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(207) 594-0310 | library@rocklandmaine.gov | Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm. Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
REMINDER: During this time of year, there may be closures due to bad weather. This will be posted in the Bulletins section of Village Soup, on the Library's Facebook page, and on Channel 6 and Channel 8.
Please visit our Facebook page!
UPCOMING CLOSURES: Sunday, January 19, and Monday, January 20, MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY
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Exciting times at your Library! Building rehab still underway. It may be noisy at times, and some areas blocked, but we couldn't be happier that the work to repair and protect this wonderful building is happening. Thank you Rockland citizens!
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Join Miss Katie for stories, songs, and dances for children of all ages. Each week we will have a new theme and new ways to wiggle our sillies out.
Let’s take a walk!
Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the Library every Wednesday morning to go on a 45-55 minute walk around town. Walks will be led by librarians and no walker will be left behind. Join us for some exercise and conversation. In case of inclement weather, we will walk indoors in the library. Bring a friend or make some new ones! The walking club is intended for adults; children and teens are welcome if accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Participants of this program will be asked to sign a waiver of liability.
Hear volunteer storyteller Ms. Judy read from a variety of picture books then color or work on a craft together.
John Farrell
John Farrell, Artistic Director of Figures of Speech Theatre in Freeport, Maine, will perform a recitation of T.S. Eliot’s renowned Four Quartets completely from memory.
First undertaken in 2011 with permission — rarely granted — from Eliot’s estate, John Farrell’s recitation of Four Quartets affords audiences an opportunity to immerse themselves in Eliot’s literary masterpiece, a complex, deeply moving meditation on time, memory, and experience itself. Farrell has performed the poems throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Eliot completed Four Quartets in 1941, as Britain slid into the abyss of World War II, and he feared that civilization itself might perish in the coming years. Writing at the height of his artistic powers, Eliot packed into the suite of poems a summation of his views on poetry and art, on mystical experience, and on the never-ceasing search for the divine.
“Unlike encountering the poems on the page,” says Farrell, “hearing them spoken from memory brings people a complex and nuanced work in a very direct way. At the same time, I bring an actor’s sensibility to the text and a commitment to delivering the poems in a way that allows the poetry to speak for itself.”
Figures of Speech Theatre, co-founded by Farrell and his wife, Carol Farrell, has toured the world for more than 35 years with original works created at the intersection of drama, poetry, sculpture and dance. The company has performed in venues including the New Victory Theater, the Smithsonian Institution, the Kennedy Center, and Tokyo’s International House. In 1999 the Farrells were among five American artists awarded Creative Artist Fellowships from the Japan-United States Friendship Commission, allowing them to spend six months in Japan studying Japanese theater, textiles and gardens.
More information about Figures of Speech Theatre is available on their website: www.figures.org
This week: Penguins and winter sports
Catinka Knoth leads an art workshop series for adults, on creating scenes such as evergreen trees in snow, lacy snow covered branches, buildings in a snowy landscape, winter animals, and winter sports. Each week will be a different subject. Led by Knoth, participants will create their own winter art.
Knoth provides the classes free of charge and open to the general public, with materials supplied, and Friends of Rockland Library hosting. FMI Knoth at 691-1691 or Rockland Library at 594-0310.
Join the book discussion, led by staffer, Mary Ann Giasson. This month we are reading Edith Warton’s Age of Innocence.
Coming up:
February 24th A Town Like Alice
March 30th Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime
April 27th Anne of Green Gables
May 26th The Kite Runner
Come relax and chat! New members are always welcome.
Let’s take a walk!
Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the Library every Wednesday morning to go on a 45-55 minute walk around town. Walks will be led by librarians and no walker will be left behind. Join us for some exercise and conversation. In case of inclement weather, we will walk indoors in the library. Bring a friend or make some new ones! The walking club is intended for adults; children and teens are welcome if accompanied by a parent or caregiver. Participants of this program will be asked to sign a waiver of liability.
Hear volunteer storyteller Ms. Judy read from a variety of picture books then color or work on a craft together.
Lee Sligh
Lee Schneller Sligh majored in Chinese language and literature, lived and traveled extensively in Asia, and worked as a Japanese technical translator for ten years before starting her garden design and build business in Midcoast Maine in 1995. Specializing in Japanese-inspired gardens gives her the perfect excuse to return to Japan frequently to study gardens, and she takes her whole gardening crew to Japan every two years, their most recent trip being in November 2018.
‘Creating Japanese-Inspired Gardens in Maine’ is a popular talk by Sligh, which she constantly updates with new material from gardens she has built and gardens she visits in Japan. Among the core principles of Japanese garden design is that the garden should not look exotic in its surroundings. Lee will explain that it’s best to utilize plants that look at home in New England, while making use of Japanese design concepts such as ‘Hide and Reveal’, ‘The Beauty of Empty Space’ and ‘Borrowed Views’. Sligh is the author of The Ever-Blooming Flower Garden: A Blueprint for Continuous Color. She will offer multiple tips and pointers in this informative and entertaining lecture at Rockland Public Library.
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 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm. Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm. 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 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm. Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm
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: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 10:00am-8:00pm. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am-5:00pm. Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm.
(207) 594-0310
Rockland Public Library Phone
Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841
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