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Chebeague Island Library in the Community Center

Sea gull stained glass window.

Circulation desk with “Read poster”

Chebeague Island Library

The Chebeague Island Library, a welcoming center for the entire Island Community.

History

The Chebeague Island Library was started in a classroom at the Island School in 1965 and moved to its new home in 1990. The current Library was added on to an existing community hall, and the complex also houses a medical center which is open one day a week. Next door is the Island Market, where you can get a red hot dog, cold drink, groceries, weather updates, news about who is sick, or who had a baby.

With many donations and the tireless effort and expertise of volunteers, the Library has grown to its current collection of over 16,000 items. It provides the only high speed Internet access for many island people. The library stands as a testament to the Island community’s desire for knowledge.

Stained Glass and Sea Gulls

The seagull is our logo. Martha O. Hamilton, retired librarian and artist extraordinaire, created the logo along with her distinctive hand lettering. It is still used on many of the library’s publications. The stained glass window was created by Bill Swann. There are gulls holding shells in their beaks, which act as supports for the small roof over the entrance to the building.

Groovy Movies, Poetry, and Artist Displays

The Island community benefits from a very diverse year round population. Many retired college presidents, professors, writers, poets, artists, and business leaders lend their expertise for library programming. Our long running “Groovy Movie” program meets in two semesters during the year. Monthly artist displays showcase talent from the Island community. Poetry programs are popular and have featured Maine’s Poet Laureate, Betsy Sholl, for a reading and reception.

Partnerships and Pizza Nights

Collaborative programs with the Chebeague Parents Association and the Chebeague Recreation Center provide a story time at the Island day care, visits from magicians, family movie and pizza nights. July is our mixed artist show where artists who have displayed over the years are invited to bring one piece to show.

The Homework Supply Box

One of the nice things we do for school kids is to keep a “homework supply” box filled with paper, pencils, markers, poster board, glue, and scissors. You can’t run to Rite Aid to buy supplies for a paper due tomorrow when you live on an island.

How do you Get There From Here?

“When does the Noon boat leave?” is not a trick question. The answer depends on whether you are on the island or on the mainland. “When is the Library open?” used to be tricky to answer, but over the years the schedule has expanded to 6 days a week. The Library is in what Islanders call “the center. While not quite the middle of the Island, it is easily accessible on foot or bike from both the East and West Ends.

Learn more about Chebeague Island Library

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