Curtis Memorial Library (Brunswick, Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curtis Memorial Library |
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| Country | United States |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1904 |
| Location | Brunswick, Maine |
| Coordinates | 43°54′47″N 69°58′02″W / 43.913°N 69.9672°W |
| Collection | |
| Size | 139,261 (2016) |
| Access and use | |
| Circulation | 367,572 (2016) |
| Population served | 20,278 |
| Members | 11,573 (2016) |
| Other information | |
| Budget | $1,513,931 (2016) |
| Director | Elisabeth Doucett |
| Staff | 43 |
The Curtis Memorial Library is a super important public library located in Brunswick, Maine, USA. It's a place where everyone in the community can come to read, learn, and explore new ideas. This library has a long and interesting history, starting way back in the 1800s.
Contents
How Brunswick's Library Began
On April 13, 1883, a group of people in Brunswick decided to create a library. They met in a place called Skating Rink Hall. By December of that year, they found a room downtown in the Storer Block. They also had $1,200 to start with.
Mr. Lyman E. Smith became the first librarian. He earned $4 a week. On February 4, 1884, the Brunswick Library officially opened its doors. It had about 1,300 books ready for people to read.
Joining the Early Library
To become a member for life, it cost $3. If you wanted to borrow books for a year, it was $1. But even if you weren't a member, you could still visit the library for free. You just couldn't take books home.
In March 1884, the town of Brunswick offered the library a free room. This new room was in the new Town Hall. The town also provided furniture, heat, and lights. This was a big help!
Town Support for the Library
Even more support came in 1886. The Maine Legislature (the state's law-making group) allowed Brunswick to give the library money every year. This yearly payment is called a subsidy. The law also made sure the town couldn't control the library's decisions. This meant the library could run freely without political influence.
Since 1886, the library has received more and more money from the town. For many years, this town support was the main way the library got its funding.
Carnegie, Curtis, and a New Building
By 1902, the library needed a new building. The president of the Library Association, Professor Franklin Robinson, wrote to Andrew Carnegie. Carnegie was a very rich businessman who often donated money for libraries.
Carnegie agreed to give Brunswick $12,000 for a new library. Samuel G. Davis also offered to donate a piece of land on School Street.
A Generous Offer from William J. Curtis
William J. Curtis was from Brunswick and had become a successful lawyer in New York City. He heard about Carnegie's gift. Mr. Curtis immediately wrote to Carnegie and asked him to take back his offer. Carnegie agreed.
Why? Because Mr. Curtis wanted to donate even more! He gave $15,000 and a better piece of land. This land was located on Pleasant and Middle Streets. The new library would belong to the town. However, the Brunswick Public Library Association directors would manage it.
Building the Curtis Memorial Library
Construction on the new library started in August 1903. Sixteen months later, on December 8, 1904, the beautiful Curtis Memorial Library was officially opened to the public. It was a proud day for Brunswick!
Growing with the Community: Library Expansions
By the late 1960s, the library had changed a lot. It started with mostly volunteers and private gifts. But now, it had professional staff and was mainly supported by town money. The original building was built for a town of 6,800 people. Now, it served 18,000!
The 1973 Expansion
The library needed more space. In April 1971, the town voted to approve a special loan, called a municipal bond, to pay for an addition. This vote happened through a referendum, where citizens directly vote on an issue.
Construction began on May 30, 1972. The $500,000 addition opened on November 12, 1973. This made the library much bigger and better for the growing community.
The 1997 Expansion
In December 1996, a special committee chose a design firm from Boston to plan another new library expansion. In June 1997, the library temporarily moved to the old Brunswick High School. Within a few weeks, construction and renovation began at the Pleasant Street location. This expansion helped the library continue to serve its community for many years to come.
