4072-R2_ML&P_TownOfBuxton

West Buxton Public Library Established 1925

The West Buxton Public Library traces its beginnings back to 1925 when it was organized in the West Buxton Baptist Church on the hill on River Road by the dam. The Masonic Building, also on River Road in West Buxton, was its second home until 1953 when service to the community went dormant. The library emerged from its five- year dormancy in 1958 under the leadership of Edward M. Elwell. Its third and current home is the former District #12 Schoolhouse (circa 1853) keeping its location in the West Buxton Village area and still on the Saco River at #34. The resurrection of the library resulted from the perception that such a facility was needed by the residents of the village area on both sides of the Saco River: Buxton and Hollis. The library is visited by citizens from Buxton, Hollis, Standish, and Limington. The library’s operating budget is funded by the appropriations of the Town of Buxton and supplemented with book and bake sales, memorial gifts and many monetary donations and collections. The library is staffed by dedicated volunteers who are knowledgeable and will aid the patrons with their needs. The library also offers through the Portland Public Library the interlibrary loan system. Any resource that cannot be provided by this library may be obtained through the interlibrary loan system. The American Libraries Association has an initiative called Libraries Transform designed to increase public awareness of the value, impact and services provided by libraries and library professionals showcasing the transformative nature of today’s libraries and elevating the critical role libraries play in the digital age. Under Cathy Sargent’s leadership the WBPL library continued to evolve and become a transformative library for the community. During Cathy’s time as Director, she started new programs, enhanced existing ones, organized successful events and introduced a very popular makerspace resulting in a positive, energetic environment the community thrives on. She also raised money from the local community including a significant grant from the Narragansett Number One Foundation to upgrade the early reader, developing reader and young adult book collection. In addition, Cathy helped find and train her replacement ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Cherise Feser assumed Director duties in November 2016 and has proven to be an excellent choice. The library continues to thrive and Cherise has become very comfortable in her new role. She has new events lined up and new programs starting while continuing existing ones. Welcome Cherise, Donald and Mya. We look forward to working with and supporting you. Thank you to Cathy and her family, Chris, Kyle and Chase. We appreciate your service to the community. Thank you to the patrons, Volunteers, Buxton Garden Club, Dorcas Society, Hannaford, IOOF Unity Lodge #3 and the Narragansett Number One Foundation who all donated time, materials and money. Also, we wish to thank Holy Jordan for helping to keep the pathways shoveled during the winter and our neighbors Peter and Arron Mills for assisting with the lawn mowing and fall clean up. It takes the whole community and we appreciate all the support from the Town and surrounding neighborhood. Sincerely,

Bart W. McCrum Chairman On behalf of the West Buxton Public Library Board of Trustees

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