Current Operations
After the building that had housed the Veterans’ Memorial Library in Patten, Maine for nearly 80 years was deemed uninsurable, a group of community members came together to build a new, more modern library and community center. We are not waiting for our new building to become a reality, our library has embraced a vision that extends far beyond a traditional library; we hold a special place in the very heart of our community.
The programming and service of our library today is building on partnerships to provide access to services, youth and elder enrichment as well as technology and of course books, both those in our library and through statewide interlibrary loan. The work we are doing today in identifying resources, building partnerships and developing collaboration is not only a benefit to our community today, but helping to prepare us for the array of services and supports that will be available to our community when we complete our new library and community center.
Our current library is temporarily housed in the 317 square foot kitchen of the Lumberman’s Museum with a part time Library Director, Julie Buhler. We have seen exponential growth in our attendance, typically getting 25+ people for most programs which is nearly 10% of all the libraries patrons! We know that our new facility will offer so much more and are excited to be working on partnerships to offer an incredible array of programs.
Highlights include:
- Since 2021, the library memberships has grown from 94 cardholders to 243, not including seasonal visitors
- Program attendance has grown steadily from:
- 2022—Adults:528 Children:129
- 2023—Adults: 596 Children:143
- 2024 – Adults 646* Children: 232*
*Anticipated based on program attendance through August 2024
- Library use as also grown!
If we can do this in our current limited space just IMAGINE what we can do in a new, much larger facility!
Storybook Lane
Veterans’ Memorial Library and the Friends are the active partners in Patten Area Outdoors (PAO). Construction on PAO’s first project, the Lumbermen’s Trail, began in 2023; it includes a “Storybook Lane,” built with funds raised by the Library and Friends. Children’s books are displayed in the 16 structures along the trail, providing families with fresh air and time outdoors, while reading a book!
PAO is a collaborative effort to create non-motorized trails that enhance quality of life for locals and visitors. Veterans’ Memorial Library participates in PAO alongside many other community organizations: Patten Selectboard, Patten ATV Club, Patten Planning Board, Our Katahdin, Katahdin Area Trails, Outdoor Sports Institute, Friends of Katahdin Woods & Waters, Patten Lumbermen’s Museum, Patten Area Women’s Club, Katahdin Collaborative, Katahdin Tourism Partnership, and others. The group receives assistance from the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program of the National Park Service and MaineDOT’s Scenic Byway program. Local businesses and community members are the ones who made this happen!
These walking trails and Story Stations promise to be a wonderland for children, parents, and grandparents alike.
- Lana Jones
Retired Teacher & Community Member
