Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library (BHML ) reached a special milestone; it celebrated its 100^th anniversary on the library’s lawn Thursday, July 11, with music, food, laughter and sunshine. Community members of all ages joined to share pride, support and merriment and to reflect on the legacy of our town’s beloved pillar. Gifts, in the form of legislative sentiments and other honors, accumulated throughout the three-hour event, acknowledging the landmark institution’s vital contributions to our community for over a century.

Scott Wilkinson, representing U.S. Sen. Angus King’s office, was first to bestow an honor: a Certificate of Special Recognition. “Your commitment to the people of the Boothbay Harbor region has instilled hope, provided enrichment, and fueled the pursuit of knowledge,” it reads.

Allyson Cavaretta, state office representative for U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, encouraged the crowd to celebrate the day’s milestone with an eye toward the future, “we need (BHML) for tomorrow too, we need it for a hundred more years,” she said as she granted an official letter from Collins to BHML Executive Director Joanna Breen. “I am pleased to congratulate the library staff, volunteers, and the Boothbay Harbor community on the 100th anniversary of the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. This significant milestone marks a century of unwavering dedication to promoting public education and fostering local engagement,” it reads. Maine State Librarian Lori Fisher also addressed the crowd. “Maine has 255 public libraries, of which 70% serve communities of 5,000 people or less.” Their importance cannot be understated, she reiterated.

State House Rep. Holly Stover grew up in this library, under the watchful eye of “Mrs. Chapman,” a woman, Stover said, who had a profound influence and presence in her early years. “This centennial celebration is not just a testament to the longevity of a building or an institution but a tribute to the enduring spirit of community, learning, and togetherness that this library embodies,” she said before presenting the library with an expression of legislative sentiment on behalf of the 131st Legislature.

Throughout the afternoon, party-goers ate hot dogs and homemade cupcakes, listened to music and shared smiles with neighbors. Children enjoyed face painting and yard games, and caricature artist Ruth Monsell drew countless characters. At a quarter past each hour, the trolley arrived, delivering more guests to the successful event.

When asked how it feels to turn 100, BHML Board of Trustees President Joan Chatterton said, “It feels pretty great. It feels great that this institution has been a part of the community for 100 years and contributes so much to our town. And I love our Library of Things – I checked out a post-hole digger this past winter when I needed to reset my mailbox after a snowplow took it out. A post-hole digger! I love that I could check one out from the library.” Development Manager Savannah Fields said, “It feels amazing to see our lawn full of people enjoying themselves, enjoying the space because we are here for the community.”

“This library has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between generations, bringing together the young and the old in a shared love of learning. It has provided a safe haven for students to study, for job seekers to find resources, and for all of us to discover new interests and skills. The programs and services offered here have evolved to meet the changing needs of our community, ensuring that the library remains relevant and essential in our lives,” said Stover. “It has always been more than just a building filled with books. It is the heart of our community, a place where dreams are nurtured, knowledge is shared, and lives are transformed.”

To read more on the library’s 100-year history, visit https://bbhlibrary.org/about/library-history/. Images of the past 100 years can be seen at https://www.boothbayregister.com/article/bhml-100-images-100-years/186115. A complete list of BHML services and events can be found at  https://bbhlibrary.org/

Anniversary festivities concluded with the decades-long tradition of a free lawn concert by the Hallowell Community Band.