History

The granite building here on the Main Street, built in 1832 was originally the village school house for Districts #1 and #2. In 1903, the new village school, The Charles A. Snow School, now the administrative offices of SAD #72, was completed and the town voted to give the Stone House to the Women's Library Club for $1. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984, the building continues to preserve the past and look to the future.

The Women's Library Club was organized in August 1890 with the mission to maintain a library for the use of the village and the "Intellectual Improvement of the Community. "Although the club no longer exists, its mission remains the same. We strive to inform, enrich and empower every person in the community by creating and providing easy access to an array of ideas and information. We provide an inviting atmosphere, well-organized and up-to-date collections and a friendly well trained staff.

The Mulford Room

The Fryeburg Library is also the home of a special collection of works by Hopalong Cassidy author and creator, Clarence Mulford. Upon his death in 1956, Mr. Mulford bequeathed to the library, his office furnishings, Western books, research material, models and other treasured memorabilia. His estate provided funding for the Clarence E. Mulford Room where these collections are displayed.

Hopalong Cassidy, a fictional Western character, brought international fame and financial independence to Clarence Mulford. His novels sold over 4 million copies worldwide and were translated into 3 languages. Mr. Mulford's love of hunting and fishing were key factors in his decision to leave New York in 1926. After several trips to the area to hunt and fish, he purchased a house in Fryeburg. He was always regarded by locals as eccentric and reclusive but it was here that he did the bulk of his writing.

The John F. Weston Memorial Room

This room was completed in late fall of 1973 and dedicated at its completion, on January 12, 1974. The room was made possible by the generosity of the family of John F. Weston and is home to the non-fictional works pertaining to Fryeburg's history, Maine authors and historians about Maine. Mr. Weston was the fifth generation to work and live on the family farm, now Weston's Farm Stand, run by the 7 th generation of the Weston family. The Weston Room is a beautiful meeting room and a historic treasure. It is kept in the good order and condition that the Weston family requested and displays the works of William Post, an internationally known photographer and relative of the Weston family. The original photographs of John Weston, given by the family when the room was dedicated, are also on display .

Mission

The original mission statement of the Fryeburg Women's Library Club and its Reading Circles was "to make a habit of good reading and cultivate a literary atmosphere". The current mission is to maintain a strong partnership with the community, encourage the culture of education and learning and promote the pleasure of reading for all ages. We strive to maintain the historical integrity of this library's rich history and to grow its potential as a foundational institution providing access to information for everyone. We consider ourselves to be a window on the past and a door to the future as we broaden opportunities, increase our technology and improve our service. We are dedicated in our continuing commitment to the community.

Services

• AARP Senior Driving Safety class - June and October
• Children's Programs
• Fax services
• Handicap Access
• Homebound delivery service for shut-ins
• ILL services
• Large Print Books
• Library book club meets monthly
• Library Writer's Group meets bi-monthly
• Meeting Rooms
• Photocopier
• Audio books
• Tax preparation services - March and April
• Videos

The library offers a Writer's Group on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at 8am . Beginning and experienced writers are welcome to attend.

We also offer a monthly Book Discussion on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 10am . Call the library at 935-2731 to ask which title we are currently reading and to reserve a copy.

515 Main Street
Fryeburg, Maine 04037

Contact Information

Librarian: Emily Fletcher
Phone 207-935-2731
Fax 207-935-7217

Email: fryeburglibrary@yahoo.com

Type of Library: Public

Hours : Monday through Thursday 8 - 5, Saturday 9 - noon