Featured

Outside of Long Island Community Library

The Long Island Community Library serves a year-round population of 200 that swells in the summer to more than 1,000 people.

The circulation area blends old and new to create a welcoming feel.

Inviting reading area in the children's section

The children’s area delights many young readers and their parents.

Long Island Community Library

With the move to our new building, the Long Island Community Library has been transformed into a space that attracts flocks of readers and computer users, and an active team of volunteers to staff it daily.

A New Library Opens in 2004

Imagine the delight of the Long Island community when, in the summer of 2004, the library moved from its dark, cramped space in the basement of the school to a new facility! The new building has room for many more books, as well as DVDs, music CDs, and large print books. Other services include a wi-fi connection, 7 public access computers, a small meeting room that can be used for quiet study, a reading nook with comfy chairs, a children’s area, and a small art gallery -- the first ever on the island. The addition of a small kitchen, a large function room, and a bathroom, standard amenities for most Maine libraries, were a real step up in the world for this library.

Funding an Island Library is a Challenge

Building this beautiful, functional library, on a small island six miles and 45 minutes from Portland by ferry, was an incredible adventure. Joining forces with the school, the recreation department and the historical society, all of which needed more space, a building was designed that would serve many community needs. With the realization that public funds would not be available, a fund raising committee was formed “that wouldn’t take ‘no’ from anyone.” From dances and golf tournaments, to grants, and private donations, funds were raised to start construction in the summer of 2002. Once the winterized shell was complete, local contractors and volunteers jumped in and helped to finish the interior. Almost everyone on the island can claim a piece of the building, either from donating money or services and supplies such as laying floors, bathroom fixtures, wood trim, and installing the lighting.

Serving the Island Community

Now open every day of the week for 2 hours or more, including 4 evenings, the selection of books is the envy of many visitors who come from other small libraries. The library is completely staffed by volunteers, who love to be in the sun-filled space, spending time helping islanders find just the right book, or helping solve a tricky computer problem. Volunteer staff provide library services for the elementary school, and a story hour for the very young. Story hours and reading programs, complete with author visits and other activities, are offered during the summer.

“Art and Soul”

Although the Town pays for operating expenses such as heat and custodial services through the school budget, the library has one fundraiser every summer to raise money for books, supplies and programming. Every July, people rush to “Art and Soul” where artists and artisans sell their creations, and a troupe of summer volunteers sell crabmeat rolls, baked goods, fresh flowers, books, and raffles.

Patrons, visitors and volunteers all agree that the new Long Island Community Library is a welcome addition to the island.

Learn more about Long Island Community Library