Maine Library Excellence Award 2004
The Maine Library Excellence Award honors Maine public libraries that most strongly demonstrate outstanding services and programs. Patten Free Library was the one of 2004 winners, along with Camden Public Library.
2004 Winners
Patten Free Library
Patten Free Library staff receiving award at the 2004 Maine
Libraries Conference
Patten Free Library, Bath won for the over
7,000 population category for a "community read" program, the
first of its kind in Maine.
The program expanded to include libraries in the surrounding towns
of Brunswick, Topsham, and Wiscasset and has continued each year
since its inception.
Unique to Bath's program is their commitment
to providing copies of the selected book to as many people as possible.
With grant funds, they purchased 400 copies of the book used in the
first program, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Camden Public Library staff presenting at the awards workshop during the 2004 Maine Libraries Conference.
Camden Public Library
Camden Public Library (1,500 to
7,000 population category) for "Community Connections", a program
targeting local businesses and community organizations for cooperative
exhibits and programming.
Local businesses sponsored library programs about snowshoeing, travel, knot tying, and many other topics. PenBay Hospital offered programs and displays on tobacco addiction and CPR. The community partners promote the library in their businesses and organizations, resulting in new library patrons.
