Library wing named in honor of donor’s parents
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Patrons can now enjoy additional space at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library on Second Street, following the recent unveiling of its new section, the Robert and Hope Akeley Memorial Wing.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
LINDA LORD, Maine state librarian, speaks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the opening of the new addition at the Presque Isle library. Seated in the audience is local author Glenna Johnson Smith, with her walking cane, with Dana Allison seated to her left.
On hand to cut the ribbon in the main entranceway was Mary Akeley Smith, whose generous million-dollar donation made construction of the wing possible.
Also on hand was resident artist Raphael Gribetz, whose sculptures were featured, including a piece prominently displayed on the donor wall, during the gallery opening that took place moments after the ribbon-cutting event.
Festivities moved upstairs, where guests enjoyed refreshments as several speakers took their turn at the podium.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
MARY AKELEY SMITH cuts the ribbon on the newly-opened Robert and Hope Akeley Memorial Wing of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library, located on Second Street in Presque Isle. Smith’s million-dollar donation made the renovation — which features an elevator, classroom space and energy-efficient windows and lighting — possible. Pictured from left, holding the ribbon is Ed Siering, construction supervisor for J.P. Martin; Smith; and City Council Chair Emily Smith and son, Lane.
Sonja Plummer-Morgan, library director, began with a toast.
“To our new library. Thanks are owed to so many people,” said Plummer-Morgan, as she listed the many people and organizations who made the renovation possible.
She called the library, a gathering place that was a “growing organization, driven by what the people in the community want and need.”
City Manager Jim Bennett was unable to attend, but left a letter for Plummer-Morgan to read in his absence.
“We’re blessed with an excellent library staff. Dedication is born from deep-seated passion. The city is blessed to have such an engaged staff,” read Plummer-Morgan.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RAISING HER GLASS in a toast to the opening of the new addition to the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library is its director, Sonja Plummer-Morgan
Bennett’s letter went on to thank Smith for her donation. “Without it, this wouldn’t have been possible,” wrote the city manager.
Rep. Alex Willette spoke on behalf of Sen. Olympia Snowe, expressing Snowe’s best wishes and congratulations. Therese Elish followed, expressing similar sentiments from Sen. Susan Collins.
City Council Chair Emily Smith thanked Smith, noting how Smith “truly left a mark on the city.”
“The library reaches out and is meaningful to all walks of life. The people inside are the real story. The staff offer friendly smiles and a helping hand, showing they really do care. This addition will benefit generations to come with a lifetime of learning,” said Emily Smith.
Linda Lord, Maine state librarian, was on hand for the festivities, offering a few comments of her own.
“Libraries are about people; they’re not about books,” said Lord, recalling some of the many librarians who’ve served over the years.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
RAPHAEL GRIBETZ, the library’s resident artist, unveils a wall sculpture he created for the donors’ wall at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library. Assisting with the unveiling is Ed Siering, construction supervisor for J.P. Martin.
“Librarians provide calm, thoughtful stewardship — articulate and friendly service,” Lord said. “Librarians go to the N-th degree to help patrons and communities. They fill a unique niche in the lives of the people in surrounding cities and towns, teaching and connecting people with information as needed.”
Kim Smith, treasurer for the Presque Isle Historical Society, spoke of the “rich history of the library,” from its “beginning in 1874 with a collection of 200 books that traveled from store to store,” to its evolution to its present appearance, with expanded services including modern technology, such as computers.
Local author Glenna Johnson Smith concluded the list of speakers, offering recollections from the donor’s past.
“I’m most honored to be a part of this wonderful day. How proud Beulah Barton Akeley (who served as librarian in the 1940s) would be to know her grandchild gave this wonderful gift,” said Johnson Smith, as she shared stories from the life of the one-time librarian. “Beulah took time to read even if she had to stay up all night.”
“How much I was influenced by her. It’s not so much what happens in life but how we see it and what we do with it,” said Johnson Smith.
“The new section is called the Robert and Hope Akeley Memorial Wing. I love that for who it represents and honors and because it has the word ‘hope’ incorporated,” said Plummer-Morgan, as she encouraged participants to look around and enjoy a refreshment or two.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A PLACE FOR TEENS — Space has been created on the second floor in the new wing of the Presque Isle library suitable for teens to gather or for classes and meetings to be held. Energy-efficient lighting and windows create a bright, inviting area for patrons to enjoy.
The new addition features an area for teens to gather, which can be also used for other purposes, including classes, as well as energy-efficient windows and lighting. It also has a fully-operational elevator, enabling handicapped individuals full use of the facility.
ABOUT 100 PEOPLE turned out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony held earlier this month at the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library on Second Street in Presque Isle, which marked the official opening of the Robert and Hope Akeley Memorial Wing. Construction of which was made possible due to the generous donation of the Akeleys’ granddaughter, Mary Akeley Smith.
For more information on the library and its services, call 764-2571.
