Treat Memorial Library’s assistant director Alanna Knapp holds up past article celebrating the library’s past anniversary celebration. This year is the 70th anniversary for the Treat Memorial Library in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

LIVERMORE FALLS — Treat Memorial Library marked its 70th anniversary Oct. 30, honoring its patrons and celebrating the library’s history with a special Patron Appreciation Day. Visitors were invited to participate in a book basket drawing, a bookmark design contest and received vouchers for the library’s bookstore as a token of appreciation. The anniversary event was designed to reflect the library’s longstanding mission, which, according to the library’s website, is “to promote through guidance and stimulation, the communication of ideas, an enlightened citizenship, and enriched personal lives.”

The milestone is a testament to the vision of Elsie Treat, whose legacy lives on through the library she helped establish. “Our patrons and our community make the library, and the library is for them,” said library director Brianna Rush, highlighting the library’s commitment to community-centered services and programs. Rush explained that combining the anniversary with a Patron Appreciation Day felt like the perfect way to honor both the institution’s roots and its role in the community.

Over the past decade, Treat Memorial Library has seen significant updates to enhance visitor experiences. “New heat pumps have been installed…which have improved our ability to keep the library at a comfortable temperature for the public,” Rush noted. The upgraded heating system, supported by the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, has even allowed the library to extend certain programs into cooler months. The foundation also funded new computers with larger monitors, an improvement that has received positive feedback from patrons.

Book gift baskets are available in a raffle as part of Treat Memorial Library’s patron appreciation during the 70th anniversary celebration on Oct. 30 in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

Treat Memorial’s programming has expanded significantly in recent years, with new initiatives aimed at various age groups and interests. Programs like Lego Explorer’s Club, a home-school group, and paint nights have been added to the lineup, while the summer reading program has broadened to include adults. The library has also grown its craft circle, which evolved from a knit and crochet group into a broader gathering that welcomes various forms of crafting. “We’ve expanded knit/crochet group into a craft circle with a wider focus,” said Rush, emphasizing the library’s evolving approach to fostering creativity and community engagement.

Partnerships with local organizations have played a crucial role in enhancing the library’s offerings. Spruce Mountain Adult Education provides a technology tutor for library patrons each Friday, offering one-on-one assistance. Therapy dogs from Love on a Leash make monthly visits, providing comfort and companionship. Additionally, Berry Fruit Farm, a neighboring business supplied prizes for the summer reading program. “Our assistant director, Alana Knapp, has presented at the historical society, and we work together with them to answer the public’s historical questions,” Rush added, underscoring the library’s dedication to preserving and sharing local history.

Treat Memorial Library hosts many community events every week in Livermore Falls. Submitted photo

The library’s history itself has been a source of fascination for staff and visitors alike. Among the archival materials housed at Treat Memorial are postcards from around the world, revealing insights into the lives of its founders George and Elsie Treat. Recently, the library received a donation of materials from the Treats’ 1923 cruise around the world, bringing a personal connection to the founders’ legacy. “It’s been so interesting to bring a human element to the founders of our library,” Rush reflected.

Looking to the future, Treat Memorial Library’s goals remain grounded in its mission to “enlighten” and “enrich” the lives of Livermore Falls residents. “As information needs change and as patron needs change, we have continued to make changes, big and small, at the library,” Rush emphasized. She expressed a commitment to adapting services and resources to meet the evolving needs of the community in the years ahead.