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Exterior of Fryeburg Public Library

The Fryeburg Public Library is located at 515 Main Street.

Clarence Mulford Room

The Clarence Mulford Room houses the author’s Hopalong Cassidy collections, models built by Mulford, posters and maps.

Fireplace in main room

A massive fireplace dominates the main room of the library.

Fryeburg Public Library

The Fryeburg Public Library is home to a special collection of the works of Hopalong Cassidy author, Clarence Mulford.

Clarence Mulford Special Collection

Upon his death in 1956, Hopalong Cassidy author Clarence Mulford bequeathed to the Fryeburg Library his office furnishings, Western books, and other treasured memorabilia. His estate provided funding for the Clarence E. Mulford Room to display these collections.

Hopalong Cassidy, a fictional Western character, brought international fame and financial independence to author Clarence Mulford. Although he was not a good student, Mulford devoured five-cent Wild West paperbacks which led to his life of writing. His novel sold over 4 million copies world wide and was translated into three languages. He received royalties from magazines, comic books, newspapers and radio rights.

Born in Streater, Illinois in 1883, Mulford’s literary career was launched in 1904 when he won a short story contest. He was a meticulous researcher and acquired an impressive Western Americana collection that included old diaries and maps, and a card index -- now at the Library of Congress -- of over 10,000 hand written notes

His love of hunting and fishing, as well as experimenting with high powered rifles, were key factors in his decision to leave New York in 1926. He purchased a house in Fryeburg where he was regarded as eccentric and reclusive. It is here that he did most of his writing.

History

The Fryeburg library, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was formerly a school building. Begun in 1903, it was originally known as the Fryeburg Woman’s Library Club. The library has been visited by many famous statesmen and artists, including Daniel Webster.

Renovations and additions turned a woodshed into a children’s room, and another area into a meeting room that houses local history and Maine books. The Fryeburg Beautification Committee created an award-winning memorial garden on the library grounds. A current renovation and repair project of the 3500 sq. ft. building is expected to be completed in 2008.

Mission

The original mission statement of the Fryeburg Woman’s Library Club and its Reading Circles was “to make a habit of good reading and to cultivate a literary atmosphere”. The current mission is to maintain a strong partnership with the community; encourage the culture of education and learning; and promote the pleasure of reading for all ages. We strive to maintain the historical integrity of this library’s rich history and to grow its potential as a foundational institution providing access to information for everyone. We consider ourselves to be a window on the past and a door to the future as we broaden opportunities, increase our technology and improve our service. We are dedicated in our commitment to the community.

Programs and Services

Fryeburg is a seasonal community with over 3,000 residents, and a large influx of active library users in the summer months.

  • Writing Group,
  • Book Discussion Group
  • Story time
  • Senior Citizen events
  • Seasonal children’s events
  • Children’s music program
  • Interlibrary Loan service
  • Book service for all homebound patrons
  • Meeting space for local tutors and community groups


Learn more about Fryeburg Public Library