Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library: New Titles

Sunday, April 13, 2008

New Titles

By now you know that we have lots and lots of new fiction on our shelves. You will find New York Times bestsellers among a slew of other new titles in all fiction genres. Stop in and look through the recent arrivals shelves. If you don't see what you are looking for, please ask us and we will be happy to get the title for you. If you need reading recommendations, stop by the circulation desk or reference desk and we will help you find something good to read. We love to talk about books, authors, and a wide variety of information topics. We really like to hear from you and learn about what you are reading and get your input on what you would like to see added to our collection.

One library visitor highly recommended the works of author Cherry Adair. You can check out her books and listen to a podcast and visit some websites to learn more about this author.

Podcast

Author's website

Random House

Author Interview

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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.