44°01′57″N 69°31′50″W / 44.0325361°N 69.5305791°W / 44.0325361; -69.5305791

Skidompha Public Library
Photograph of Skidompha Public Library, Main Street, on a sunny day.
Skidompha Public Library, Main Street
LocationDamariscotta, Maine, United States
TypePublic
Established1905
Collection
Size1,177,921 (2021)
Access and use
Circulation47,049 (2021)
Population served5,613
Other information
DirectorMatthew Graff
Employees8
Websitewww.skidompha.org

The Skidompha Public Library is the public library serving Damariscotta, Newcastle, and Nobleboro in Maine.[1]

History

On March 13, 1905, the Skidompha Library Association was incorporated and its collection of 1,476 books was given to the three towns (Damariscotta, Newcastle and Nobleboro) as the start of a Free Public Library.[2] The library was established over the Charles M. Jones Grocery Store on Main Street.[3] In 1922, the Library Association and Women's Club of Damariscotta purchased the Stephen Coffin House[4] which served as a library and meeting place until 2001, when the larger, current facility on Main Street opened.

"SKIDOMPHA" is an acronym formed from letters in the names of Skidompha's founding club members:[5]

  • S – Ellie Stetson
  • K – Judie and Addie Kelsey
  • I – Ida Benner
  • D – Mrs. James David
  • O – Mrs. Osman Plummer
  • M – Mr. and Mrs. Charles Merry
  • P – Mary Pinkham
  • H – William K. Hilton
  • A – Jennie Ames

Awards and recognition

Skidompha Public Library was awarded the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor for museums and libraries, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in 2008. [6][7] Skidompha was one of just five libraries in the United States selected to receive the medal for its outstanding community engagement, services and innovative programming for adults learning to read, senior citizens, young reluctant readers and more. The award ceremony was held at the White House in Washington, D.C., with First Lady, Laura Bush (also a librarian), presiding.

The library is one of the few libraries in Maine designated as a "Star Library" by Library Journal.[8]

References

  1. ↑ "Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta, ME". LibraryThing Local. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  2. ↑ "What's In A Name? We Ask Some Maine Libraries. . ". Maine Crime Writers. 2012-04-11. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  3. ↑ Brooke (2011-08-09). "A Fitting Temple: Skidompha". Fittingtemple.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  4. ↑ "National Register of Historic Places - Stephen Coffin House". National Park Service - National Register of Historic Places.
  5. ↑ "DAMARISCOTTA - SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY. DSL stands for DAMARISCOTTA - SKIDOMPHA LIBRARY. DSL Acronym/Abbreviation Definition - Education DSL Meaning". All-acronyms.com. Retrieved 2012-10-17.
  6. ↑ "October 2008: IMLS Honors 10 Museums and Libraries for Outstanding Community Service". www.imls.gov. Retrieved 2022-02-26.
  7. ↑ "2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service" (PDF).
  8. ↑ "Five Maine Public Libraries Designated as Library Journal's Top-Rated America's Star Libraries for 2013". Maine State Library. Maine.gov. Retrieved February 26, 2022.
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