History
Welcome to the Alice L. Pendleton Library. We are so happy you're here, and are anxious to share with you all the educational and entertainment resources at the library.
Explore and use the website, and then come on in and get started!
Melissa & Richard
Library Director: Melissa Olson
Library Assistant/Technology Coordinator: Richard Coombs
Click box for a complete history of the library.
Highlights
Alice L. Pendleton
The Library building was initiated by the enthusiasm and hard work of Alice Lavinia Pendleton of Islesboro and Brooklyn.
Islesboro’s first librarian, Alice started lobbying for a properly-sized library facility in 1905, fund raising began in 1912, and doors opened on January 14, 1918.
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Miss Alice served as librarian until 1915 and thereafter served as the assistant librarian every summer until her death in 1951.
Our Building
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Since its opening on January 14, 1918, the beautiful granite and brick building became the town’s social and cultural center under the guidance of Miss Alice Pendleton.
Every Saturday summer afternoon a “sociable” was held with a variety of programs: performances by children costumed as early island settlers, historical essays, wildflower or bird contests, poetry, and speakers, including monologist Ruth Draper.
Centennial
August 25, 2018 marked the Centennial Celebration of the Alice L. Pendleton Library building.
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More than 100 visitors turned back the clock to mark the celebration. The day featured photo displays capturing events from bygone years, tea and sandwiches served by a costumed lady from from authentic silver tea service, and a presentation of Miss Alice's very words from early in the century.
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View photos of the day here.
Remembrance Garden
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The Remembrance Garden adjacent to the Library is Islesboro's only public garden — a peaceful place to spend a quiet moment or enjoy a brown bag lunch in the warm weather months.
Individuals and groups have contributed garden memorials to honor friends and relatives here.
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We are thankful to the Friends of the Library for carefully tending to the garden and all of our horticulture needs, and hope that you stop by, relax on a bench, and enjoy all the beautiful flowers, plants, and bird houses.