Historic Timeline
To learn more about the rich history of the library, visit us here.
2026
With nearly $875,000 raised from grants, foundations, and individual donors, FVML are just $400,000 away from starting construction!
2025
Northern Border Regional Commission grants $606,691 to support the project
2024
Aroostook and Penobscot County Commissioners collectively grant $157,500 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds to project
2023
A $3.9M Congressionally Designated Spending (CDS) Grant is awarded to help build a new Library and Community Center
2022
Friends of the Veterans' Memorial Library purchased the land at 69 Main Street, the former Patten Academy / Patten Elementary School as future site of the new library and community center
2021
Julie Buhler became the library director. Library reopens in the 312 sq foot kitchen at the Lumberman’s Museum. Two-thirds of the Library’s books, furniture and archives are put in storage.
2020
Veterans’ Memorial Library closed due to structural concerns
2003
Doris DeRespino became the librarian
2001
Susan Hess became the librarian
1994
The Town erected the new war memorial, which honored veterans for their service from 1941 to 1994.
1974
Christine Shorey became the librarian
1967
The Patten Memorial Library name changed to Veterans’ Memorial Library
1963
The Patten Lumberman’s Museum opened
1963
Katherine K. S. Rogers became the librarian
1959
Mildred Grant became the librarian
1955
Thelma Mitchell was the Assistant to Juanita Finch
April 1947
One of the most stunning basketball upsets of its time took place when the boys team from Patten Academy upset Massachusetts powerhouse Boston Latin 35-32 for the New England Championship.
1947
Kathleen Shean and Irene F. Bragg helped out during Juanita Finch's Illness.
1934
Juanita Finch became the librarian
1931
World War I memorial tablet for Veterans of the World War was dedicated.
1928
The town purchased the Baptist Church and moved the now Patten Memorial Library there
1921
Nora Palmer became the Librarian
1915
The Women’s Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) formed and established a Community Reading Room in the then Town Hall.
1910
Patten Academy Women’s Basketball team wins the State Preparatory School Championship
1905
Patten Primary School is built. It’s just five rooms and houses grades K-2
1898
Second Patten Academy was built
1897
Fire destroys the first Patten Academy Building
1848
First Patten Academy was built
1845
The Baptist Church was built
1841
