The first library established in Camden was known as the Federal Society's Library, and was started in 1796 with a collection of 200 books.[3] At that time, Camden was a very small town consisting of 15 houses centered on the harbor. The Federal Society's Library operated for 34 years until the books were sold at auction.
In 1854, the Ladies’ Library Association opened on Wood Street.[4] The library later moved to the second floor of the Camden National Bank building and remained at this location until the fire of 1892 that destroyed the Camden business district.[5]
On March 23, 1896, the citizens of Camden voted to establish a free public library, which was to be known as the Camden Public Library.[6] The townspeople of Camden raised the money to build this library through various local fundraising efforts. No assistance was provided by the philanthropistAndrew Carnegie.[7] Mary Louise Curtis Bok donated the land for the library in 1916.[8] Parker Morse Hooper and Boston architect Charles Greely Loring offered building plans.[9] The cornerstone was laid on August 17, 1927 and the Library opened its doors on June 11, 1928 with Miss Katherine W. Harding serving as the first librarian.[7] The grounds of the library, including an amphitheater, were designed by noted landscape architect Fletcher Steele. The library and its grounds were designated a National Historic Landmark on February 27, 2013, recognized as a rare public work by Steele, and as a forerunner of modern landscape design.[10][11]
New, lower level entrance to the library that was added in the 1990s, September 2018
In 1996 the library underwent a great expansion under the south lawn.[12]
The library is one of the only libraries in Maine designated as a "Star Library" by Library Journal.[13]
^ ab"History and Mission". Camden Public Library. 2014. Retrieved December 4, 2021. The proud townspeople of Camden raised the money to build this library through various fundraising efforts. No assistance was provided by library philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.
