Bangor Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bangor Public Library |
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| Established | 1913 |
| Location | Bangor, Maine |
| Collection | |
| Size | 520,000 |
| Access and use | |
| Population served | 35,473 |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $2,388,577 |
| Director | Ben Treat |
| Staff | 35 |
| Website | http://www.bpl.lib.me.us/ |
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Bangor Public Library
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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| Location | Harlow, Center, Park, State, York, and Central Streets Bangor, Maine |
| Built | 1911 |
| Architect | Peabody and Stearns |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, Renaissance |
| Part of | Great Fire of 1911 Historic District |
| NRHP reference No. | 84001479 |
| Added to NRHP | June 14, 1984 |
The Bangor Public Library is a public library located in Bangor, Maine. It uses an online system called URSUS. This system helps it share its collection with the University of Maine and other libraries across Maine.
Contents
A Long History
Early Beginnings
The library's story began in 1830. Back then, a group called the Bangor Mechanic Association started a private collection of books. Later, in 1873, this group joined with other local libraries. It then became known as the Bangor Mechanic Association Public Library.
Becoming a Public Library
In 1883, a very important gift helped the library grow. Samuel F. Hersey, a former U.S. Congressman and a successful lumber businessman, left $100,000 to the City of Bangor. The city used this money to create a public library owned by the city itself. The Mechanic Association's 20,000 books became the main part of this new library's collection. In 1905, the library removed its small membership fee. This made it truly open for everyone to use.
The Great Fire of 1911
By 1911, the library had grown to hold 70,000 books. But then, a big disaster happened: the Great Fire of 1911. This fire destroyed the library and much of Bangor's business area. After the fire, the library reopened in May with only 29 books saved from the ashes. Luckily, 1,300 other books had been on loan and were returned. Today, the library is part of the National Register of Historic Places. It is recognized as part of the Great Fire of 1911 Historic District.
A New Building and Modern Updates
In 1913, a brand new building for the library opened. It was designed by a famous architectural firm from Boston called Peabody and Stearns. This new library was built near the local high school.
Many years later, in 1997, the library got a big upgrade. A new section was added, thanks to a gift from the famous author Stephen King and his wife, Tabitha King. Stephen King's story, The Library Policeman, was inspired by his 10-year-old son. His son was afraid to return overdue books to the Bangor Public Library because he worried about "the library police."
The library was renovated again in 2014. These plans included adding a new glass entrance area. This part was designed by Scott Simons Architects.
Interesting Facts
The Bangor Public Library holds a unique piece of history. It has the couch where former Vice President Hannibal Hamlin took his last breath. He was playing cards at the time!
See also
In Spanish: Biblioteca Pública Bangor para niños
