Akeley finds ‘purpose’ in library project
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Work has begun on the latest phase of improvements at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library, located at 39 Second St.
Photo courtesy MET Library
A GROUND-BREAKING CEREMONY was held July 15 at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, marking the beginning of the next phase of upgrades at the facility. Taking part in the event were, from left: Jon Sirois, owner of HE Callahan; Elaine Sipe, interior design team member; Kevin Sipe, chair of Library Building Committee; City Manager Jim Bennett; Nicole Cote, library board chair; Sonja Plummer Morgan, librarian; City Councilors Craig Green and Dick Engels; Nathaniel Cram, Scott Simons Architects; and Deputy City Manager Martin Puckett.
A kick-off event for the Library Enhancement Project took place earlier this month, with library and municipal leaders taking part in a ground-breaking ceremony in front of the Robert & Hope Akeley Memorial Wing.
“Funding for this enhancement is generously being provided by Mary Barton Akeley Smith in honor of her parents, Robert and Hope Akeley, by Ray and Sandy Gauvin, the Phillips-Green Foundation and the Maine Humanities Council,” said Sonja Plummer-Morgan, librarian.
In a statement Akeley wrote, “Upon completion of this project, patrons will notice a welcoming foyer added to the primary entrance, an intuitive layout of services and an interior that captures the warm, vibrant colors of Aroostook County.”
Akeley credited her family, especially her late husband, Rodney, with her decision to donate to the library, in an effort to “give back.”
“I would like this part of the story to not be lost. It starts with my grandmother, my mother and father, my marriage to Rodney, his death and my decision to give to something that will make a lasting difference in a community that I hold dear to my heart,” said Akeley.
“None of this would have happened without Rodney and his ability to rise above his circumstances and create a lasting impact in technology. This wouldn’t have happened without the values instilled in me by my parents and Rodney’s values regarding giving back,” continued Akeley. “A friend told me not long after Rodney’s death that the way to live with my grief was to find a purpose in life. My giving back is my purpose.”
City Manager Jim Bennett said “this is an exciting time for the library.”
“Our community is fortunate to have such generous benefactors who truly care about the quality of services our residents receive. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on not only Presque Isle’s current residents but on many generations to come.”
The first phase of the library renovation project was completed earlier this year, thanks to Akeley’s donation of $1 million in 2010, followed by a $25,000 gift in 2012 to help fund interior design planning. The Board of Trustees voted to allocate $250,000 toward the project, with the city adding about $350,000. In addition, public and private donations also are being used toward the upgrade.
Plummer-Morgan said the library board’s Interior Design Committee worked with Scott Simons Architects of Portland to create a library that will serve as a showpiece for the community. The Library Board of Trustees signed a contract with general contractor H.E. Callahan of Auburn. Groundbreaking took place on July 15, with construction expected to last six to seven months. Library services are expected to continue with minimal interruption.
“Any temporary changes to service will be announced through news outlets and on social media,” said Plummer-Morgan.
She said the project serves as an example of what’s possible when people work together for the greater good.
“Perhaps most encouraging is that amid difficult or uncertain times, our community continues to celebrate the goodness, happiness and the generosity we experience. The Library Enhancement Project is a reminder of all three of those great and serendipitous occurrences,” said Plummer-Morgan.
