Fort Fairfield Public Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Fort Fairfield Public Library
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | 339 Main Street, Fort Fairfield, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1912 |
| Built by | R.J. Noyes |
| Architect | Harry Coombs |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| MPS | Maine Public Libraries MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 88003021 |
| Added to NRHP | January 5, 1989 |
The Fort Fairfield Public Library is a special building in Fort Fairfield, Maine. It is located at 339 Main Street. This library helps people in the town learn and read. It has been a part of the community for a very long time.
Contents
A Library for Everyone
The idea for a library in Fort Fairfield started early. A private library was first set up around 1880. This means it was not yet supported by the town.
Becoming a Town Library
In 1894, the library became a public library. This meant the town helped pay for it. At that time, it had about 300 books for people to borrow.
The Carnegie Gift
A very important event happened in 1911. The town received a gift of $10,000 from a rich businessman named Andrew Carnegie. He gave money to build libraries all over the world. The Fort Fairfield library became one of 17 "Carnegie libraries" in the state of Maine.
Building the Library
The library building was designed by an architect named Harry Coombs. He was from Lewiston, Maine. The building was put together by R.J. Noyes from Augusta, Maine. The library was finished and opened its doors on September 9, 1913.
Special Collections and Rooms
Over the years, the library has grown. It has received many valuable donations. These gifts help the library serve the community even better.
The Drew Room
In 1925, a man named Colonel Franklin Drew gave his own large collection of books to the library. He thought the Fort Fairfield library was one of the best around. A special part of the library is named the Drew Room. It is named after his father, Jessie Drew. This room holds important old records. These include family history papers and old town reports. You can also find old copies of local newspapers there.
A Historic Landmark
The Fort Fairfield Public Library is not just a place for books. It is also an important historical building. It has been recognized for its special place in history.
On the National Register
In 1989, the library was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This is a list of buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the building.
New Spaces for the Community
The library has changed over time to meet new needs. In 1994 and 1995, a new part was added to the building. This new area is called the community room. It is used for meetings and events by local groups. It also has a special children's room. This new section was made easy to access for everyone. During a flood in 1994, the community room even served as a temporary town office.
Modernizing the Library
Libraries keep up with new technology. The Fort Fairfield Public Library has also worked to become more modern. This helps people find what they need easily.
Computerizing the Collection
In 2007, the library started putting its collection on computers. About 14,000 books were added to the computer system. This made it easier for librarians and visitors to find books. The library has many items for people to enjoy. It has about 18,000 books, audiobooks, and movies. It also offers many magazines and newspapers.
