BROOKLIN, Maine (WABI) — Friend Memorial Public Library marked the start of construction on its long-anticipated expansion project with a ceremonial groundbreaking.
The event, held Wednesday afternoon at the library, included refreshments and music as community members gathered to celebrate the next phase of the project.
Students from the Brooklin School helped kick things off by putting the first shovels in the ground to officially signal the start of construction.
Library leaders said the expansion has been in the works for several years. They pointed to a 2020 community survey that found residents wanted more cozy reading areas, dedicated rooms, and flexible spaces that could support events and programming.
Organizers say the project is expected to cost about $4 million, with funding coming from community supporters and seasonal residents.
“We’re hoping that the shell will be done by the fall, and we’re hoping that in 2027 we can open to the public” said President of Friend Public library Board of Directors Steve Hindy.
“It’s about a four-million-dollar project and all the money has come from people who live here and also people who come here in the summer,” he said.
In addition to expanded space for traditional library services, the project also includes plans for the Anne and Maynard Bray Maritime Research Center, which library officials say will add a new specialized resource for the community.
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