Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library: Library centennial

Showing posts with label Library centennial. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

100 Years to Celebrate!

MARK AND EMILY TURNER
MEMORIAL LIBRARY INVITES YOU
TO CELEBRATE OUR 100TH YEAR!
PLEASE JOIN US FOR AN OPEN HOUSE ON
MAY 31, 2008 FROM 1-4 PM
TOUR THE LIBRARY, VIEW OUR HISTORIC PICTURE DISPLAYS,
MEET SOME MAINE AUTHORS,
AND ENJOY SOME REFRESHMENTS

Join us on May 31st from 1-4 for a celebration. This year the library turns 100 and we will be celebrating on the 31st with cake, a panel of Maine Romance authors, a historical photo display, and much more. The Library Board of Trustees will be there to greet everyone and we will have a beautiful cake made by the library cataloger, Bonnie Smith.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

100 Years!

The Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library turns 100 on Sunday, March 16th. Stop in on Sunday and join us for refreshments to celebrate. Events are planned for each month throughout the year to celebrate the library’s birthday and will be listed in the local paper, our newsletter, Website, blog, MySpace, and Facebook pages.

We currently have a display in the library on Beulah Akeley, the second librarian at this library from 1932-1945. Stop by to see the display and read an excellent article about this fascinating woman. In future posts we will highlight other librarians who made important contributions to this library throughout its long history.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Library Turns 100 in 2008

In 2008, the library will turn 100. Planning has begun for the celebration. If you have old photos, stories to share, or want to volunteer, please contact us. Watch this space for updates.

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.

Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

100 Years to Celebrate!

Sunday, March 16, 2008

100 Years!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Library Turns 100 in 2008

Coming Soon to Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library!

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