“Some libraries build collections, good libraries build services, great libraries build communities.”
– R. David Lankes
A survey of our patrons shows respondents have an average of three library cards. A deeper dive tells us they often use the Brunswick or Portland libraries for digital materials, like audiobooks or streaming, while they use our library primarily for on-site book selections and programs. With so many choices available, what does Cundy’s Harbor Library offer to Harpswell? Should we try to compete for patrons? Where do we fit, both within Harpswell and as a member of the Maine State Library system?
Simply stated, this is a little library created and sustained by its community. We are not a destination library, and people in this community work hard with long hours. Yet I believe Cundy’s Harbor Library is a great library. A former board member wrote, “I have never seen it so lively in outreach. Keep it comin’.”
This month I want to talk about how our library uses all of its resources to give patrons the most comprehensive service this small, rural library can provide.
Books and other reading materials are purchased monthly based on our borrowers’ interests. With a book budget well under $2,000, we carefully research our selections. I use information from a Maine State Library email list, along with book retailers and book reviews, to select new items. The library also sells books back to a book retailer that is requesting titles. It’s a win-win, getting more books into the hands of readers. Book donations are reviewed, and many find new readers or enter our growing collection. Recent donations for children have enhanced our selection of nonfiction, classics and books for early readers.
I’m often asked, “Can I get books online?” Yes! As a Cumberland County resident, you can get access to books from throughout Maine. Come in or call to get connected. We access interlibrary loan services in and out of state to get the books you want. We’re happy to do the online legwork for you.
We continue to provide curbside or direct drop-off for patrons upon request.
This library has chosen to lend its collection to others, knowing it allows us to expand our offerings by receiving books from others.
Community partnership is vital, both because of our limited indoor spaces and our location. Our library works with many partners. Recently we participated in a school break reading program, the harbor tree lighting, a lantern-making event, and programs put on by Harpswell Aging at Home and Harpswell Recreation.
Social outreach is another important aspect of our library. Isolation and loneliness are issues throughout our community. To help address this, our board started a book group with refreshments related to each book. The purpose was to bring people together once a month for conversation and sharing. “Dark Tide” had us eating molasses cookies. Drop-in knitting with conversation happens every third Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Watch for new groups for the new year. We have received suggestions to host board and card games, sewing and quilting groups, and a walking group. As the weather warms, options may include use of our park for painting or exercise.
Professional library affiliation extends our quality and ability to support the community. Cundy’s Harbor Library easily meets basic and enhanced benchmarks set for Maine public libraries. Details are available online or at the library.
As director, I’m a member of the Association for Rural and Small Libraries, the Maine Library Association, and Maine’s Rural and Small Libraries Group. Zoom allows the library to access professional training to keep us in compliance and make the best use of our resources. This affiliation has given us access to grants and consultants.
Local professional affiliations include monthly conversations with Anne Wilkes at the Orr’s Island Library, Katherine Webber at the Topsham Public Library, and Beth Crist, coordinator of the Maine State Library’s van service.
January can be cold and dark. A book or a welcoming greeting from our library is a weekly need here on our side of Harpswell. If you need either, or a warm cup of something and a cookie or two, we welcome all every Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Library Connections” is a monthly column that rotates among the three libraries that serve Harpswell: Cundy’s Harbor, Orr’s Island, and Curtis Memorial.
