History of the Library

History of the Library

The Patten brothers, George and John, were generous subscribers to the Patten Library Association, which was founded in 1847. The subscription library kept its collection in rented rooms and later a donated house until Galen C. Moses gave $10,000 for the construction of a new library building, with the stipulation that its use be free to all Bath citizens.

Construction began in 1889 on the new library, designed by George Harding, and was completed in 1890, at a total cost of $15,000. An Open House was held January 1, 1891, for all to attend.

Children services were first offered in 1911 in the second floor tower room, which had been previously occupied by the Sagadahoc Historical Society.

In 1961, through the generosity of Mildred Wright, a new wing to the library offered its greatly expanded number of users a new Children's Room, lobby, auditorium, and Reference Room.

A second major addition was completed in September 1998. It includes an expanded children's and young adult's areas, nonfiction stacks, and a new History & Genealogy Room. The original 1890's building was restored.

Book Delivery Program

Library volunteers choose books, based on a patron's reading preference, from the large print or regular collections and deliver those books to "shut-in" patrons at his/her home or residence facility. Usually the same volunteer works with the patron on a regular basis and performs the service approximately every other week or as needed. Call the library for details at 443-5141.

Museum Passes

The Library's museum membership is available for Patten Free Library patrons to use when visiting the Maine Maritime Museum. The pass allows one family per day free access to the museum. A family is defined as 1 or 2 adults with children under the age of 18 who live in the same household. Reservations for use of a museum pass may be arranged one week in advance of the date. Passes may be picked up from the Circulation Desk 2-3 days before the planned use. Call the Circulation Desk 443-5141 ext. 11 for more details.

Maine Maritime Museum
243 Washington Street
Bath ME

Phone: 207-443-1316
Hours:

Daily 9:30am - 5:00pm

History of the Library The Patten brothers, George and John, were generous subscribers to the Patten Library Association, which was founded in 1847. The subscription library kept its collection in rented rooms and later a donated house until Galen C. Moses gave $10,000 for the construction of a new library building, with the stipulation that its use be free to all Bath citizens. Construction began in 1889 on the new library, designed by George Harding, and was completed in 1890, at a total cost of $15,000. An Open House was held January 1, 1891, for all to attend. Children services were first offered in 1911 in the second floor tower room, which had been previously occupied by the Sagadahoc Historical Society. In 1961, through the generosity of Mildred Wright, a new wing to the library offered its greatly expanded number of users a new Children's Room, lobby, auditorium, and Reference Room. A second major addition was completed in September 1998. It includes an expanded children's and young adult's areas, nonfiction stacks, and a new History & Genealogy Room. The original 1890's building was restored. Book Delivery Program Library volunteers choose books, based on a patron's reading preference, from the large print or regular collections and deliver those books to "shut-in" patrons at his/her home or residence facility. Usually the same volunteer works with the patron on a regular basis and performs the service approximately every other week or as needed. Call the library for details at 443-5141. Museum Passes The Library's museum membership is available for Patten Free Library patrons to use when visiting the Maine Maritime Museum. The pass allows one family per day free access to the museum. A family is defined as 1 or 2 adults with children under the age of 18 who live in the same household. Reservations for use of a museum pass may be arranged one week in advance of the date. Passes may be picked up from the Circulation Desk 2-3 days before the planned use. Call the Circulation Desk 443-5141 ext. 11 for more details. Maine Maritime Museum 243 Washington Street Bath ME Phone: 207-443-1316 Hours: Daily 9:30am - 5:00pm Top of Page \| What's New Index \| Home
Contact:pfl@patten.lib.me.us	© Patten Free Library 2002-6	Last Updated October 2006