The concept of a public library in Orono has been around since the 1892 and has been supported by the efforts of community members – a dream that evolved into a managed department of the Town of Orono. It was in 2002 when the Orono Public Library Foundation (OPLF) was created to raise funds to construct a much-needed stand-alone library.

Because OPLF is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service, the Foundation is committed to raising money and support for the Orono Public Library because it is an essential, vital resource that meets the dynamic needs of our community.

Library History & OPLF

In 1892, a library was established by the Orono Christian Temperance Union. Housed in various locations including the Town Hall, a property on Mill Street owned by Jacob Nash, and the Lunt Building.

The library quickly outgrew each space over the first 5 years of operation and, in 1897, moved to the Katahdin Building, where the University Credit Union now stands.

A citizen group deeded Keith Anderson House to the town for a Library and Community Center in 1928 and, by 1930, the Town of Orono took over full maintenance of the library. The library officially became the Orono Public Library.

By 1956, the Town of Orono determined the library had outgrown the Keith Anderson Building. The Orono Public Library moved to the high school complex and combined with the school’s library. In 1996, the Orono Town Council appointed a 21-member citizen group to address issues related to the public library’s size and location: their report recommended a separate, off-campus, central, community-oriented public library building.

In 2002, the Orono Public Library Foundation was established. This group coordinated a capital campaign that raised $2.1 million and an architect and contractor were hired to construct the first free-standing public library for the Town of Orono. The Grand Opening of the new library took place in September 2009.

In 2015, the OPLF again launched a capital campaign to finish the “Second Chapter”: The Orono Village Green. This $375,000 project was completed in 2016 and is providing the Orono community with an accessible outdoor performance space for residents and visitors of all ages.

Today, the Foundation is leading an ambitious capital campaign, Achieving the Vision, to meet the evolving needs of the community with additional spaces for seniors, teens, children, parents, and others who visit the library every day. The expansion also includes much-needed workspace for staff and library employees. Thanks to federal funds and a generous pledge from the Town of Orono, Achieving the Vision is on its way to reaching this $8.6 million goal.