South China Public Library

The South China Public Library, the oldest continuously operating library in Maine, began in a private home in 1830 and moved to Village Street in 1900. In 2018, having outgrown its space, the library launched a project to build a new facility at 27 Jones Road. Despite pandemic and supply chain delays, the new library opened in January 2024. Funding is still needed to finish and furnish the children's room and community activity room. The library seeks community support to finish these spaces, with contributions of any size making a significant impact on this vital community resource. The Library’s hope is to have a successful campaign to raise $5,000 and fully finish and furnish the spaces in the fall of 2024. This goal is ambitious and we need all the support we can get. If you can’t contribute yourself, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family to help us finish & furnish the New South China Public Library at 27 Jones Road.

The Full Story

The South China Public Library, established in 1830, began in a private home, and moved to several homes and businesses before moving to its dedicated building on Village Street in 1900. As the oldest continuously operating library in Maine, it has served as a cornerstone of the community. In 2018, the library had outgrown its original space, prompting the board of directors and volunteers to undertake an ambitious project to build a new facility. Through significant effort, including securing grants, community donations, and extensive volunteer work, a beautiful and welcoming new library was constructed at 27 Jones Road, and despite pandemic delays and supply chain challenges from 2020-2022 it is now operational and began welcoming patrons in January 2024, at 27 Jones Road.

However, the new library still needs funding to finish and furnish the second half of the building, which will house a children's room and a community activity room. The children’s room is envisioned as a vibrant area where children can enjoy books and participate in various activities in a comfortable and safe environment. The community activity room is envisioned to be a flexible public multipurpose community space available for workshops, group meetings, continuing education and book clubs. To realize this vision, the library is seeking community support to finish and furnish both of these spaces.

Contributions, no matter the size, will help finish and furnish this valuable community resource. We invite everyone who values books, lifelong learning, and community engagement to support the South China Public Library. Your donation can make a significant impact, ensuring this beloved institution continues to thrive and expand its services. Your support is deeply appreciated and crucial to our success. The Library’s hope is to have a successful summer campaign to raise $5,000 and fully finish and furnish the spaces in the Spring of 2025. If you can’t contribute yourself, please consider sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family to help us finish & furnish the New South China Public Library at 27 Jones Road.

Below are some recent photos of young library patrons enjoying the current children's area which will be expanded into the new children's room upon completion of fundraising and renovations.