LINCOLNVILLE, Maine — If you’ve noticed an excavator, equipment, and activity in the parking lot of the Lincolnville Community Library recently, you may have wondered what was happening. We’re pleased to announce that the library is getting new outdoor lighting—thoughtfully designed to improve safety while preserving Lincolnville’s beautiful dark skies.

The project is made possible in large part through a $2,500 grant from RAB Lighting’s 2025 Impact Grant Program, which is designed to support nonprofit projects while celebrating volunteerism and local community impact. Gilman Electric of Rockland acted as the local company sponsoring the library’s grant through RAB Lighting.

The new lighting will be Dark Sky ME LD1934 compliant, providing illumination where it is needed while minimizing glare, light trespass, and impact on the night sky. Importantly, the lights will be used only when needed and will not operate on timers or automatically illuminate when the library is closed. They will provide lighting for the parking area on dark nights when library activities or other needs make illumination appropriate.

A major component of the project has been the tremendous amount of donated labor, expertise, materials, and equipment contributed by local businesses and library volunteers.

Steve Case of Ace Construction & Development in Lincolnville generously donated three days of his expertise and excavator work. Working alongside Steve, Kathy Prather, Library Board of Trustees member, and John Williams, ex officio Board member and Kathy Williams helped plan the excavation and fill the trenches after the electrical conduit was laid.

Additional materials, equipment, labor, and financial support have come from Viking Lumber and Justin Electric of Lincolnville, along with a generous grant from the Carole Brand Estate of Camden. Many library volunteers have also contributed their time and effort to the project.

The result is much more than a new lighting system. It is a true community project, made possible by people and businesses willing to share their resources, skills, and time to improve the library.

The Lincolnville Community Library is deeply grateful to RAB Lighting, Gilman Electric, Steve Case and Ace Construction & Development, Viking Lumber, Justin Electric, the Carole Brand Estate, John and Kathy Williams, and the many library volunteers who have helped make this project possible.

The new lights will make evening access to the library safer and more welcoming—while respecting the dark skies that are such an important part of Lincolnville’s character.

A brighter path to the library, without making the night sky brighter.