Odds and Ends From The MUSEUM!
On November 11, 1919, the first library in Millinocket opened its doors in the town known as the ‘Magic City.’ Millinocket was a bustling town with many new homes and businesses. There were two hotels, an Opera House, Millinocket Light Company, two livery stables, two blacksmiths, three schools, a fire station and a growing paper mill that had just added three new paper machines. And after 11 ½ years a library!
The previous summer, the Chautauqua (an educational, cultural and religious movement from the late 1800’s that sent out speakers and musicians, etc. to towns throughout the U. S.) came to town and with them was an author/lecturer. In his speech he described the great things he saw in town but mentioned that he failed to see a public library. This became the impetus for a library and the next town meeting had an article in the warrant to rent the former post office quarters on Central Street, to purchase essential books, and to employ a local person as librarian. There was some opposition to raising the needed $2500 but when it was suggested that it be called the Millinocket Memorial Library to honor those had fought in WWI, the article passed. GNP added $1000 and Emma Schenck, wife of GNP president Garrett Schenck, added $200. Local individuals donated numerous books for this first library. It was located in the Gonya Block next to the Corner Drug Store. The library opened on Armistice Day, November 11, 1919 with Mrs. Mae Shorey as the first librarian. A bronze plaque honoring the town’s war heroes was placed in the library at its dedication. Due to the small space (one room), adults only were allowed in on opening day. The next day after school, many children packed the sidewalk out front awaiting their chance to enter, to sit at one of the two low round tables and explore one of the many books or magazines from the packed shelves.
As part of the town’s 50th anniversary activities (1951), a construction committee was formed to make plans for a new larger library. A plot of land opposite the Millinocket Trust Company on Penobscot Avenue was acquired from the GNP. Each year, monies were voted at town meetings for the new library and committees were formed. When the Great Northern Hotel was demolished, the town exchanged the Penobscot Avenue lot with GNP for the former hotel lot and new plans moved forward.
The new library was constructed at the intersection of Maine Avenue and Highland Avenue. Opening and dedication ceremonies were held on December 11, 1963 and this library had space not only for books, but also reading rooms, a lower-level children’s room, reference room, multi-use space as well as office and workspace for staff. The cost was $160,000.
The Memorial Room honored those who fought and sacrificed in WW1 and housed a large collection of WWI, WWII and other military volumes. The dedication plaque from the original library was placed near the main entrance. It names Murray Morgan, Harry Boynton, Donald Henry and Lawrence Bradley, local men who gave their lives in WWI.
An old town report stated the schools taught “the proper care and regard for a book, and a very noticeable improvement has been made as the results of the ‘Library Etiquette’ suggestions which have been posted in each school room.”
Today, the MML, with new spaces, new entrances, new programs and services plus dedicated employees and volunteers the library continues to serve the community!
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