A Home of Our Own
Vose Library in Union moved a step closer to having a "Home of Our Own" with an official groundbreaking ceremony held Saturday, May 15 at 9 a.m. at the location of the new building at 382 Common Road. Master of Ceremonies, Nancy Huus, who serves as chairman of the library's Building Committee, kicked off the festivities by introducing Carol Watier, president of the Vose Library Board of Trustees. Watier welcomed all those present and introduced some of the visiting dignitaries including Representative Wes Richardson and Senator Chris Rector. Also present for the event were architects Robert Davis, Sarah Holland, and David Foley, Vose Library Board members, and numerous members of the Vose Library Capital Campaign Committee, past and present. Watier gave an overview of the history of the campaign to build a new library and then Huus thanked the many individuals who had contributed to the effort. The ceremonial shoveling of dirt was made by Joel Wentworth of Union, contractor for the project, Carol Watier, and Library Director Lynn Allen.
Proposed new Vose Library, Holland and Foley LLC, Architects
VOSE LIBRARY CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
Vose Library has never had a place to call home. Since it was founded in 1932 it has rented space in various locations on Union Common including at one time a corner of the old grocery store. In 1976 Vose Library moved with the Union Historical Society into the Robbins House on Union Common following a town fundraising campaign to establish a permanent home for both of these important local organizations. Happily both organizations have grown since that time and the Union Historical Society is eager to occupy the whole of its building to accommodate additional exhibits and workspace.
Realizing that the need for a new space was urgent, Vose Library volunteers began to raise funds in 2000. To date, over $530,000 has been raised from grass-roots community-based efforts, a portion of which was used in January 2005 to purchase a 3.5-acre parcel at 392 Common Road, just off the Common.
Since that purchase, site work has taken place including wetland’s delineation, a full topographic survey, demolition of existing structures and, in November 2008, construction of an access road to the future building site.
The architectural firm of Holland and Foley, LLC of Lincolnville has been hired by Vose Library to complete plans for its proposed new library building. The team of David Foley and Sarah Holland will continue the work begun by architect Robert Davis of Camden who had to withdraw from the project early this summer.
Holland and Foley's design for the new library is based on a concept completed by Davis earlier this summer for a one-story structure. The library's Building Committee, working in conjunction with the architects, are in the process of selecting a contractor for library construction which is planned to begin in the spring of 2010.
Holland and Foley were selected by Vose Library because of their history with and commitment to principals of energy-efficient construction. Plans for the new building are on display in the library and area residents are invited to see them during library hours.
More money is needed to support this dream. See below for ways you can help.
GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
The effort to build “a home of our own” for Vose Library is rooted in community support. Being able to show community support in the form of local giving is an essential step in applying for foundational and corporate grants. Here is how you can join the many citizens of Union who have supported their community library’s New Building Fund:
Make a donation at any time to Vose Library New Building Fund, P.O. Box 734, Union ME 04862. All gifts are tax deductible. Donors receive an acknowledgment which can be used for tax purposes.
- Become a pledging supporter. By pledging to give a donation spread over 3-5 years, donors find they are able to make a larger gift. The New Building Fund benefits by having an assured, predictable income. All gifts are tax deductible. Donors receive an initial acknowledgment of the pledge, an annual “pledge due” reminder (if requested), and an annual statement of giving which can be used for tax purposes.
- Remember the Vose Library New Building Fund in your will. For information about planned estate giving, contact Capital Campaign chair Erik Amundsen, P. O. Box 29, Union 785-2872.
- Request Memorial Donations to Vose Library New Building Fund. We are particularly grateful to be honored as a designated recipient of Memorial Donations by families who have lost a loved one.
- Head up a fund-raiser. If you have a fund-raising idea, let’s hear it! Past fund-raisers include Silent Auctions, dinners, concerts, Art & Wine Tours, and more. Vose Library Board members and staff can assist you with advice about what works and with publicity.
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Singer/songwriter Gordon Bok did a benefit concert for the Vose Library
Capital Campaign.
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Vose Library Board President Carol Watier, left, and Treasurer Alison
Metcalfe show off the deed to the property celebrating its purchase in
January 2005.
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