KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine -- On October 20, The Louis T Graves Memorial Public Library will be celebrating the grand opening of its expansion called the “Mothers Wing.” The all-day celebration will feature guided tours of the new 5,000-sq. ft. space and its impeccably designed outdoor sitting garden, rock painting and cairn-building activities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and brief remarks will start at 5 p.m., followed a silent auction and light refreshments. Music for the event will be provided by The Dock Squares. All are welcome.
“The Mothers Wing addition will be absolutely instrumental to our community. The expansion will provide the neighborhood and surrounding towns with a state-of-the-art business center, fully equipped with computers, printers, fax machine, scanners, WiFi, e-book and audio-book lending services, ongoing book sale and modern archive room. This is long overdue for a community that thrives off of involvement, connection and engagement,” said Mary-Lou Boucouvalas, Executive Director of the Graves Library.
The Mothers Wing is named in honor of all the mothers who have made use of the century-old library encouraging their children to read and develop curiosity about the world around them.
The wing adds space for collections and programs and enhances access for patrons.
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“Overlooking Mast Cove, the new community room will be a great setting for an array of events. The room will play host to monthly author lectures, instructional classes for adults, free tax assistance, CPR trainings, art shows and private functions as well as provide a meeting place for many civic groups and non-profit organizations. Our doors are opened to all and we look forward creating a variety of uses in our new home,” said Boucouvalas.
In 2016, a $1.5M Capitol Campaign was launched to fund the expansion and upgrade the Library’s aged infrastructure. To date, nearly $1.1M has been raised. The fund has been used for a new roof, an elevator, HVAC system, electrical upgrades, a new generator, security system, sprinkler system, handicap ramp, four new parking spaces, community kitchen and additional bathrooms.
“Thus far, we have raised just about three-quarters of our $1.5 million goal. We are so grateful for the donations we have received to date, as we know that it all goes toward providing the community with a wonderful resource and a beautiful addition to our town. The Graves Library has served as an educational, social, and cultural center of our town for over a century and with the new wing, will continue to do so in new and exciting ways. We hope to meet our fundraising goal in the near future and look forward to experiencing all that the new wing has to offer,” said George Emery, the Chairman of Capital Campaign and a Library board member.
An online auction for items will take place from October 8-18. Online auction items include original artwork by local artist, hotel stays and signed books. To bid on auction items, please visit: https://www.32auctions.com/graveslibrarynewwing
There will also be a silent auction held during the October 20 reception and feature one-of-a-kind items such as:
· Acrylic Painting “At Sea” framed 18 x 24 by noted Maine artist Richard Reminger
· Overnight “Glamping” in 2018 at Sandy Pines Campground and two tickets to performance of your choice at Vinegar Hill Music Theater for the 2018 season.
· Trip to Costa Rica for 7 days/6 nights for a Rain Forest adventure–accommodations for six.
· Cocktail party with gourmet hors d’oeuvres; this includes set up/clean up and catering for 12 (you host the party/provide the venue).
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The red-brick building now known as Louis T. Graves Memorial Library was built in 1813 and became the Library in 1913. It features significant historical artifacts and artwork, ranging from paintings by Abbott Graves, half hull models of ships built on the Kennebunk River, to the original bank vault. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Library recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and the new wing was designed to preserve the classic and historic character of the original building. Architect Harvey Wells of Wells, Maine and Ouellet Construction of Brunswick, Maine oversaw the creation of the Mothers Wing.
As the Library board anticipates a good turnout, they are encouraging patrons to park at the Consolidated School, located 25 School Street (.03 miles). Complimentary transportation by Intown Trolley will be provided from 4:30–5 p.m. and 7–7:30 p.m.
Friday Oct 20, 2017
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM EDT
Friday, October 20 from 10:00 - 3:00. Ribbon Cutting and Remarks start at 5:00; Silent Auction, refreshments and live music from 5:30 - 7:30 pm.
Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library is located at 18 Maine Street in Kennebunkport, Maine. For more information, please contact the Library at (207) 967-2778 or visit www.graveslibrary.org. Capital campaign donation are welcome (and needed).
Silent Auction from 5:30-7:00 pm.
Mary-Lou Boucouvalas
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