The Spring Spaghetti Sling: a Smashing Success!

The Spring Spaghetti Sling held this past Saturday was extremely successful, thanks to the tireless efforts of our amazing volunteers, our generous sponsors and all the families that came to the event. We raised over $8,000, raffled off 26 delicious homemade pies and estimate over 300 guests were in attendance, enjoying the delicious spaghetti provided by The Red Barn; the incredible entertainment by Rick Charette and the Bubble Gum Band from our sponsor, The Bank of Maine and the lovely posters and signs made by our printing sponsor, JS McCarthy! Without the help of our sponsors and our volunteers, we could not have pulled off such an amazing event to raise funds for the Lithgow Public Library and the Save Lithgow NOW campaign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Super Awesome Special Thank You’s go to:

our DEDICATED Volunteers

the attendees

and of course, our Phenomenal Sponsors:

Event Sponsors:

The Red Barn

The Bank of Maine

JS McCarthy

Raffle Prize Sponsors:

The Red Barn

KVYMCA

The Children’s Museum

Rocky’s Stove Shop

 

For more fabulous photos from the event or to keep up to date on the campaign, please follow us on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofLithgowLibrary

 

 

Save the Date: April 27 – Spring Spaghetti Sling feat. Rick Charette!

You like to eat, right? Do you like entertainment too? And how about raising money for a good cause? Well…if you answered yes to any of those questions, then we’ve got just the event for you! On Sunday, April 27 the Friends of Lithgow Library Campaign will be hosting an AMAZING event!

Cabin Fever Reliever: Spring Spaghetti Sling

Where:  Augusta Armory,

Date:  Sunday, April 27

Time:  3:00-6:00pm

Benefits: Friends of Lithgow Library Campaign

Tickets:

$10.00 adult

$5.00 children, age 12 and under

$20.00 for immediate family

Where to Purchase Tickets:

Bank of Maine locations

Lithgow Public Library

The Red Barn (pssst. If you buy tickets here, you can be entered into a drawing for a $100.00 Red Barn gift card)

Eventbrite (online):  http://goo.gl/SRtRJt

Specifics:

3:00-6:00 pm Spaghetti Dinner

3:00-4:00 pm – Children’s Activities, 50/50 and Raffle

Raffle items will include a Nook, a children’s bike, a KVYMCA family membership, a Pellet Grill from Rocky’s Stove Shop, a Red Barn Gift Certificate and a Children’s Discovery Museum membership!

 4:00-5:00pm Rick Charette and The Bubble Gum Band performance

 Rick Charette will be available for autographs and merchandise signings at this time.

 Our SUPER AWESOME Sponsors:

Entertainment Sponsor:  The Bank of Maine

Food Sponsor:  The Red Barn

Raffle Item Sponsors:  KVYMCA, Rocky’s Stove Shop, Children’s Discovery Museum and the Red Barn

Sponsorships STILL AVAILABLE!

FMI:

Join our Facebook Event:  https://www.facebook.com/events/689878661074205/

Eventbrite Ticket Sales:  http://goo.gl/SRtRJ

3D Tour of Lithgow Public Library – Architect’s Rendering

Curious about what the updated and renovated library will look like when it’s completed? Have no fear because the fabulous architects have provided us with the 3D rendering of the proposed Lithgow Public Library.

The updated and expanded Lithgow Public Library will have a great deal to offer. The new facility will:

• Double the size of the current facility to 30,000 square feet
• Restore the historic portion of the facility, including the Reading Room
• Include a café on the main floor
• Expand the Children’s Room
• Centralize the circulation desk
• Provide new, handicap accessible bathroom facilities
• Install a new, ADA-compliant* elevator
• Install an ADA-compliant electric door
• Create a public meeting room that seats 100 people
• Create two public courtyards
• Provide dedicated teen space
• Expand public seating
• Offer private group study rooms
• Expand reference section
• Include wireless Internet access
• Include a public computing area
• Dedicate a section to large print books
• Expand the public parking area

The greater Augusta area competes with other Maine cities for businesses and residents. The new Lithgow Library will be a key component in significantly enhancing this community’s profile, and a remarkable piece of history preserved and improved upon for future generations. Lithgow Library is an amazing resource. Now all we need is the updated facility that our community deserves. The need has never been greater!

*The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that all public buildings be equipped to allow people with mobility issues to access the facility. Lithgow Public Library has not been ADA compliant since the Act was passed in 1990.

31 Reasons in 31 Days: Historical Significance

One hundred and eighteen! That’s how old the Lithgow Public Library is. The incredible idea that Mr. Llewellyn Lithgow had came to fruition and has served the Augusta community well. It continues to serve despite its rapidly deteriorating condition. The building has fallen into disrepair and NOW is the time to bring this building to the forefront again and keep the functionality as a positive community addition.

Day #27: Lithgow Public Library appears on the National Register of Historic Places
The library was built in 1896 and has appeared on the National Register since 1974. Restoration, renovation are required so the historic relic will be around to serve the community for years to come.

For more information regarding it’s listing on the National Register, please visit: http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natregsearchresult.do?fullresult=true&recordid=26

Day #28: Lithgow began like this…

What began as the Augusta Literary and Library Association on Water Street became the Lithgow Library and Reading Room when a generous bequest to the city from Llewellyn W. Lithgow allowed the Trustees to incorporate and receive the funds for the purpose of constructing a public library.

The Trustees secured two lots at the corner of Winthrop and State Streets, and thereafter solicited contributions to the building fund. Andrew Carnegie donated $9,000 on the condition that an equal amount be raised through local subscriptions, as an early version of the “matching grant.” The Building Committee selected Neal and Hopkins Architects of Pittsburgh to design the new library, and in May of 1894 the community gathered for an elaborate celebration and parade as the cornerstone was laid. 

Day 29 & 30: Lithgow’s history and a hopeful future

Day 29: Mr. Lithgow passed away in 1881 and left a bequest of $20,000 to the city of Augusta for the purpose of establishing a public library. Like Andrew Carnegie, Mr. Lithgow believed that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, should have the same opportunities for “study and mental improvement.”

Day 30: About 118 years and only one addition to the original structure in 1979, Lithgow Library is once again at a crossroads. Constrained by inadequate space for its programs and collections, and bursting at the seams with users of all ages, the library needs the same type of vision and leadership Mr. Lithgow displayed to take it from its proud history into the future.

(photo: Lithgow Public Library, c. 1896)

Day #31: There are thousands of reasons why Lithgow Public Library needs your support. We’ve highlighted only 31. The truth is that the library needs your support now more than ever. This is OUR library, the one that the community has grown to love and that has shown its love by providing so many valuable services and programs to OUR community. 

Day #31: There are thousands of reasons why Lithgow Public Library needs your support. We’ve highlighted only 31. The truth is that the library needs your support now more than ever. This is OUR library, the one that the community has grown to love and that has shown its love by providing so many valuable services and programs to OUR community. 

 

31 Reasons in 31 Days: Access to Tools, Resources, Professional Staff

The library provides the community with necessary tools and resources to navigate everyday life.  They help with job searches and so much more; the amazing, professional staff is on hand for assistance to all who enter the facility.

Day 21: Lithgow’s provides valuable access to computers and internet

In a recent survey of Lithgow’s technology services (public computers and WiFi), 50% percent of respondents were low-income (below 200% of the poverty line) and only 41% of respondents have regular access to the internet somewhere other than the library. 62% of respondents used library technology for employment purposes.

Day #22 & #23: Lithgow Library uses technology too!

#22 While using our public computers for WiFi, patrons have access to many free resources such as Ancestry.com for Libraries, Learning Express (which offers many technology and occupational training programs for free), and the Marvel! database, which provides free access to back issues of newspapers, magazines and journals.

#23 ebooks & Audiobooks are available too an Lithgow periodically offers free classes on how to use eReaders (Nook, Kindle, etc.) to borrow library eBooks.

Despite the view that libraries are antiquated and outdated, Lithgow proves otherwise. They’re adapting to the changes in technology and plan on being around for decades to come! 

Day 25: Upgrade public computing access and include wi-fi access

With the proposed upgrades to the facility will be more public access computers and wireless access. This will afford people of all ages access to information at their fingertips.

Day 26: Lithgow Public Library’s Amazing Staff!!

Where would Lithgow be without the talented, dedicated, professional staff? Betsy and her awesome staff are integral to the continued success of Lithgow providing patrons with information, assistance and so much more! Thank you, Lithgow Staff!

Betsy Pohl and Amanda Bartlett

 

31 Reasons in 31 Days: Adult Programming

Adult programming is just as important to the Lithgow Public Library. People tend to think of children and books, early literacy and encouraging leaning at early ages. Though we forget that adults need lifelong learning as well. The Lithgow Public Library serves as a lifelong learning tool for adults of all ages. Not only do they provide the resources via books, and reference materials, but the library provides access to wi-fi, e-book tools, book clubs, job search tools, and provides crafting and other meetings which bring the community together.

Day #14: Adult Programming
March 20 @ 6:30 Adult Services is hosting an evening of poetry and music featuring poetry by Carolyn Gelland and Chandler Kanozak and music by Ed Desjardins.

March 25 @ 6:30 Adult Services is hosting the 2nd Cabin Fever Craft Night – this event is an arm knitting class given by Hook Yarn and Stitcher of Farmingdale. Yarn will be available for sale or B.Y.O.

The first Cabin Fever Craft Night was held earlier this month and featured a beading class by Beads on the Kennebec – it was quite a success! 

Day #15: Adult Resources

The amount of resources available to adults in the library are vast.

-computers
-wi-fi
-job resources
-research materials
-book club
-community resources
-speaker series

The Lithgow Public Library provides so many wonderful services to the adults in the community and they have friendly, professional, trained staff ready to help!

Day 16 & 17: More Adult Programming

There are so many exciting things that take place at Lithgow. For instance, the Adult Services Librarian is working on coordinating a Summer Concert Series – 6 concerts for Free on the library’s lawn.

Secondly…did you know that our Adult Services staff provides outreach to SIX senior living communities every month? On average, they see 75 residents and circulate 200 items per month, mostly in large print. Our oldest outreach patron is 102 years young!

Day #18: Adults need Lithgow’s services too!

One respondent of our recent technology survey said the following: “Lithgow Library was pivotal in my successfully obtaining my degree. I had very little financial resources while I attended school and a reliable internet/computer was only available to me at the library.”

Day #19: Adults and Lithgow’s public access computer usage

A recent survey showed that 62% of public access technology users
reported that they had used Lithgow’s for employment or career purposes in the past 12 months.

Day 20: Adult Book Club

We have an ongoing book club (informally called “Lithgow Literati”), which meets in the Reading Room at 6:30 every 3rd Tuesday. We generally have at least 3 future meetings with book titles up on our site. We try to choose popular and current titles, but mix in a classic here and there.

 

Press Release: Kennebec Savings Bank Supports Lithgow Library Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Kennebec Savings Bank Supports Lithgow Library Campaign

AUGUSTA, ME (March 12, 2014) – An official at The Friends of Lithgow Library announced today that Kennebec Savings Bank has made a $200,000 commitment to the Lithgow Capital Campaign. The Campaign, called Building Dreams, Expanding Minds, is set to raise $3 million to renovate, repair and preserve the current library in Maine’s capitol city.

Kennebec Savings Bank’s Executive Vice President & COO, Andrew Silsby said of the donation, “The Bank is proud to be able to support the renovation and expansion of Lithgow Library in such a meaningful way.  We hope that our stretch gift to this project will help others to do the same,” he said.  Silsby has been using the Lithgow Library since he was a child growing up in Augusta and is excited about what the updates will mean for Lithgow and the community.  “Libraries are no longer dark quiet places where you get shushed by the librarian.  They’re vibrant community resource centers that attract people of all ages and walks of life.”  Silsby added that the historic preservation piece of the project appealed to the Bank.  “Lithgow has such a great history and notable architecture that it is imperative that the community come together to support this project and make it a reality,” he said.

Lithgow Campaign Co-Chair, Wick Johnson said that “time is of the essence with this project,” adding “We are in the final push of fundraising before the June referendum, when the residents of Augusta will vote on the future of the Lithgow Library.  We need all the help we can get.”

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 About Lithgow Library and Building Dreams, Expanding Minds Campaign: Lithgow Public Library opened its doors in February of 1896, with funding from Llewellyn W. Lithgow and Andrew Carnegie on the corner of State and Winthrop Streets. A total of $51,850 secured the building and the land for the City of Augusta and Mr. Lithgow’s dream of a public library, a beautiful Renaissance Romanesque “people’s university” was realized. For nearly 118 years, the library has graced the City’s picturesque historical landscapes and offered adults and children from the community the opportunity to enrich their hearts and minds. The time has come for much needed updates and renovations to preserve its historical home within the City of Augusta. For more information on the Lithgow Public Library or the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign, please visit http://www.lithgow.lib.me.us/  OR www.lithgowfriends.org.

Press Release: Bangor Savings Bank Pledges $50,000 to Lithgow Library Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Bangor Savings Bank Pledges $50,000 to Lithgow Library Campaign

AUGUSTA, ME (March 14, 2014) –Bangor Savings Bank Foundation commits to $50,000 in support of the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign. Donations made to the campaign will assist the $3M fundraising effort to repair and renovate the current library and preserve the historical landmark for generations of Capitol Area residents for years to come.

“This grant award from the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation to Lithgow Library signifies our commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve. This grant will help fund the expansion of the Lithgow Library which will provide improved educational opportunities for the Augusta community” said Molly Gerencer, Vice President and Augusta Branch Manager for Bangor Savings Bank.

Campaign officials state that timing is critical and the group is in the final stages of fundraising prior to a potential June referendum, where the residents of Augusta would vote on the future of the Lithgow Library.

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About Lithgow Library Capital Campaign: Lithgow Public Library, opened its doors February of 1896, with funding from Llewellyn W. Lithgow and Andrew Carnegie on the corner of State and Winthrop Streets. A total of $51,850 secured the building and the land for the City of Augusta and Mr. Lithgow’s dream of a public library, a beautiful Renaissance Romanesque “people’s university” was realized. For nearly 118 years, the library has graced the City’s picturesque historical landscapes and offered adults and children from the community the opportunity to enrich their hearts and minds. The time has come for much needed updates and renovations to preserve its historical home within the City of Augusta. For more information on the Lithgow Public Library or the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign, please visit http://www.lithgow.lib.me.us/  OR www.lithgowfriends.org.

 

 

31 Reasons in 31 Days to Support Lithgow NOW: Children’s Services

Children’s services are a immeasurable part of the services that Lithgow Public Library provides to the greater Augusta community. The current services are wonderful and effective, but just imagine how much more effective and how many more children and families Lithgow could reach if they had a larger space and more resources!

Day #7 – Expand and Update the Children’s Room

The current Children’s Room is located in the basement and the section is overflowing. With your help, the children’s section will be expanded and updated. Support the library and provide a positive learning space for children for years to come.

Day #8: The kids LOVE the library!

As you can see by this picture, at least one child feels that “Lithgow Public Library is the best!” I’m pretty sure there are many more that will agree. Let’s make this library an even better place for our children to grow and learn!

Day #9: Expanding to include a space dedicated to teens!

Right now, the teen section is crammed in with the children’s area. Creating a dedicated space for teens is important to the vitality of the facility. This space will help to improve programming for the library as well.

 

Day #10: Quality family time at the library

Meet Heather and Daniel. They enjoy spending time together at the Lithgow Public Library. Daniel loves to play with the puzzles and reading with his mom both at the library and with the books he …takes home. When asked which books were his favorites, he answered, “Scooby Doo!” Who doesn’t like Scooby, right? He also loves dinosaur and superhero stories too.

Heather says the library means a lot to her as she spent a good deal of time in her local library with her Gram. She loves being able to share the magic of books and special libraries with Daniel, just like she did with her Gram.

Heather says, “Lithgow is now our special place to share. Our library is special because of our community. Or maybe, it’s that our community makes our library special. Either way, I’m so thankful we have Lithgow.”

We couldn’t have said it better. It’s a special place that needs our community’s help.

Day #11:  Children’s Programming

What would happen if the library didn’t get the necessary funding? Programming like Toddler Time, Family Story Time, Incredible Infants and Rockin’ Readers would go away. Families love these programs and they provide a sense of community, encourage literacy and so much more.

Day #12: Encouraging literacy in youth

According to the I Love Libraries website, “children’s literacy is a building-block of adult literacy.” Makes sense, right? So let’s help the Lithgow Library by improving the facility and providing the necessary tools to continue the great services that area children and families deserve.

Day #13:  Reading and Children – “Summer reading clubs encourage children to read, and to read often.

Research has shown that the amount of time children spend with books is crucial to reading achievement, and ultimately, to school achievement in general.” —The Role of Public Libraries in Children’s Literacy Development: An Evaluation Report, Pennsylvania Library Association.

The Lithgow Public Library is committed to children’s literacy and supporting the library is supporting our children. Please visit http://lithgowfriends.org/ to make a tax-deductible donation today.

Press Release: CMP Gives Lithgow Library $50,000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CMP Gives Lithgow Library $50,000

 

AUGUSTA, ME (March 10, 2014) – The Friends of Lithgow Library announces Central Maine Power’s $50,000 commitment to the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign. Leaders of the community like CMP have helped the Friends of Lithgow raise nearly $2.5 million with a total $3 million in sight.

“Education is essential to individual success and the economic health of our communities, and libraries play a key role inspiring people of all ages to expand their knowledge,” says Sara Burns, president and CEO of Central Maine Power. “Central Maine Power is proud to support the Friends of Lithgow Library in their mission to expand the library’s programs and make the library a vibrant community center for the City of Augusta.”

CMP, through the Iberdrola USA Foundation, has a long history supporting education initiatives in the communities it serves. The Foundation awards scholarships to students enrolled in energy and environment postgraduate programs, the University of Maine’s Electrical Engineering program, and the University of Sothern Maine’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) program. CMP also has a long history of supporting the Mitchell Institute, which seeks to raise students’ aspirations and encourage them to pursue a college education. The company also provides an annual donation of award-winning books to elementary schools and libraries throughout its service area, and provides cash and in-kind support to Kennebec Valley Community College’s Electrical Lineworker Technology program.

“We are grateful for the support we’ve received from CMP for this campaign,” adds Lithgow Campaign Co-Chair, Wick Johnson.  “Lithgow is serving record numbers of patrons and attendance at various library programs increases every year. Our library is in danger at the very time that it is most in demand.”

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About Lithgow Library Capital Campaign: Lithgow Public Library opened its doors February of 1896, with funding from Llewellyn W. Lithgow and Andrew Carnegie on the corner of State and Winthrop Streets. A total of $51,850 secured the building and the land for the City of Augusta and Mr. Lithgow’s dream of a public library, a beautiful Renaissance Romanesque “people’s university” was realized. For nearly 118 years, the library has graced the City’s picturesque historical landscapes and offered adults and children from the community the opportunity to enrich their hearts and minds. The time has come for much needed updates and renovations to preserve its historical home within the City of Augusta. For more information on the Lithgow Public Library or the Lithgow Library Capital Campaign, please visit http://www.lithgow.lib.me.us/  OR www.lithgowfriends.org.