The Hubbard Free Library is housed in the oldest library building in Maine still serving its original function. Designed by local architect Alexander C. Currier to look like an English country church, the library was dedicated in March, 1880, as the Hallowell Social Library. In 1893 General Thomas H. Hubbard of New York City, a Hallowell native, donated $20,000 for the construction of a free library. The money was used to build an addition to the existent building, in the form of a cross-axial transept, in keeping with the original church design, and the library became the Hubbard Free Library. A second addition was added in 1897, with money donated by Mrs. Eliza Lowell of Hallowell.
Overseen by a 13-member Board of Trustees, the library receives partial funding from the city of Hallowell; residents of this community may have free library cards. All others must pay a yearly non-resident fee of $40.
The library has three desktop computers available for public use, contingent upon observance of the library’s Computer Use Policy. It also has wireless connectivity. The library also offers the following: Inter library loan program, fiction and non-fiction books, audiobooks, DVD’s, magazines, Kennebec Journal, biographies, children’s books, children’s toy section, displays from the Vaughan Homestead, young adult books, and an active book club.
Adult and children’s programming is presented throughout the year, including a Children’s Story and Craft Hour for 2-5 year olds (younger and older siblings welcome), Wednesday mornings, 10:30-11:30. There is also a Summer and Winter Reading Program open for all ages.
Staff:
Our staff includes the Director, and three part-time staff, who all wear many hats, though each has their special area of expertise.
Annemarie Kromhout – Director
Doreen Judge – Cataloging Librarian
Becky Cooper – Children’s Librarian
Our Board Members:
The Board of Trustees meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at the Library, 115 Second St., Hallowell, ME 04347.
Kenneth Young, President
Jill Lectka, Vice President
Elaine Apostola, Secretary
Anya Trundy, Treasurer
Larry Morrissette
Earle Shettleworth
Nancy Bartlett
Dan Shagoury
Judith Feinstein
Sarah Moore
Cameron Dufty
Maureen Kendzierski
Victoria Levesque
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Hubbard Free Library is to “provide materials and services to all citizens of its communities from pre-school through maturity. The Library shall collect, preserve, and make available a varied collection of media and programs to serve and be responsive to the personal, educational, cultural, and professional needs of the communities it serves.”
