5646-R4_ML&P_TownOfBuxton_2016-2017_AnnualReport_Web

West Buxton Public Library Established 1925

The West Buxton Public Library traces its beginnings back to 1925 when it was organized in the West Buxton Baptist Church on the hill on River Road by the dam. The Masonic Building, also on River Road in West Buxton, was its second home until 1953 when service to the community went dormant. The library emerged from its five-year dormancy in 1958 under the leadership of Edward M. Elwell. Its third and current home is the former District #12 Schoolhouse (circa 1853) keeping its location in the West Buxton Village area and still on the Saco River at #34. The resurrection of the library resulted from the perception that such a facility was needed by the residents of the village area on both sides of the Saco River: Buxton and Hollis. The library is visited by citizens from Buxton, Hollis, Standish, and Limington. The library’s operating budget is funded by the appropriations of the Town of Buxton and supplemented with book and bake sales, memorial gifts and many monetary donations and collections. The library is staffed by dedicated volunteers who are knowledgeable and will aid the patrons with their needs. The library also offers through the Portland Public Library the interlibrary loan system. Any resource that cannot be provided by this library may be obtained through the interlibrary loan system. Our dedicated Director, Cherise Feser, had a busy year at the library running several programs and tending to the many daily operational tasks. In addition to receiving a grant for the maker space which resulted in many popular items including the popular 3D pens, Cherise worked with the Maine Humanities Council to bring new programs to the library. She also held a pot luck supper at the library which was well attended. Richard DeCosta of Two Sheds fishing Guide service was back with his popular fishing program. Cathy, Kyle and Chase Sargent wrote and produced a video with equipment and assistance from Saco River Community TV which promoted the library and starred Mya Feser, one of our favorite Library greeters. The monthly Minecraft Club is well attended as was the Harry Potter night which was held at the Buxton Town Hall in December. Thank you to the patrons, volunteers, Buxton Garden Club, Dorcas Society, Hannaford, Plummer’s, IOOF Unity Lodge #3, Narragansett Number One Foundation, Maine Humanities Council, Maine State Library fund and Saco River Community TV who all donated time, materials, money and expertise. We are grateful for Peter Mills and his family who keep our pathways shoveled and the lawns mowed. It takes the whole community. We appreciate the generous support of the Town of Buxton and surrounding neighborhood. Sincerely,

Bart W. McCrum Chairman On behalf of the West Buxton Public Library Board of Trustees

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