LIVERMORE FALLS — The Treat Memorial Library’s 60th anniversary in the same building was celebrated Thursday night with some history, accomplishments and some goodies.

Patricia Allen, president of the Livermore Falls Library Association that oversees the library, told those gathered that they are thankful for the building and land donated by the late Elsie Treat in memory of her late husband, George Winfield Treat, for whom the library is named.

On April 6, 1954, Elsie Treat signed the documents that gave the land to the town and provided for the building, she said. The brick building was built and dedicated on Oct. 30, 1954, Allen said.

Treat had placed a copper receptacle containing documents in the cornerstone of the building.

George Treat, a descendant of Deacon Elijah Livermore, had been director of the Livermore Falls Trust Co. from 1914 to 1952. Elsie Treat had a trust set up for maintenance of the building initially under Livermore Falls Trust and now with the Androscoggin Bank that bought out the trust company several years ago.

Allen said the association, which was formally organized on Nov. 23, 1899, the town and the bank formed a partnership to make the library a success.

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She went through the improvements that have been made over the years including, a complete renovation done under the guidance of former Librarian Sheila Dorey during her 29 years at the helm. Using money from the maintenance fund, the interior of the library was overhauled with new paint and carpeting, some bookcases and the circulation desk were relocated, and the Children’s Section and Adult Reading Room — where the Maine Collection is housed — were created.

In 1996, computers were added and the process of automating the library card catalog and patron files was started.

In 2002, the original slate roof was replaced by asphalt shingles, Allen said. New doors were installed, new flooring laid and the interior and exterior was painted.

Most of the improvements were paid for through the trust.

In 2012, more changes came with the cupola restored and lit again, and the original oil heating system was replaced with more efficient propane and heat pump units. The new system provides heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer, Allen said. Efficient lighting has also been added.

A new brick planter was added to the outside of the building to replace one that had been taken down and a Memorial Garden created on the front lawn in memory of longtime volunteer the late Doris DeMillo. 

Handicap-accessible parking was added this year.

Allen said the most important work goes on inside the library and is provided by the staff, including Library Director Myra Rosenbaum and Assistant Director Brianna Rush. Allen also thanked the patrons who have supported the library through the years.

dperry@sunjournal.com


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