How We Built The New Library

After many meetings, much discussion, a town-wide survey and previous votes, there was a strong community consensus to create: 

  • A building that will stand the test of time. The new building anticipates changes in technology and rising energy costs, yet maintain our core value of providing a welcoming, safe place for life-long learners of all ages. 

  • A center to learn about and apply new technology. Library staff is trained to help patrons safely use existing and emerging technology, especially those who lack internet access at home. The library remains the great equalizer, affording everyone equal access to information and resources.

  • A place where people can actively engage in their community and intellectual life. By providing free access to information, technology and books, the library will continue an American tradition of fostering public education and discourse along with cultural enrichment.

  • A hub where budding entrepreneurs can be productive, find information and grow the local economy. The new library will feature high-speed internet access and space to work and meet, help attract new patrons, visitors and new potential neighbors. 

  • An anchor for the renaissance occurring at the head of the harbor. The library, along with the Opera House and other public spaces will help increase activity in the central part of town, perpetuating a vibrant sense of place.

  • A safe haven for students to gather and work cooperatively outside of school hours. The library is open after school closes and has the resources to support the educational needs of students.  

From there, a dedicated team of local architects and engineers arrived at a handsome, two-story 7,000 sq. ft. building with a brick façade, patios and a small garden overlooking Rockport Harbor. The new library in the heart of downtown Rockport, with entrances on both Limerock Street and Russell Avenue, continues the library’s tradition of serving as the community’s gathering place and providing a vital space for community engagement. 

The plan also included a redesigned intersection of Russell, Union and Limerock streets. The Maine Department of Transportation assisted with funding this important traffic infrastructure improvement. The intersection redesign removed the existing island that was in the middle where the three roads merged.

The site plan created new parking spaces, including dedicated parking, across Limerock Street from the new library, which indent into the park. 

Elevations and Floor Plans

A Public — Private Funding Partnership

The library design that Rockport’s Select Board carefully reviewed and approved cost $3.725 million. $1.5 million was provided through a bond issue approved by town voters in November 2018. The remaining $2.25 million was raised through private donations. As of January 2020, that goal had been reached thanks to a groundswell of generosity from within our community. We then focused fundraising efforts on an additional $225,000 for the furnishings and fixtures inside the new library, and in December 2020 we reached that goal as well.

We are happy to answer any of your questions.

Thank You!

RLF Board of Directors, 2022
Denise Munger, President
Nick Ruffin,Vice President
Mark Van Baalen,  Secretary
Ingrid Van Steenberg, Treasurer
Helen Shaw, Maureen Cole 

RLF Board of Directors (at the time of Library design and construction)
Joan Welsh, President
John Viehman, Vice President
Mark Van Baalen,  Secretary
Bill Leone,  Treasurer
Denise Munger, Helen Shaw, Nick Ruffin, Sally Cook, Sarah Rheault, Ingrid Van Steenberg, Maureen Cole