(An abbreviated) History of the Brooksville Free Public Library

The first Brooksville Library was founded in the early 1900s by Dr. Franklin Farrow on West Brooksville. It was temporarily located in the front hall of a private home then later, a building was built on what is now Ferry Road. Dr. Farrow delivered books to other parts of town. In 1925, the building was moved to private property owned by Everett M. Woodward. 

In February 1952, the Brooksville Civic Improvement Committee of the Brooksville School’s PTA decided to create a public library to serve the community. The Committee included Kathleen Andrews, Rev. George Bovill, Minerva Cutler, Grace Limeburner, Elmir Littlefield, Grace Gross Lymburner, J. Althea Swensen, and Rev. Maurice Venno. They raised $25 and formed the Brooksville Free Public Library Association.

At a special town meeting, permission was given to allow the library to use the large room in the Town House building. A grand opening celebration was held on February 1, 1954. The library committee began raising money annually and in the first year, over 3,000 book were added to the collection.

The first librarian was Miss Andrews. Her tenure was followed by Mrs. Swensen. In 1956, Mrs. Gertrude Dalsgard became the librarian. While we lack a complete list of Brooksville Librarians, we do know the following (and we welcome your knowledge to complete the list!)

Barbara Brainerd (1980s)

Leona S. Gray (mid-1990s)

Jeanne M Blake (date unknown)

Darby Fleming (mid-1990s)

Jane Ploughman (2008-2010)

Sylvia Tapley (2010-?)

Joe Mills (?)

Brook Ewing Minner (2016-)

In 1993, a group of volunteers and local schoolchildren assembled shelves and moved books from the old library to the new one. Today the library is a large and sunny place, filled with books and other media, with a beautiful conference room and a lovely view overlooking Penobscot Bay and the islands beyond. You can read Dick Kleiner’s speech for the dedication of the “new” library in the early 90s here. 

In 2014, we expanded our library and added a light-filled children’s section with additional seating and shelf space. The library has continued to grow and offer educational and fun year-round programs for people of all ages and interests.

Visit us often, both virtually and in person…we’ll be delighted to see you!