You Can Help Build the Future of the South China Library

How to Help

The Library is focusing on fundraising this summer to help us raise the funds needed to open the new library.

Here are a few ways that you can help:

• Make a donation, of any amount at our online fundraising page with Paypal https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/1281956

• Order a personalized tile that will be displayed at the new library!

  That's My Brick! can create a truly unique brick for you, your family, or your company to support the South China Library. Your tile will be displayed on the donor appreciation wall at the new library.

  You can place your order online and learn more about the options to customize your brick here: https://www.thatsmybrick.com/southchinalibrary

A Leap of Faith

In 2018, the volunteers and board of directors of South China Library in South China, Maine took a leap of faith and purchased 4.75 acres, including the childhood home of Rufus M. Jones. With this step, they committed themselves to a bold future vision of their community. Knowing that the small South China Library building would not serve the needs of current and future residents, they secured a path toward growth for residents and visitors.

Key to their commitment in creating a better library and gathering place is their belief in the values of the South China library:

• Free access to information in a variety of formats

• A welcoming place for visitors of all ages

• Lifelong learning

The South China Library, established in 1830, is the oldest continuously operating public library in Maine. The library was housed in local stores and homes until the current library was built in 1900. In 1983 the children’s room was added. Both rooms were built by volunteers, using wood from trees on the property.

Vision

Library users and volunteers envision numerous community and educational activities taking place on the new library campus. In the library, job seekers are in the computer lab finding new opportunities; children are laughing with their friends during a presentation in the children’s room; adults are enjoying a genealogy workshop; outside young teens are in the middle of an informal soccer game on the multi-purpose field; a young family heads to the reading nook with their new supply of books. Help us make this vision a reality!