Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library: Knitting Display

Monday, January 7, 2008

Knitting Display

The knitting group meets every week on Thursday from 5-7 p.m. in the library. The group decided that instead of exchanging holiday gifts, they would share their talents and knit a hat or scarf for those who had or are undergoing chemotherapy.

Beginning in February, these knitted items will be distributed through the agency C-A-N-C-E-R. Come in and see this beautiful display, and while you are in the library, look at our collection of knitting books and other fiber arts books.

If you want to learn more about C-A-N-C-E-R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery), then contact Sue Nickerson at 764-6826 or visit their website.

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Library History

As early as 1874, a group of interested persons formed the Presque Isle Library Association. The members referred to themselves as the Half and Half Club, a group dedicated to social exchanges, mutual improvement, and the establishment of a public library. The club’s name reflected the fact that its officers would consist “half of ladies and half of gentleman, when it can be arranged.”

The early collection of books, formed from donations rotated among many Presque Isle businesses, with the librarian usually drawn from the business that housed the books.

The books were first placed in George Rowell’s drugstore and then moved to the Post Office where Mrs. Luce, the postmaster’s wife, served as librarian. Later Laila Smith’s millinery store held the collection. In 1905 the collection was moved to Holmes Jewelry Store and Mr. Holmes was the librarian.

Presque Isle citizens voted to build a library in 1907, using a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Fund. Thomas H. Phair purchased a lot from the Dudley heirs for $1,000 on the southeast corner of Second and State Streets, and citizens raised an additional $937.50 for a small adjoining lot. The Presque Isle Library opened on July 1, 1908 with a collection of 2,000 books.

As the city’s population grew, the community needed a larger building and used state funding and a matching donation of $60,000 from Mark Turner, a local businessman. In April of 1967, the newly expanded Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library opened its doors.

Today the library offers a diverse collection of books, magazines, videos/DVDs and programs and events. The library also provides computer and Internet access. To learn more about the library and the services offered just stop in, call, or visit the Website to see a list of events.