Community Almanac

Collecting stories at the library lends itself to hearing stories about the library and the many activities that take place there. Several patrons talk about the library being the heart and soul of Damariscotta.

Collecting stories at the library lends itself to hearing stories about the library and the many activities that take place there.  Several patrons talk about the library being the heart and soul of Damariscotta. 

 

“The former library was in the building just next door.  The building was an old house, and literally couldn’t hold all the books—they were just too heavy.  The building was falling in under their weight.”  Plans for the new library included tearing down the house next door to the library, another old structure, replacing it with a modern building that would more than double the size of the library’s holdings.  Many didn’t want the old house torn down because of its perceived historical significance and, for two years, there was a real battle in Damariscotta, “between ‘old timers’ who wanted to retain the old house, and ‘newcomers’, those who were viewed as changing the character of Main Street with a modern building.”  After two years of contentious meetings and law suits, the new library was built and is now an institution in town.

 

“Now, we have a nationally recognized library.  It has many more books that the old library, and many more programs and services for the community.  For example, the library has had summer craft fairs where Christmas ornaments and decorations are sold as a fund raiser.  When the craft fair was not conducted one year, the summer people asked when it would be coming back!”

 

A senior from the local high school talked the lack of places for teens to go in town to “hang out”.  She talked about how the librarian is working with young people to provide them with interesting after school activities, including a meeting place for the teens and programs specifically designed for them.

 

 “We have many more activities than ‘just a library’ ever could” said one patron.  “It is great that it has an auditorium, something the town didn’t have before.  The beautiful atrium is used for a variety of activities from fundraising auctions to live jazz programs.  The library is like the community’s family room.  Look at the number of people here of all ages on a Tuesday afternoon.  They are looking for books and videos, using the computers, arriving for this afternoon’s presentation in the auditorium, and just catching up with friends and neighbors.”  She summed up everyone’s stories this way:  “to me, the library is Damariscotta’s heart and soul.  It is a place for education, entertainment, and fellowship with members of the community.”