Current Library

Turning a Big Dream into a New Home

From a tiny borrowed space to a modern community hub, we’re creating a library worthy of our region’s future.

After 92 years on Main Street, the Veterans’ Memorial Library in Patten, Maine had to leave its building when it became uninsurable. A group of local residents, now called The Friends, stepped up with a bold vision: to create a modern library and community center that would serve as a hub for connection, learning, and opportunity.

For now, we’re operating out of the 317-square-foot kitchen at the Lumberman’s Museum, led by our part-time Library Director, Julie Buhler. Space limitations aren’t going to slow us down—our library is already reimagining what’s possible for a community library. Even in our small temporary home, we’re offering programs for youth and elders, connecting neighbors with essential services, providing access to technology, and putting books from across Maine into people’s hands. 

Every partnership we build today strengthens our community now and prepares us for the incredible opportunities our new library and community center will bring.

2025 highlights include:

• A year full of connection and creativity, with book clubs, workshops, author talks, festivals, and community groups that grew because people wanted more.

• Serving the whole community, offering free health clinics, technology support, exhibits, and trusted programs that meet real local needs.

• Inspiring kids and families, through Summer Reading, STEM and hands-on activities, afterschool partnerships, and early-literacy programs.

• Neighbors helping neighbors, with book giveaways, holiday drives, and hundreds of donated items supporting local families.

Be Part of the Next Chapter