Library

History

Construction of the Oakland Public Library was started in 1913 and completed in 1915. It was funded by the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, on land donated by Alice Benjamin.  The original building was built to house 4,000 volumes, and by 1996 the building had over 16,000 books.  Additionally, the original building had no handicap accessibility and lacked adequate space and parking area.  Therefore, to address these issues, planning for a Library Renovation/Expansion Project was begun in 1996.  This project doubled the size of the library and provided much needed handicap accessibility, and was completed in 2003.

Current

For programs, the Library offers a Children’s Storytime for preschoolers on Fridays at 10:30 AM throughout the year.  Additionally, we sponsor an annual reading club and other special presentations for children during the summer months and occasional author visits for both children and adults.

For additional services, the Oakland Public Library offers Interlibrary Loan, free of charge for items found at nearby libraries and for a minimal fee for searching outside the local area.  We also offer home delivery to those patrons who are unable to visit the library.  Internet including wireless capabilities is also available and we have a color photocopier for patron use.  Also, “downloadable audios” and E-books through the Maine State Library Infonet program are available.  Our patrons can now download more than 2,500 E-books and audios, all with their Oakland library card number, at no cost! In addition,the Library offers a monthly Book Club and weekly “Writers Critique Groups.”  Additionally, local genealogist and DAR member Carolyn Kelley is available at the Library the first Tuesday of the month and by request to work with interested individuals.

Thanks to the Bill Gates Foundation and the MSLN (Maine School and Library Network), the Library has 11 computers available to the public, offering Internet, word processing, Excel, and PowerPoint programs.  Anyone visiting the library, resident and non-resident alike, can use this service

Future/Goals

For future goals, we need to put the card catalog on-line, similar to the local schools.  Also, we continue to upgrade the card catalog database and weeding process, all to make information more accessible to our patrons.  We continue to add to the Library Building Improvement Fund that is used to complete library purchases and projects that are beyond the annual library budget.

We also need more volunteers for the Children’s Story time and ideas/presenters for programs for adults and children.  Suggestions and recommendations are most welcome.

Come and visit us at the Oakland Public Library.  We are here to serve you.