GUILFORD MEMORIAL LIBRARY, Guilfrod, ME 12I Guilford Memorial Library GUILFORD MEMORIAL LIBRARY. The Guilford Memorial Library dates its origin from the year 1900 pre- vious to which a circulating library had been in existence. The first movement for an established location was begun Jan. 26, 1903, when a few interested people met and appointed a committee to solicit funds for a public library. At this first meeting the, late David R. Straw was chosen chairman and Mrs. R. H. Marsh, Secretary. A committee consist- in, of H. W. Davis, John Houston, Mrs. M. R. Morgan and Mrs. E. W. Genthner was chosen to solicit financial aid from the business men of the town and in the course of a few weeks the sum of $1,5oo had been raised and the purchase of books commenced. The library then became a town institution and was named Guilford Free Public Library. The first board of Trustees was created as follows: David R. Straw and Mrs. John Houston were appointed by the town and II. W. Davis, Mrs. M. R. Morgan, Mrs. R. H. Marsh, Mrs. C. S. Bennett and E. W. Genthner were elected by the library association. The first meeting of the library association was held March 30, 1903, at which time the constitution and by-laws were adopted. 122 SPRAGUE'S JOURNAL OF MAINE HISTORY For several years the Library had its location in the selectmen's office in the Scales Block. Miss Ernestine Hate was made Librarian and has continued in that position to the present time. As the Library increased in size it became apparent that larger quarters were needed and accordingly in the year 1908 an effort was made to raise funds for a library building. An appeal was made to Mr. Andrew Carnegie and a generous sum was donated by him which made possible the erection of the present beautiful building. The lot on which the library is located was very generously given to the town by Mr. David R. Straw. The building was designed and constructed by Frederick A. Patterson, an architect of Bangor. It is constructed of red brick and cut granite trimmings, with a flight of granite steps on the front. It is well lighted and has very ample accommodations for its liberal pat- ronage. The committee having charge of the building was Micajah Hudson, Chair- man, Manley R. Morgan, M. L. Hussey, Mrs. John Houston, Mrs. R. H. Marsh and F. B. Pease. The cost of the building was in the neighborhood of $10,000. The dedicatory services were held January 25, 1909, when a very inter- esting program was carried out. The Library is supported by an annual appropriation from the town and is very freely patronized by the citizens. It is an institution which the town may well be proud of and a credit to the enterprise and benevolence of its citizens. The present number of volumes is about 5,ooo. The present Board of Trustees are Mr. F. 0. Martin and Mrs. John Houston, appointed by the town, and H. W. Davis, Mrs. R. H. Marsh, Mrs. E. 0. Genthner, Mrs. Chas. Cimplier and Mrs. James H. Hudson, appointed by the association. Miss Ernestine Hale is the present efficient Librarian. (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. * * * * The USGenWeb Project makes no claims or estimates of the validity of the information submitted and reminds you that each new piece of information must be researched and proved or disproved by weight of evidence. It is always best to consult the original material for verification.