TENANTS HARBOR —  Libraries, you would think with all the technology around us, Kindles, iPads and just the regular old Internet, would be declining in their use. But not in this privately own library, which has been a place-marker in Tenants Harbor since it opened in 1935.

With the opening of the new Jackson Memorial Library at 71 Main Street, technology has been embraced to develop the modern day library that is much more than books. Not that there is anything wrong with books, but how about a room for the community with free wi-fi, computers if you do not have your own, a coffee bar, and a full kitchen so snacks can be made for pre-kindergarten and after-school programs. And that is just one room in this new building.

In June 2012, the library was working with an architect on plans for a new building scheduled to be built on Juniper Street after the library had reached its campaign goal to raise $1.6 million. But then, the Lillius Gilchrest Grace Institute called to see if the library might consider a gift of the building and land that was the home of the Grace Youth Center. The youth center was closing and the institute thought the building might make a good library location.

The five-year-old building is 9,000 square feet and is located on eight acres of land. After some very quick negotiation and reviews, the deal was made. Campaign funds were to be used to renovate the new building instead of building a new one and the library was the new owners of a brand six year old building that would double the libraries space meaning more children, adults, and families would be able to take advantage of all the new and expanded programs the Library offers. 

The daily operation of the library falls in the hands of Yvonne Gloede, who is the library director, and Samantha Cote, the associate director of youth services and technology. These two work with a list of about 35 volunteers to keep the library running smoothly. 

Gloede was very happy with the size of the children's room, which because of its size, and the fact that all the book racks are on wheels means they can use this room for the many programs, lectures and , they offer, guest speakers, and the plan iOS to double what is offered at the library. This room also features a hearing technology device called a Hearing Loop. It is wires hidden in the moulding that allows people with hearing problems listen easily to speakers using the correct microphone. 

A local Oceanside High School student from Spruce Head, Kyle Waters, has taken on the task of building the path between the St. George school and the library to make it easy for the children to go from school to the library to use the teen room where there are relaxing places to sit, computers to use and much more. Waters is working to earn is Eagle Scout Badge.

One of the programs everyone at the library is proud of is the pre-K program. In the old library they were very limited as to the hours and number of children they could accommodate. With the new room they will be offering locals pre-K program free of charge three days a week for 3-1/2 hours each. This is possible thanks to grants that were received and will mean doubling the program for last years 14 pre-schoolers. This is something that is good for everyone with pre kindergarten children in St. George.

The after-school program runs from 3-6 p.m. each day at the library and the crew expects that with all the new computers and activities, it will be among the most popular library programs.

The Jackson Memorial Library is a private library that serves in a public capacity. What this means for the residents of St. George is that every resident gets usage of the library at no charge. Nonresidents pay a small fee. However with the cost of running the library the endowment and Town appropriation only cover about 50 percent of the budget. The rest comes from donations and fundraising. 

On display at the library are 24 beautiful works of art that by 12 local artists.  

Put all the new programs, new building and atmosphere, and the love of what they (volunteers to board directors,) and you have a modern day library that will be admired across the state.

For more information about hte Jackson Memorial Library visit their web site http://www.jacksonmem.lib.me.us/cms/ or their FaceBook page

Ron Hawkes can be reached at sports@penbaypilot.com