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  •       loading... April 3rd, 2025 Report It, Fix ItAlerts & Announcements1  Doing Business My Rockland Search
    • rockland-public-library-logo_light

    Rockland Public Library

    (207) 594-0310 | library@rocklandmaine.gov | Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841

    Hours: The Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.

    The Board of the Maine Library Association has approved a statement reacting to the recent executive order targeting Institute of Museum and Library Service (IMLS). Maine’s Congressional delegation (Collins, King, Pingree and Golden) are all supportive of IMLS and can exert some influence right now, so it is a great time to reach out to them. IMLS is the federal agency for libraries. Eliminating it would pull federal funding for libraries. Here is MLA’s statement in full.

    While neither the Rockland Public Library nor other Maine libraries receive direct federal funding, the Maine State Library and the Maine School and Library Network do depend on this funding for many of the key services libraries are then able to provide to their communities. Among these are: free gigabit internet to 243 public libraries through the Maine School and Library Network--(It’s virtually impossible to apply for a job or access governmental agencies and service without internet access); supporting interlibrary loan service to over 260 libraries statewide, ensuring Maine residents have access to more than 10 million items—(can you imagine any single library being able to do this?); providing e-books and e-audiobooks to all Mainers through CloudLibrary—(patrons can borrow these even when the physical library is closed); and providing those who are blind or visually impaired with large print and recorded books mailed to the patron for free.

    If you consider these and the many other services libraries offer to be important, for yourself and/or your neighbor, please consider sharing your concerns about the impact eliminating the IMLS will have, by contacting Senators Collins and King, and Representatives Pingree and Golden.

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    In the Display Cases in April

    Come check out the display of representative tiles from the Midcoast Area Veterans Memorial.

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    Did you know? In addition to the Library's bi-monthly eNewsletter, the City as a whole now issues a monthly Newsletter? You can read it here  and signup for more at the end of it.

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    The Office is now available for rent by the hour; reduced rates apply for daily and weekly rentals.

    Furnished with funds from the Rockland Public Library Endowment Association, supplemented by the Maine State Library’s Remote Work through Libraries grant, The Office is an inviting and private space designed for remote work, small meetings, and collaborative work. Among the amenities—a large monitor with cables to connect your laptop, both a reading lamp and task lighting, and a multi-function outlet tower, to plug in all your devices. The Library has also stocked it with some office supplies, including a stapler, scissors, and plenty of pens & pencils. The Office is on the lower level of the Library.


    For more information, or to complete the booking of this or other meeting rooms, please call 207-594-0310, or email refdesk@rocklandmaine.gov

                                                                                                                                         ****

    We're on the air! The library has a monthly radio show on Rockland’s Community Radio station, WRFR, 93.3 FM and streaming online at wrfr.org!

    Lowdown Live with the Rockland Public Library

    The First Wednesday of the Month
    from 9 AM -10 AM

    Join us for a jam-packed hour of: information about library events, the inside scoop about library resources and cool things to check out, music, and more!

                                                                                                                                       ****

    BOOK STOP is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

    The Friends of Rockland Library volunteers run The Book Stop, a wonderful used bookstore located on the lower level of the library building. The Book Stop sells gently used books in all genres, as well as DVD’s and CD’s, all at bargain prices. It is open year-round, Monday through Saturday, 10am to 1pm. Donations of nice quality items for re-sale are gratefully accepted, please contact a Library staff member for donation guidelines. All proceeds benefit the library.

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    We are pleased to share that patrons now have access to the Library's subscription to Booklist Reader. Booklist Reader is a digital magazine, featuring diverse readers' advisory recommendations, for readers and listeners of all ages.

                                                                                                                                 ****

    Follow us at any of the social media links below for unique and informative content. Just click the pic!

     

     

     

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    Upcoming & Current Events

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    7A Matter of Balance: An 8-week Workshop (Registration Required)
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    Rockland Public Library - Community Room
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    28Book Group: Catching Up With the Classics
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    Rockland Public Library FAQs

    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.

    Can I donate my used books to the Library?
    The Rockland Public Library accepts donations of: Clean, gently used and new books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles.   They may be added to the Library’s collection, or sold by the Friends of Rockland Library in the Book Stop, book sales, or online. Proceeds from these sales go to the Rockland Public Library in the form of new books or programs. We cannot accept: Anything damaged, mildewed, discolored or marked/written in Encyclopedias Textbooks Medical or health books more than 5 years old Technical or computer manuals Readers Digest condensed books Vinyl records, audio - or video - tapes, magazines or other periodicals Remainders from other organizations’ book sales Storage space is tight, so we can only accept 2-3 grocery-size bags or boxes of items at a time. If you have more to donate, please email friendsofrocklandpubliclibrary@gmail.com, or call the library at 594-0310 to leave your name and telephone number. A volunteer from the Friends will call you back to make an appointment. Thank you for your generous donation! Your support helps keep your Library strong.
    Can I print items at the Library? What is the cost?
    Yes; prints cost $.25 per page. We recommend doing a print preview so you don’t pay for something which doesn’t print the way you expected. You may print using one of our public computers, or print wirelessly from your phone.
    Do you have meeting rooms for rent? What is the rental procedure, cost, etc.?
    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 mail or email to Rockland Public Library with your payment. Payment is due before we can schedule the room.  A refundable $75 damage deposit is required for use of A/V equipment and/or $50, when food is permitted; the refundable deposits do not hold the room. Full payment is required to hold the room.  Please write a separate check for the damage deposit. For more detailed information & fees, please visit our Meeting Rooms page.
    Does the Library have a fax machine?
    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.
    Does the Library have a photocopier? How much are copies?
    Yes. Please see our fees page for more details on the cost of this service.
    How can I become a Library volunteer?
    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.
    How do I get a library card?
    Rockland residents, current Coast Guard members, or property owners are eligible for a free library card, as are Knox County kids (from birth) and those teaching in Knox County 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.
    What are your hours–are you open today?
    The Library's hours are Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM; Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 5 PM.  We are closed for Federal and State holidays. Curbside service, available on request. When the weather outside is frightful, the Library may be closed due to snow, ice, or other hazards, so please sign up for City/Library announcements or check our alerts & announcements for closures & delayed openings, or the Library's Facebook page,  and local news outlets, if unsure.
    What do you have for Genealogy & local history resources?
    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.
    What kind of programs do you have for children?
    We offer Storytimes on Tuesdays and Wednesday, and BabyTime on Thursdays. Additionally we offer special programs such as author/illustrator visits, STEM programs, take away crafts, and in-house scavenger hunts. In the summer we offer a themed Summer Reading Program for fun and skill-building. Look at the Library events, sign up for the eNewsletter, or pick up a monthly Events Brochure. You can also look for Miss Katie's supplemental storytimes on our YouTube channel, Rockland Public Library Maine.
    When is the Book Stop open and where is it located?
    FRIENDS' BOOK STOP   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.

    About Rockland Public Library

    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 hours are Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM.

    Visit the About Rockland Library page for more information.

    Rockland Public Library Additional Information & Statistics

    Mission

    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.

    Public Value

    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)

    Value

    You can view our value statement by clicking here.

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    Contact the Rockland Public Library

    You can contact the Rockland Public Library using the details below or by completing the online form below.
    Library hours: The Library hours are Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM..

    (207) 594-0310
    Rockland Public Library Phone

    library@rocklandmaine.gov
    Email

    Rockland Public Library, 80 Union Street Rockland, Maine 04841
    Get directions

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