Simpson Memorial Library
Simpson Memorial Library Website
"SPRING FUN" BAGS ARE HERE!
EACH BAG HAS A CRAFT AND OTHER FUN THINGS TO DO. CHILDREN CAN PICK OUT A FREE BOOK TO TAKE HOME.
BAGS ARE LIMITED AND WILL BE GIVEN OUT
"FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED."
Read the spring newsletter here
We are open for our regular hours: Tuesday 11 to 7, Thursday 11 to 7 and Saturday 9 to 1.
For complete guidelines for entry please see library website.
Covid Restriction as of March 1
1. Masks must be worn to enter
2. Children need an adult with them
Simpson Memorial Library
History -
From A History of Carmel by Constance Ann Graves: In 1922 the original blacksmith lot was owned jointly by F. Marion Simpson and Angelia Davis. He sold all his rights to the blacksmith lot to Angelia; she in turn sold back rights to the total parcel to Simpson. Therefore, the title was cleared and F. Marion Simpson could then deed the property to the Simpson Memorial Library as a free public library.
In 1924 Mrs. Florence Collins went door to door soliciting funds. Donations ranged from $.25 to $5.00 with a total of $819.04 collected. The library was incorporated on April 4, 1925 and opened its doors to the townspeople. The officers of the corporation were: President – Alberta Haskell; Vice-President – Florence Collins; Secretary – Alice McLaughlin; Treasurer – Cora Harvey; Auditor – Edna Burrill.
Mrs. Alberta Haskell, the first librarian, was instructed to have the library open every afternoon from 2 to 5 p.m. The state gave 50% of any sum the town voted on for the purchase of books up to $200. The State did not send money for the books; but purchased them. The first amount was $100 and the first purchase was for a set of The New International Encyclopedia at a cost of $159.60. The next purchase was for books on history, a suggestion made by the Maine State Library Extension.
Building Campaign -
In 2007 the Board of Trustees started looking at the services the library was offering to the community. The major concerns were the problem of space and the lack of running water and restroom. The initial building was very small, only 800 square feet with no restroom. An addition to the library was needed along with improvements to the older structure and improved access.
A survey conducted at a general election showed overwhelming community support. A capital campaign, “Proud of Our Past - Building Our Future”, was initiated to add a new addition and renovate the existing library building to 1800 square feet. The addition was blended with the original building, keeping the old while giving the additional space needed.
The capital campaign raised a total of $554,400 from donations, grants and the Town of Carmel. Construction began on September 1, 2015. The Historical Society next door provided an easement so a compliant septic system could be used by both organizations and agreed to grading the lawn to provide a larger safer parking lot. Funds remaining after the construction were used to establish an endowment fund for the library's future.
Today-
The library is currently open Tuesday and Thursday 11a.m – 7 p.m. And Saturday 9a.m. - 1p.m.A part-time librarian and volunteers provide services to the public. The current librarian is Leona McCartin. She can be reached at mccartinl@simpson.lib.me.us. or during library hours at 207-848-7145. The library enthusiastically welcomes volunteers.
During COVID-19 Time -
All guidelines are being followed to ensure the safety of staff and patrons. These include the wearing of masks, social distancing, and limiting the number of people allowed in the library. All group activities including the crafter's group and special programming have been suspended due to the coronavirus. Pickup/curbside delivery is available by calling the library to request books. The library continues to offer free membership for all, book loans as usual, an interlibrary loan program, E-books and audiobooks, Wi-Fi and Fax services, homebound services, copy services for a fee, and free internet.
There are 2 new programs for children:
1. Stories for Children Series is available on the Library website and Facebook page by clicking to hear and see a story being read.
2. Do It Yourself Science in a Bag: Check out these kits with science experiments based on a selected book or two. All books and science materials are included.
Annual Events -
Bake Sales at Ye Ole General Store on the second Saturday of the month from 9 – 2 October
through April. Bakers are appreciated and needed.
Annual Book and Plant Sale: Second Friday and Saturday of May
Summer Read Program: To be announced in Spring 2021
Story Walk at Carmel Recreation Field on Five Road: Reopens in the spring for a self-guided book read.
Carmel Days: Last weekend in September – Pie sale
Trunk or Treat: Books given to children
Community tree Lighting: Each year the Library joins the Carmel Historical Society to host a Tree Lighting on the first Sunday in December with carols and refreshments. This year due to COVID-19 the tree was lit by volunteers and the public was invited to drive by and enjoy it.
December Book Amnesty Month: All fines are forgiven on overdue books when they are returned with a donation of non-perishable food which is donated to a local food bank.
How to Get Involved-
Volunteers welcome. Call the library or come in and see us to find out more.
Donate: Books, uncrushed returnable bottles and cans which can be placed in a receptacle in front of the library, and used printer ink cartridges in a closed plastic bag.
Monetary donations: All donations are tax deductible (501c3 entity) and can be directed to the Capital Campaign Fund, Endowment Fund, Memorial funds, Book Purchases, or Where Most Needed.