LEWISTON – The Lewiston Public Library has announced a fundraising campaign to help rebuild the collection of the Swan’s Island Library, which was destroyed by fire two weeks ago.

“The news from Swan’s Island was upsetting to the entire Maine library community,” said LPL Director Rick Speer, “and our staff, trustees and Board of Friends wanted to assist them in getting back on their feet. We are pleased to be able to provide this small level of support.”

The Friends of LPL will donate all the proceeds from the sale of the library’s used books inventory over the coming month to the cause, as well as accepting cash donations from patrons. The funds will be forwarded to the Swan’s Island Library board to be used for the purchase of new books and audio-visual materials.

Swan’s Island is a remote community located off the coast of Maine near Bar Harbor, reachable by a 30-minute ferry trip from Bass Harbor. Although its summer population grows to more than 1,000 people, its year-round residents number 350 hardy souls, most of whom make a living through lobstering or related activities.

The island lacks nearly all of the mainland amenities; there are no stores and no amusements, except those that people create for themselves. For this reason, the community library is a cherished institution.

The loss of the library building and its contents, including an archive of old town reports, photographs and other artifacts, was devastating for the island.

The Swan’s Island Library board has met to establish plans to rebuild. While the building was insured, additional funds are needed to complete the library rebuilding project and restock its collection of books and other materials.

More information on contributing to the fund is available by contacting the Lewiston Public Library at 513-3135 or consulting the Web site at http://www.swansisland.org.