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The library started as a collection of books donated by local readers in 1874 when a group of interested citizens formed the Presque Isle Library Association. The objectives of the group were listed as: social exchanges, mutual improvements, and raising funds for a public library. There was no permanent site for the collection at this time, so the books ‘traveled’ from business to business around town where each business owner became the temporary librarian. The books were first placed in George Rowell’s drugstore, which we believe to have been across the street from what is now the Northeastland Hotel. The collection then moved to the Post Office, where Mrs. Luce, the postmaster’s wife served as librarian. The next stop for the collection was the millinery shop owned by Laila Smith, located where the Braden Theatre is today. In 1905, the collection was moved to Holmes Jewelry Store (located where Gary’s Furniture & Appliance Center is today) with Mr. Holmes serving as the temporary librarian. In 1907, the citizens of Presque Isle voted to build a library. Thomas H. Phair, the “Starch King of Aroostook County”, purchased a lot from the Dudley heirs for $1,000 on the southeast corner of Second and State Streets. Phair then donated the land to the library. Citizens raised an additional $937.50 to purchase the small adjoining lot. The original building was then built with a grant of $10,000 from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. Andrew Carnegie made his fortune in the steel industry and vowed to donate most of his wealth before his death. His favorite cause was to donate the seed money to cities and towns around the country to build libraries. His grants were “challenge” grants. In order to obtain a Carnegie grant, the city or town had to provide the building site and annually provide 10% of the construction cost to support the operation of the library. In his lifetime, he helped establish over 2,500 libraries and gave away $350 million. Presque Isle’s first public library opened its doors on July 1, 1908 with a collection of 2,000 books. At the Presque Isle town meeting on March 18, 1908, the public library committee was appointed. The committee was charged with finding a librarian, and establishing rules for the general management of the library. Miss Lou Marston was appointed as the first librarian just a few days later. The rules for the 1908 library were:
As the city grew, so did the need for a larger library. Using state funding and a matching donation of $60,000 from local business man and philanthropist, Mark Turner, an addition was added to the front of the existing building. On April 30, 1967, the newly expanded (and renamed) Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library opened to the public. Mark E. Turner (1893 – 1972) was a prominent local business man and philanthropist born in Mapleton. He was a successful potato farmer, served on the Presque Isle City Council, and was director of the Presque Isle Hotel Company as well as the Aroostook Trust Company. In 1946, he launched the postwar development of Presque Isle’s central business district by starting the construction of the two-story building which housed Sears Roebuck (the current site of the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Main Street). Emily Cyr, born in 1896, attended the Aroostook State Teachers College and taught school in Van Buren. She married Mark Turner in 1917. Mrs. Turner was a generous supporter of the library during her lifetime. She devoted her time and financial support to many local causes. Many of her books and personal belongings are housed at the library. Mrs. Turner passed away in 1987. In 2011, the Library expanded again and opened the new Akeley wing which includes an elevator made possible with a $1.2 million donation from Mary Akeley Smith.
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Andrew Carnegie |
Thomas Phair |
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Mark Turner |
Emily Turner |
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Lou Marston 1904 |
Library in 1960 |
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Library in 1910 |
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