Mission
Stonington Public Library strives to inspire, enlighten and enrich all members of its community by providing excellent services and facilities that connect them to books, information and ideas needed for work, recreation and education.
SPL Team
Christopher Ross, Library Director
Karen Rittmeyer, Assistant Librarian
SPL Trustees
Alicia Condon
Becky Hardy
Ben Jackson, Vice President
Emily Newell, Secretary
Richard Paget
John Rohman, President
Tiffany Shepard
Lisa Shipley
Rachel Simoneau, Treasurer
Our Story
Compared to other libraries in Maine, Stonington Public Library is a relative newcomer. It began as an all-volunteer operation in 1955 in a small building off Main Street. The Island Woman’s Club sponsored the endeavor and stocked the shelves with donated books. With books shelved and a desk added for the librarian, there was little space for patrons. Struggling in such a poor location, the library rented Boyce’s Grocery Store (now Boyce’s Motel) on Main Street.
The library began to grow and on February 10, 1958, interested citizens formed a library association. However, the library’s location continued to be problematic. With information about available buildings and mortgage rates in hand, the board unanimously agreed to buy the building that houses the library today. On June 9, 1959, the board signed a mortgage for $3,500 from Bar Harbor Banking and Trust Company. For the next three years, the board worked tirelessly to raise money to pay off the loan. With proceeds from food and book sales, card parties, concerts, a yearly silver tea and donations, the board paid off the mortgage on August 20, 1962.
Funding the library has been an ongoing challenge. For many years, the library rented rooms on the second floor to various organizations, individuals and businesses. From 1959 to 1975, a minimal amount of support was raised at the annual town meetings. In 1975, when the library received a donation of $25,000 from the estate of a former Stonington resident, the town felt no need to continue supporting the library. Fortunately, in 2000, the town again began to support the library with an annual appropriation of $3,000. The amount was increased to $6,000 in 2015. However, with an annual budget of almost $30,000, the board still finds itself having to raise ever-larger amounts to keep the library viable. Donations, most of which come from the annual appeal, fund 80% of the budget.
In 2018, following a successful $100,000 capital campaign involving several grants from Maine foundations and local donors, the library made extensive renovations, removing ledge that allowed for a level first floor, a handicap accessible restroom and improved shelving. The second floor was reclaimed for library use and the children’s room received an upgrade. The Town increased its financial support with an appropriation of $10,000. In 2021 the Trustees hired a new librarian with a professional background and a vision for expanded programming and fundraising ideas. Despite the setbacks created by reduced access during the Covid pandemic of 2020-2021, financial support for the library and its patronage and programming held steady. In 2022, following the introduction of new services and a robust expansion of programs, including a highly successful series of summer programs in Stonington’s Small Cove Park, the town again increased its financial support, from $12,500 in 2022 to $25,000 in 2024. Throughout this period, nearly 80% of financial support continued to come from donors and from fundraising programs initiated by library trustees and volunteer friends of the library in tandem with strong annual growth in programs and services .
Until 2025, third party requests were voted on in person at the annual town meeting, but such requests were moved to a ballot for the first time in 2025. Stonington residents approved the library’s request for $25,000 with 73% voting in favor.
1897
Mr. J. L. Thurlow builds a grocery store at 64 Main Street. According to stories collected by the first librarian, Mary Cousins, perishables, sides of beef and other meats hung in the back. Another Thurlow, who owned an icehouse, furnished ice for the store.
“J. L. Thurlow’s new store is up and the side finish is being put on. It will be a fine commodius two story and a half building, an ornament to the place.” –Deer Isle Gazette (September 18, 1897)
1920s
The building houses a millinery shop owned by Mrs. Emma Marcus.
1930s
Annie Blomgrin and Isobel Gray run a ladies dress shop at this location.
1940s – 195os
The building has a number of short-term uses.
June 9, 1959
The library association buys the building for $3,500.