The Patten Free Library, a stalwart in Bath for well over a century, is celebrating its 125th anniversary at its current location this year. Though it has gone through many changes in that time, three things about the library remain the same — the generosity of its donors, its 19th century aesthetic and its commitment to the community.
The donors
In 1852 John and George Patten purchased Gov. William King’s extensive library of books at an auction, and donated it to the Patten Reading Association — an organization which would eventually evolve into the Patten Free Library. The books were kept in rented rooms for 39 years until the library’s opening in 1891.
The library relies heavily on donor support to keep their doors open.
“We have over 500 donors who contribute to our annual fund,” said Library Director Lesley Dolinger.
Dolinger added: “We couldn’t have gotten here without our funding, and we continue to thrive because of our amazing donors throughout the community. We have a robust endowment that has grown over the years.”
Between annual dinners, sponsorship programs such as the Saturday Club, where local businesses raise funds so the library can stay open on Saturdays, art gallery fundraisers, bottle drives and the library council, Dolinger said the library “should stay strong for years to come.”
“One of our most popular areas is the Reading Room, which is located in the oldest part of the building,” said Dolinger. Thanks to donations, such as the $10,000 raised by a local couple that resulted in new furniture purchased in 2014, this room has stayed relevant while retaining an old world charm.
The building
A financial gift from Galen Moses spurred the construction of the library between 1889 and 1890, with a grand opening on Jan. 1, 1891 completing its evolution from the private Patten Reading Association to Patten Free Library.
“The library was designed by George Edward Harding,” said Robin Haynes, manager of the history and genealogy room at Patten. Harding, who designed the library, grew up across Washington Street from that site, whose swampy corner was known as Frog Pond.
Harding followed the Richardsonian Romanesque tradition, named for Henry Hobson Richardson an architect who designed many large buildings and train stations across the east coast in the 19th century, but also was responsible for more intimate settings, such as libraries.
“Harding gave the plans to the library free of charge,” said Hayes.
Expansions in 1961 and 1998 brought the library to its current form.
The community
So, how is the library celebrating the big 125th?
“We had a float in the Bath Heritage Days parade, which was decorated by the Teen Library Council,” said Dolinger.
The Patten Free Library Teen Library Council was formed in 2013 in support of PFL’s Strategic Plan goal to “develop and serve a vibrant and active community of young adult patrons,” according to the library.
The council’s purpose is to generate ideas for teen programming and promote teen services offered by the library. The council meets regularly throughout the year and has generated many ideas including the annual Teen Writing Contest, the annual Teen Art Show, a Little Free Library, which is located at the Bath YMCA, and the “Haunted Patten” fundraiser.
This year — thanks to funding from Davenport Trust — the library was able to hire an architect to design a new, renovated meeting space for the Teen Library Council.
The architect worked with members of the Teen Library Council, Library Staff, and PFL Trustees to plan a design. This location of the new teen space will require a renovation of the Reference Area as well. So far, $65,000 of $311,000 has been raised for the project.
For more information on the Patten Free Library, go to Patten.lib.me.us
bgoodridge@timesrecord.com
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