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(207) 594-0310 | library@rocklandmaine.gov | Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841
Hours: The Library is presently closed to the public. Curbside service will begin Monday, June 1. Please see more detailed information below.
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Find Something New to Read
Sing and sway along with new and familiar nursery rhymes and songs. This storytime is for little ones and music lovers, with lots of songs and one short story at the end. New every Thursday! Just go to our YouTube Channel or Facebook page.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
Perfect for ages 7-13.
Join us on to celebrate Trailblazing Women with a book talk on “Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” with Suzanne Slade (Author) and Cozbi Cabrera (Illustrator).
Trailblazing Gwendolyn Brooks (1917-2000) was the First African American to win the Pulitzer Prize in 1950 for her outstanding poetry. From Chicago, Gwendolyn wrote about “real life” from a young age.
Suzanne Slade and Cozbi Cabrera teamed up in “Exquisite: The Poetry and Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” (released in April 2020) to explore Gwendolyn’s amazing path and poetry, as well as the intersections of race, gender, and the ubiquitous poverty of the Great Depression.
During this virtual engagement, you will hear the read-aloud of the book, learn about the surprising 5+ year research process (primary source research) in a fun and relatable way, and have the opportunity to investigate the author/illustrator’s collaboration and inspiration in this fabulous children’s book about this iconic woman.
This program will be moderator by PBS Chicago’s Tim Russell, VP of Community Engagement.
Reporter Aislinn Sarnacki
Reporter Aislinn Sarnacki will present a Virtual Hiking and Nature Talk via the Zoom platform. Sarnacki is a reporter at the Bangor Daily News and the editor of Act Out, a section of the BDN that features stories, videos, and other content about a wide variety of outdoor activities, nature, and conservation. She produces a weekly column about hiking trails and other outdoor destinations throughout Maine. Additionally, Sarnacki has authored three hiking guidebooks: “Family-Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2017), “Maine Hikes off the Beaten Path” (2018) and “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine” (2019).
Sarnacki will talk about some great hiking trails and nature walks in the Midcoast area, sharing a selection of photos from her adventures. She’ll also talk about her job at the Bangor Daily News, giving a behind-the-scenes look at how she produces her video series and what it’s like to be a reporter in the Maine outdoors. The talk will end with a Q&A session. Bring your questions about wildlife photography, ticks, trail etiquette, camping, and more. To request a link to attend via Zoom, please email sbillings@rocklandmaine.gov by 4:30pm on June 4th.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar
Patty King with 1820 Maine map
In honor of the Maine State Bicentennial, the Rockland Public Library presents Part Two of “How Maine Are You?” trivia night. The evening will feature four rounds of trivia and participants will play for the honor of being known as the “Master of All Things Dirigo.” Rockland resident Rodney Lynch is the current Dirigo Master, having bested participants at the first trivia night in May.
This casual and fun night will be presented via Zoom and co-hosted by librarians Shane Billings and Patty King. To request a link to the event, which is necessary to participate, email pking@rocklandmaine.gov. Participants may play as a team or as individuals.
For more information and with questions, contact Patty King at the library at 594-0310, Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., or pking@rocklandmaine.gov.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
Rachel and John Nicholas
John and Rachel Nicholas have been making music together for more than 30 years. Their compelling songs are anchored in the history of folk, roots, and popular music and tell stories that are deep and true. Their soulful harmonies have been described as singing “with one voice.”
Their most recent EP, ‘House of Dreams,’ was released in August 2016 and spent a total of seven weeks on WERU’s most played CDs. From their previous release -‘Here You Are’ – their songs ‘People Like Us’ and ‘America, It’s You’ were both award winning entrants in The Great American Songwriting Contest in 2009.
Since moving to Midcoast Maine in 2012, they have become known for hosting a music series at Harbor Square Gallery for six years as well as their collaborative band, The Lowdown, with fellow singer-songwriter David Dodson. They have also become regular features at the Sweet Chariot Music Festival. They have shared the stage with Dave Mallett, Patty Larkin, Chris Smither, Paul Sullivan, Mary Gauthier and many others throughout New England.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar.
Sheila Kirby
Ann Luther
2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, when women won the right to vote. This presentation celebrates that historic victory and the women who led the effort, while also providing a sober reflection on the compromises that split the movement and left many voters behind, choices that continue to echo 100 years later. The talk will end with a brief overview of the work that remains to be done. This program is co-sponsored by League of Women Voters – Midcoast.
This will be a Zoom presentation- please email Shane at sbillings@rocklandmaine.gov for registration information.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar
Miss Jenn
Celebrate Summer Reading Program with 5 weeks of LIVE storytimes with Ms. Jenn on the Rockland Public Library Facebook page. Ms. Jenn will read, sing, and introduce you to fun activities like Fairytale Yoga & Pocket Dice dance moves. This interactive storytime will include fairytale songs and stories to get your mind and body moving!
Ms. Jenn will be live on Mondays at 10:30 AM on June 29th, July 6th, July 13th, July 20th, (no Ms. Jenn on July 27th), & Aug 3rd.
Join us live at our Facebook page or watch the recordings at a later date. Looking for more stories? Miss Katie provides three virtual storytimes a week on YouTube & Facebook.
For more information about Summer Reading Program email Miss Katie at kdrago@rocklandmaine.gov.
For more virtual events from us and around the State of Maine go the Statewide Virtual Calendar
This section is to answer some of the frequently asked questions about the Rockland Public Library and its services. If you do not find the answer here please feel free to call us (207) 594-0310 or ask your question online.
The Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday – 10:00am – 8:00pm & Wednesday, Friday, Saturday-10:00am-5:00pm. Now open Sundays 1:00-5:00pm. We are closed for Federal and State holidays.
When the weather outside is frightful, the Library may be closed due to snow, ice, or other hazards, so please check our alerts & announcements for closures & delayed openings, or the Library’s Facebook page, and local news outlets, if unsure.
Sure; the Rockland Public Library accepts donations of used books, videos, and audio-books in good condition. Some may be added to the Library’s collection, or they may be sold by the Friends of Rockland Library in the Book Stop or book sales, or online. Proceeds of these sales go to the Rockland Public Library in the form of new books or programs.
However, there are some things we cannot accept because past experience tells us we cannot use or re-sell these items. They include: damaged books (these are essentially worthless and should be disposed of), mildewed books (mildew is “contagious” and can quickly spread to other books), encyclopedias, most textbooks, medical or health books more than 5 years old, technical or computer books more than 5 years old, Readers Digest condensed books, vinyl records, videotapes, magazines or other periodicals, and remainders from other organizations’ book sales.
Because storage space is tight, the Library can only accept 2-3 bags or boxes of books at a time. If you have more to donate, please make an appointment for your delivery. Please call the library at (207) 594-0310 to leave your name, telephone number and the best times for you to bring in your donations. We will call you back to make an appointment, and do our best to accommodate your schedule. Thank you for your donation! Your support helps keep your Library strong.
Yes; You can view the printing fees on this page. We recommend doing a print preview so you don’t pay for something which doesn’t print the way you expected.
Yes! We’ve recently started one called Catching up with the Classics. It meets (generally) the third Saturday of the month. You are welcome join.
Rent the Library’s Board Room or Community Room for your next meeting or program. Call the Library (207) 594-0310 for availability. Once you have determined availability, read the Meeting Room Policy, print an application form and send or fax to Rockland Public Library with your payment.
Payment is due before we can schedule the room. A refundable $50 security deposit is required for use of A/V equipment and/or when food is permitted; this security deposit does not hold the room. Full payment is required to hold the room. Please write a separate check for the security deposit.
For more detailed information & fees, please visit our Meeting Rooms page.
Yes; it is self-service; it requires a credit or debit card; if you need one, the Library has fax cards available for purchase. You can view the fees for this service here.
Yes. Please see our fees page for more details on the cost of this service.
Yes; there are two fountains just before you enter the Children’s Room.
Most items may be checked out for two weeks; DVDs circulate for one week. New books and DVDs may be renewed once; most other items may be renewed three times, as long as no one else is waiting for the item. For more detailed information on loan periods, please visit this page.
Please pick up, print and complete the volunteer application form. We will get in touch with you. There are often opportunities to volunteer in the Library, as well as with the Friends of the Rockland Public Library.
For more information on volunteering at the Library, please visit this page.
We have an online interactive map of the Library here.
Rockland residents, current Coast Guard members, or property owners are eligible for a free library card, as are Knox County kids and teachers through 12th grade. Any non-resident may purchase a card, and summer visitors may purchase a temporary card for a three-month period. Library users must possess a card to enjoy some of the many library services offered. A photo ID and proof of current address are required to obtain a card. For more information, please visit our Library Card & Loan Policies page.
You may come in through the lower level entrance, and it will be on your immediate left. From the main level you may use the stairs or elevator. Your see signs pointing your way to the Community Room (to the right, a quick left, and then straight ahead). View the Community Room on our interactive map for a more detailed overview.
Users are required to sign the Library’s internet use policy, available at the Information Desk or Checkout Desk at the Library. At that point they are given the password for the wireless network. For more information please visit our WIFI & Internet Access page.
You can search the Library catalog online here. If you can’t find what you are looking for, feel free to request an item using our online form or by calling the Library at (207) 594-0310.
Regular library hours are The Library is presently closed to the public. Curbside service will begin Monday, June 1. Please see more detailed information below.. We are closed for all Federal & State holidays.
When the weather outside is frightful, the Library may be closed due to snow, ice, or other hazards, so please check our alerts & announcements for closures & delayed openings if unsure.
Just some of the resources are: the newly digitized and searchable archives of The Lime Rock Gazette, 1846-1850, The Rockland Gazette, 1851-1882, and The Courier Gazette, 1882-1920;
Also, newspapers on microfilm – The Courier Gazette: 1846-2006, Rockland DailyStar: 1899-1906, Rockland Free Press: 1859-1890, Rockland Opinion: 1875-1917. We also have the online database – Ancestry Library, a full-service genealogy database. The Library has Vital Records of Rockland & area towns, the Maine Register from 1855 to the present, local cemetery records, and local history books. Come in, call, or email us.
All kinds! We have regular drawing classes on Tuesday afternoons, and LEGO™ Club on the third Thursday of the month. We offer Storytime & Crafts Wednesday and Saturday mornings, as well as Baby Time on Thursday mornings. Additionally we offer special programs such as puppet shows, magicians, music, art series, and oh so much more. Look at the Library events, or pick up a monthly Events Brochure.
The Book Stop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 1 PM. It is right across from the Community Room on the lower level of the Library. Next to the Library, it’s the best bargain in town.
For more information, please visit the Book Stop page.
Upper level:
There is a rest room near the Reference Desk (on the left, just before you exit on the Union Street side), as well as in the Children’s Room.
Lower level:
There are two additional restrooms (men’s & women’s) on the lower level, adjacent to the Community Room.
Visit our interactive map of the Library for more detailed information.
The address for the Library is 80 Union Street, in Rockland, between Beech Street and Limerock Street. Click here for a Google™ map. Please note that the Library’s parking lot is located on White Street which is clearly marked on the map. For directions to the Library simply use “White Street” as your destination.
If looking for Library contact details, please visit our contact page here.
The Rockland Historical Society is housed in the lower level of the Library. It has its own separate entrance, though often you can access it through the interior door from the Library. It is open Tuesdays & Thursdays from 12 noon to 5:00 PM.
The Library serves the citizens of Rockland by providing the community with a comprehensive collection of materials and programs in a variety of formats, which engage, enlighten and educate; we organize the resources for ease of access, and offer guidance in their use; we support easy access to library collections throughout Maine and beyond. The Library staff responds to the changing requirements and requests of the public. We offer you a warm welcome to this safe, beautiful, and inspiring facility; its infrastructure supports the collections, programs, services, current and future technology, and it provides a meeting place for people and local organizations and entities. The Library is staffed with friendly, professional, knowledgeable people who are here to offer excellent service.
Call us at 207-594-0310, or visit The Library is presently closed to the public. Curbside service will begin Monday, June 1. Please see more detailed information below.
Visit the About Rockland Library page for more information.
The Rockland Public Library's mission is to foster community & connection, offer resources to inspire & encourage ideas, and provide the tools to explore our past, enrich our present, & empower our future.
The private value of any public service is defined as the value accruing directly to the participants of the service (Kalambokidis, 2004); public value is defined as the value of a public service to individuals who do not use the service, but who benefit indirectly as others use the service (Kalambokidis, 2004)
Libraries Encourage an Early Love of Reading, Leading to Greater Efficiency in Schools “Did you know that [Rockland Public] is a "Family Place Library," an initiative that helps libraries develop their full potential as community hubs for healthy child and family development, parent and community involvement, and lifelong learning beginning at birth? In addition to benefiting families with young children, this indirectly benefits all other local residents by making the community a more attractive place to live, which translates into better property values." Libraries Deliver Adult Educational Services, Benefiting Participants and Community "One of the most valuable but generally unnoticed services of our local library is the digital education programs for seniors. By helping seniors learn to use the Internet, the library fosters cultural awareness, self-sufficiency, and community investment in our older population. Indirectly this benefits all of us by helping to keep them in the community and contributing to its culture."
Libraries Build a Sense of Community, Encouraging Civic Engagement
"Our library is vital to our community as a public living room, where everyone—from natives to retirees 'from away'—is welcome, regardless of age, politics, or religion. While this directly benefits patrons, it also indirectly benefits the whole town because it makes the community a more attractive place, increasing home values."
Excerpted from The Journal of Extension April 2015 // Volume 53 // Number 2 // Feature // 2FEA1 (Note: Rockland Public Library was a participant in this study, in 2013/2014)
You can view our value statement by clicking here.
You can contact the Rockland Public Library using the details below or by completing the online form below.
Library hours: The Library is presently closed to the public. Curbside service will begin Monday, June 1. Please see more detailed information below..
(207) 594-0310
Rockland Public Library Phone
Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841
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