RUMFORD – Plans to build a new library have been deferred for now, largely because of the sagging economy.

Instead, the Library Growth Committee and the Friends of Rumford Public Library will concentrate on providing more services to area residents, said Linda Macgregor, a member of the growth committee Monday afternoon.

One of those begins soon after noon on Tuesday when a community calendar will be on the Internet at www.rumford.lib.me.us to provide a listing of activities and municipal events in the River Valley towns as well as in Bethel.

To submit an item for inclusion, e-mail it to reference librarian Claudia Reynolds at creynolds@rumford.lib.me.us and include the name of the event, sponsoring organization, date, time, place and telephone number or e-mail address for further information.

Macgregor said the new service should also provide information so that events won’t overlap.

The Web site also includes a listing of the library’s books, magazines and movies, and a calendar for the community room.

The Friends of Rumford Public Library are also working to provide additional services to area residents, according to a news release issued by the group’s secretary, Anne Wood.

Among the efforts is a plan to provide downloadable audio books, and a feasibility study that would provide writing center services.

Other ideas will be explored when the Friends meet next Jan. 17.

Macgregor said the plan to build a new library to replace the century-old Carnegie library, which has been in the works for several years, at the former site of Stephens High School, will go ahead.

The capital campaign will be renewed later.

“We’re not abandoning our dream of a new library,” Macgregor said.

Copy the Story Link