WEST PARIS — Beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, the Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library, 226 Main St., will commemorate its 90th anniversary in conjunction with the annual “Let Your Light Shine” celebration.

The lighting of the “Little Castle” every December provides an opportunity for those of all ages in the community to enjoy an evening of warmth, with food, seasonal music and good cheer.

This year, the celebration will also be a time of remembering. Patrons from through the years will have an opportunity to tell of a particular memory they have of the library and there will be a “Memory Book” of anecdotes sent in by others. There will be photos of librarians since the 1940s.

Of special interest will be a display of copies of the original architects’ drawings and plans, as well as portions of Lewis Mann’s will relating to library land and copies of the deed received by the town from the West Paris Library Association in 1971.

The land for the original library was bequeathed by West Paris resident Lewis M. Mann and, with funds that he and his son, Edwin J. Mann, donated, the original “castle” was completed in 1926. It was named to honor Lewis’ deceased elder son, Arthur L Mann.

After much planning, fundraising and hard work, including many who volunteered time and talent, a beautiful addition was completed in 2010.

Patricia Makely, the librarian during that time, took many pictures of the building project and those will be available to view.

Interspersed with the storytelling of memories, Steve Moore and Shellie Leger will provide music of old-time seasonal favorites. Elaine Emery has loaned the library her Christmas Villages collection, which will be displayed throughout the winter.

All are welcome to join the town in celebrating the history of the library. Those with memories to share can email it to: [email protected], or mail it to the library at PO Box 307, West Paris, ME 04289

FMI: 207-674-2004.