February is National Library Lover's Month.  

When I was young and not preoccupied with a job or raising my family, I used to hang out at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library in the afternoons, evenings and sometimes Saturdays. I have always been interested in sports so I would either take out a sports book or just sit and read biographies, autobiographies, or reference books (the Baseball Encyclopedia was my favorite).  

Sorry to say, I haven’t been a regular patron during my adult years but, like others, I appreciate that we do have a public library and hope it can continue for years to come.  

This year, the BHML is celebrating its 100th anniversary and the newspaper will be highlighting its many programs and offerings through a series of articles in print and online. Things have changed at libraries over the years, “my years,” with book clubs, programs for both adults and kids, story time for future readers, internet access, social and learning events, lending movies and music, sponsoring author talks, holding fundraisers and much more.   

Some public libraries do not always receive the funding they need to keep their doors open or to expand their services or footprint. BHML benefits some by having a small group of volunteers running a Used Book Store next door with the proceeds helping with costs. BHML has expanded over the years and is planning a capital campaign sometime in the future. 

We, as well as Wiscasset and Southport, are lucky to have a public library. We hope they get the support from the community for generations to come.