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Come across the footbridge to Wilton Free Public Library for resources and programming.

Community Values: Families enjoy a story at the Library.

Wilton Free Public Library was named a Family Place library, Visit Wilton Free Public Library.

Wilton Free Public Library

Uniquely situated across a footbridge, Wilton Free Public Library is working to meet the needs of families in the community.

For children, a trip to the Wilton library includes an opportunity to peer over the side of the bridge to look for fish in the stream. Now, children (and their parents) have a new reason to visit to the library - programming and resources specifically for them.

Background

The Wilton Free Public Library (WFPL) has been an important part of the community for over 100 years. The current library building was a gift to the town of Wilton from Frank O. and George F. Goodspeed in memory of their parents Falvius and Agnes Ingals Goodspeed. It was designed and built in 1915 by architect Harry S. Coombs and was added to the Register of Historic Places in 1989. A very special feature of the building is a beautiful stained glass skylight in the front entry. WFPL has recently started a renovation process which will include handicap accessibility…not an easy feat considering everything needs to be brought across the stream.

Family Place Libraries

Three libraries in the central Maine region were recently named Family Place Libraries…Wilton Free Public Library being one. The Family Place is a project of libraries for the future; a national initiative promoting the development of family-centered services in public libraries. A Family Place library is a center for early childhood information, parent education, emergent literacy, socialization, and family support. Expanding the traditional role of children’s services, the Family Place library builds on knowledge that good health, early learning, parent involvement and supportive communities play a critical role in young children’s growth and development.

Educators and children’s advocates acknowledge that all segments of the community must join together to provide our youngest children and their families the information and support they need. Wilton Free Public Library provides the building and the staff for this partnership.

With a few simple changes in the children’s area, staff have been able to make a very comfortable area for all ages. It is not unusual to see folks lounging in the comfy chairs, reading in the rocking chair or surrounding themselves with books and toys on the floor.