Download the Campaign Brochure

Watch the Achieving the Vision Campaign video

When the plans for the new Orono Public Library were developed by a group of dedicated community members in 2002, they envisioned a 12,000 square foot library to effectively meet the dynamic needs of the community. Those plans changed, however, and the current 6,500 square foot library was constructed with the hope that additional space would be built in the future. The library opened in 2009 and was enthusiastically received by a grateful community.

Since then, the Orono Public Library has held a cherished place as a much-needed community center for patrons of all ages. Comparing library usage in the first ten years of operation (data from 2010 to 2019), the community has enjoyed a steady increase of library programs and collections:

• 145% more programs for patrons of all ages

• 120% more visits per card holder

• 64% more visits

• 61% more library visits per capita

• 49% increase in attendance at events

• 26% increase in circulation/card holders

• 12% increase in circulation

The Orono Public Library is an incredible community success. It is a testament to all who have supported the library financially over the years and to the commitment of so many volunteers who were dedicated to a free-standing public library for Orono.

The Foundation, with the support of the Town of Orono and the library staff, now wants to build on that success by creating more space for the seniors, teens, children, parents, and other adults who understand that the Orono Public Library is a vital community center. In 2024, the Foundation began work on a $8.6 million campaign to expand the library to address the needs of the thousands of residents who rely on this space for reading, fun, and community.

Thanks to the efforts of Matthew Carter, AIA, NCARB (with Haley Ward, Inc.), the Foundation intensively researched and approved design work for a new expansion that includes:

A larger Community Room – the current community room isn’t large enough to meet the growing popularity of library programs, which are often packed with attendees and many are forced to stand. The new Community Room can accommodate large groups, and the space can be divided into two smaller rooms when needed. Having two Community Rooms enables the library to comfortably host popular programs on site and events that are currently held at other venues because of limited space capacity or availability.

Discrete areas for patrons – there are people who would like to come to the library for quiet reading time, which can be challenging during programs for children and teens. The expansion features an area for children, another for teens, and one for adults to enjoy time at the library with minimal disruption to others.

Much-needed workspace for library staff – the current library offers no work areas for library staff to perform office duties or take a break from library activities. The new expansion provides much-needed workspace for library staff to effectively focus on office duties, take a needed break, and collaborate on planning library activities.

Creation of a “people space” for patrons – since the beginning, the library has needed space for people to visit friends informally or for parents to enjoy a break during their children’s library activities. The expansion includes the Community Living Room where visitors can sit quietly and enjoy a coffee or tea for a few quiet minutes during their library visit.

Thanks to $3.6 million in federal funds and a $2.6 million pledge from the Town of Orono, the Achieving the Vision campaign is working diligently on raising $2.4 million from private donors and organizations. Construction of the expanded facility is anticipated to begin in 2026.

Special thanks to the tireless efforts of our Research Committee: François Amar, Beth Boisvert, Karen Boucias, Laurie Carpenter, Carolyn Eaton, Geoff Gordon, Jeff Hecker, Abby Jernigan, Betsy Rose, Joyce Rumery, and Michael-John Tavantzis.

Achieving the Vision Capital Campaign Committee

This campaign is led by Bob and Judy Tredwell, our Honorary Campaign Co-chairs. Our team members are François Amar, Hannah Batley, Karen Boucias, Emily Cain, Jeff Hecker, George Jacobson, and Susan Ismail Short.