recently I was desperate to get a hold of Carl Jung's The Red Book, just for curiosity's sake.

I asked our head librarian, if she could get it for me and voila! in a week it was here. Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library is a wonderful place, where I hang out, read magazines, read newspapers, pick up my books (am proud to report I'm the heaviest user) and in general get all the reading materials I need to keep reading.

Submitted by Sandra, Other - Lincoln County

Witherle Memorial Library to the Rescue!

November 10, 2010

in early June of this year I was rushed to the hospital to be rehydrated and examined by many doctors for several medical conditions, symptoms of which all had appeared at the same time.

A dear friend of mine, a library trustee, knew I would be going crazy with only a TV (I don't watch it) to keep me company; so she brought me a Kindle on loan from the library -- with 45 books (on a vast subject variety) loaded on it. I had never seen one before; so she showed me how it worked. The Kindle was so lightweight that I could hold it for long periods; unlike the paperback of Seed of Albion, which nearly broke my nose when I fell asleep while trying to read it.

For the next month, through 2 long hospital stays, 3 surgeries, and countless hours of waiting for x-rays and other tests that Kindle kept me company -- in the wee hours of the morning as well as all day long. Several of the books were on my "to read" list; but I found that interspersing those books with the many others on the Kindle sustained my interest and taught me a great deal about many fascinating subjects I might never have investigated under other conditions.

I still don't have a diagnosis for my illness, but I would never have survived the weeks in bed without my library's Kindle loan. In fact, I think Santa is planning on bringing me one of my own and a couple for the Witherle Memorial Library next month!

Submitted by Jean, Retired - Hancock County

Why I Love My Library

November 9, 2010

Though I am always singing the praises of the library, I didn't realize the full scope of the importance of our library, Skowhegan Public Library, to the community until I sat down to enter my thoughts for Snapshot Day.

Obviously the number of books circulated speaks for itself, and, of course, the Genealogy Room holds a special interest for me. Additionally the library has kindly hosted genealogy classes for the past eight years, these classes allowing participants from all nearby towns to begin searching for their heritage. The members of past classes now meet monthly to network and exchange information. The library periodically adds new volumes to its impressive collections and provides access to U.S. Census records through Ancestry.

The library also serves as a repository to those who wish to preserve local history by contributing news articles or family records. These services are most important to the community's growing number of those participating in one of the most popular hobbies of our day.

The children's library provides not only a wonderful selection of children's literature but also a summer reading program that helps to prevent the loss of reading skills during the vacation months while providing interesting experiences for the youth during this time. Toddler Time fosters early interest in reading as well as socialization. It's always a pleasure to take a little one to browse the stacks and make appropriate choices often under the guidance of the librarian.

The library's computers are used frequently and for varied purposes: tourists, those seeking employment, students working on projects, and networking.

The library also provides space for Literacy Volunteers to meet with students, a most important program for those who seek help with basic reading and writing skills.

Community members are the recipients of frequent book sales, which allow used books to circulate at a minimum fee, a service important to many. Other programs include off-site meetings at the Blueberry Cupboard and knitting groups.

Thus, the library serves patrons from tots to seniors. Served by a conscientious and friendly staff, who are more like friends, the library not only serves the community's needs but is always a pleasant place to visit whether to browse for a book or to network.

Submitted by Ruth, Retired - Somerset County

BookLovers' Cafe in Rockport

November 9, 2010

What a great connection to the world of books. Our beloved Rockport Public Library hosts one of my favorite things and that is the BookLovers' Cafe. As one participant put it, BookLovers' Cafe is a chance to talk with real people about real books! But for this simply educated retired computer fixer and programmer it has become a new window to the wonderful world of books. One Saturday morning a month a group of people with a wide range of backgrounds meet to talk about books.

What was originally scheduled for an hour was extended for an optional half hour for those who wanted to continue sharing their love of books or learning more about the wonderful and varied world of books. That extra half hour ia now part of the official schedule. But even that does not appear enough time. The half hour before is now listed as informal conversation and booktalking.

On more than one Saturday morning, my wife and I have been seen going home with one or more books that had been enthusiastically talked about that morning. I have no inclination to read some of the books discussed, but I know I am better for having heard about them. Iris, a member of Rortport Public Library's great staff, is our facilitator, leader, resource person and active participant. She makes it happen! And, can she bake mean scones and muffins.

Submitted by Fred, Retired - Knox County

My Library Story

November 9, 2010

It has always been my feeling that libraries are centers of excellence that are just built to revolve around knowledge. Our library has the friendliest staff, the most convenient hours, and the most accsessable wi-fi around. My Library has helped the community in so many ways - always lending a helping hand to someone in need - and always willing to help with a community event. They even hold annual booksales drawing people in to the surrounding area for the Fourth of July.

My Library is one of a kind and I think it will always be that way, no matter how big or small, and they will always be Belgrade's Public Library!

Submitted by Anatole, K-12 student - Kennebec County

A Larger World

November 9, 2010

It all started with a request for space that would allow a few folks to meet at our beloved Rockport Public library to brush up on their French language speaking skills. Beginning with a group of four people at varying skill levels meeting once a week, we now get together twice weekly with anywhere from six to twelve francophones. The meetings have brought together French speakers from around the world, visitors to Rockport who have stopped by to speak some French with us. The Library now receives gifts of French language books, periodicals and newspapers, welcoming us to the various French speaking countries, their cultures and French heritage.

And a good, enriching time is had by all,in no small part thanks to the responsiveness and support of our wonderful library staff, sans pareil.

Submitted by Paul, Retired - Knox County

Research Resourceful

November 9, 2010

I'm a music teacher and sometimes there are no sources for an inspirational idea to present a subject. So at the Hampden Library I've got these friends (employees) who seem to able to direct me for either materials or sources for these materials.

And so it was, for me looking for an opera story geared to children of a very young age. They immediately - within a day or so- came up with 12 separate options. The DVDs, CDs, and storybooks were just right.

Then when I wanted to purchase some of those materials; again, there they were with the references to guide me.

They're my first go-to people for anything in the printed, recorded lists. Everyone should be so lucky!

Submitted by Jacinthe, Retired - Waldo County

How Librarians Connect Folks

November 9, 2010

Because she want to be able to teach a small class about "how to write," a patron came in looking for books about writing. I directed her to several of our public library's holdings in this area. I also suggested Portland author Monica Wood's two books (The Pocket Muse) on writing. The patron took several items.

Months later she returned to tell me that she successfully taught her course. Incidently, she went to a book reading program in Portland and who was there but Monica Wood! She connected with Monica and told her about her success using her books! Libraries make the world smaller and more friendly.

Submitted by Marian, Librarian - Cumberland County

Scanning 50 Years of Married Life

August 4, 2010

In preparation for a family gathering to celebrate our 50th Anniversary, my wife and I decided to have a digital slide show of pictures from our time together.

Since most of the pictures were in photo albums with photos firmly attached to the pages, we were left wondering how we would accomplish this task.

Not wanting to purchase a scanner, I approached a staff member at the Orono (Maine) Public Library about our dilemma. She immediately took me to the library's free scanner and showed me how to use it.

With over 450 pictures to scan over a period of several weeks, I not only became very adept at scanning photos, I also became a regular fixture for staff and patrons walking by. Several times patrons asked me questions about library resources,assuming that I was on the staff!

What a wonderful service we received from the library.

Submitted by John, Retired - Penobscot County

Hope's Due Date

July 17, 2010

After being unemployed for more than six months, today I finally found a job. Not just any job but a good job, I am so excited about working again. Some may call it a miracle that anyone can get a job in today's terrible job market, well thanks to the Orono library I now have hope again.

For months I forced myself out of bed and back into a grind of daily employment rejections, application questions, and failed interviews. But every time I came to the Orono library I felt at home, comfortable that people here really want to help. I would use their laptops for hours searching and applying for jobs.

Some days it all felt like a waste, but the staff always had a friendly smile or even a joke for me. I rented their books and movies to take my mind off the despair, and the next day I'd be back to do it all again.

I got to be such a familiar face that the staff started to know my name and offer tips for good job links to go to. All I have to say is thanks for Orono Public Library and the people that work in it. Thank you for answering all my questions, copying and faxing my resumes and applications...

...But most of all for offering a friendly helping hand to me (the public), and making me feel that every day I had hope in this crazy world.

Submitted by Robert, Other - Penobscot County

Eastern Maine Medical Center 's Library is Terrific!

June 8, 2010

In October of 2008 two huge things happened in my life simultaneously. My husband very unexpectedly had five heart bypasses done at EMMC and subsequently experienced several complications. I started a new job. How could I be at my husbands side and yet begin to assume my new responsibilities?

The Parrot Library at Eastern Maine Medical Center (EMMC) made both of these possible for me. I could connect with family through the public access computers. I also could connect with my new office and start working at my new position. The staff was wonderful and made me feel right at home! I will always be grateful for the space, connectivity and consideration they provided me at such a stressful time.

Submitted by Linda, Librarian - Waldo County

Libraries! For Life!

October 4, 2009

"Books fall open, you fall in...", David McCord

Like so many of you, I am a voracious reader, and also like so many of you, I passionately support my local library.

I'm endlessly grateful to Mr. Carnegie, his vision and his initial support of that great egalitarian project, the everytown public library. I live in a small Maine town - I don't think we've topped 10,000 in population yet - but we have what I consider a first-class library.

As in so many small towns across our state, Yarmouth's Merrill Memorial Library is housed in an old building, ours one of considerable grandeur and space. In addition to the truly eclectic book collection, there are many varied magazines, videos, and audio books plus, an incredible, multi-faceted children's program. I could not live without the garden, craft, travel and cookbooks available FREE right downtown.

There are art exhibits, evening author programs, poetry workshops, knitting and quilting groups that meet at MML, all of these well beyond the scope of Mr. Carnegie's original vision. But, this place, our small-town library, this heart of the community, like so much of our western civilization, all began around books.

No matter whether you regularly buy paperbacks, listen to tapes in your car,or browse the electronic library offered on Kindle - no matter how you access those written words, books are an incredibly rich part of our daily life, and this country's library's are one of our richest small-town AND big-city resources. Does ANY place foster the sense of community that our libraries so often provide?

Thank you Mr. Carnegie, and thank you every librarian everywhere!

Submitted by Mary, Educator - Cumberland County

A Second Home

September 23, 2009

For some the library is a place to go and find a good book. For others a place to go to surf the web, still others as a video rental. Some simply use it to go to get out of the house.

I have seen chess clubs, knitting groups, book discussions, and many other such activities, even a Dr. Seuss parade once. You never quite know what your going to see, but you can count on the fact that it will be accompanied by happy children.

I have used the library for just about all of its uses. I have read entire sections, checked out a plethora of movies, logged on to the Internet enough times that I memorized my 17 digit bar code (including spaces), I've taught chess, and even learned to knit!

The library has always been a part of my life. I remember way back before I could read, or even go to preschool, my mom would take me to the library. Then my sister, and finally I could go by myself.

I have now been going to my local library for at least sixteen of my nineteen years alive. It has been a fun, safe pleasant environment to grow up in. I feel at home and comfortable the moment I walk through the red double doors to the library.

So for you the library might be something different, but for me it is a second home.

Submitted by Josh, Other - Sagadahoc County

I Love My Library

June 30, 2009

As a young child with very few books in her home, I soon learned that there was a place that could satisfy my natural curiosity about life. I can't remember how I knew or who told me about my local library, but my memories are vivid: the large, ornate, austere and dignified building, the sunny children's room, and the ever-present sister librarians. I just loved reading through the entire children's book collection, graduating to the circular racks in the front entry, which housed many of the wonderful classics, and then actually going "behind the counter" to discover the treasures which were not so accessible.

Those few years as a lover of my town library prepared me for my future-as a Library Media Specialist in a Southern Maine Primary School. As I work with my young students, I keep my first library experiences close to my heart, remembering the importance of providing materials to those who have a strong desire to learn, but who have not had the advantage of having books available to them.

My license plate is framed with the saying, "I Love My Library." Many people think that this phrase is meant for the wonderful school library where I work, but it actually is meant for all the libraries of my life.

A special thanks to the Abbott Memorial Library, Dexter High School Library, Pond Cove School Library, Thomas Memorial Library, Scarborough Public Library, and the Jameson School Library for making my life so incredibly rich.

Submitted by Nadean, Professional - Cumberland County