Librarian Joy Johnson helps stuff play money into a sock as part of a fundraiser for the Paris Public Library.

PARIS — The Paris Public Library is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its home in Market Square. First started in 1885, the limited collection moved among various buildings in Paris for many years. In 1917, the Seneca Club, long-time supporters of the library, began a campaign to construct a permanent location, and on Jan. 7, 1927, the John Calvin Stevens-designed building opened.

Things will kick off on Jan. 7 by reprising one of the more unique fundraising efforts from the early 1900s. Members of the Seneca Club back then made dozens of little socks and gave them to people along with a verse, asking that the socks be filled with pennies. Many responded and $197.35 was raised to establish the library building fund – a clear demonstration that every contribution counts. Socks are available at the library to fill with your spare change, bills, or even checks.

Events will be held every month or two throughout the next two years, and will include a collaboration performance with OHMPAA, a community scavenger hunt, author teas, food truck evenings, and more. For more information about these events, please check the library website or Facebook page. For questions or information about how to get involved, please call the library at 207-743-6994 or email paris.public.library@MSLN.net.

After 140 years, the Paris Public Library remains a cornerstone of life in Paris, and enhances the lives of many residents of Oxford County. The library’s loans from its collection topped 62,000 in 2023 – the highest in Oxford County and 32nd in highest circulation among the 230 reporting libraries in the state of Maine.

Both the library and the Deering Memorial Community Center (owned by the library) need maintenance and improvements. Grant funds, donations, and in-kind gifts have helped complete some of these projects, but there is more to be done. We look forward to having the community join us at events designed to showcase the beauty and the potential of these wonderful buildings and to help us raise important funds to ensure their future.

Comments are not available on this story.

filed under: