HOULTON, Maine — Work will begin soon on the Cary Library original Carnegie building thanks to a grant received from the Belvedere Historical Preservation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation combined with a private donation.
This preservation work on the granite exterior of the Cary Library will improve both the appearance and longevity of a cherished Houlton building. The granite used in its walls was mined at the nearby and now defunct Cochran Lake Quarry in Smyrna Mills. The building has its original slate roof and is in outstanding condition, considering its age. Work will consist of cleaning 106 years of grime from the granite block exterior, repairing a crack in a chimney cap to stop water infiltration, and replacement of loose mortar at the base of the granite wall.
Founded in 1904, the Cary Library is the public library for the town of Houlton and the central hub for the rural communities in southern Aroostook County. Its mission is to be a cultural and intellectual center for the community, providing universal access to knowledge and life-long learning through print, electronic resources, cultural activities, programs and services. Cary library is governed by a board of Trustees that meet on a regular basis, overseeing the operation, budgetary issues and library endowment funds.
The Maine Community Foundation is a statewide organization that partners with donors and nonprofits to strengthen Maine communities.
