Gibbs Library - About the Library


	History \| Board of Trustees \| Borrowing Policies \| Mission \| Donating The Gibbs Free Library was originally established in 1915 as the result of a gift of books and later a bequest by a Town of Washington native, Locero Jackson Gibbs, who left home for the Civil War and later became a prominent physician in Chicopee, Massachusetts. Like many libraries, it migrated from front parlors to the backs of stores or to any other place willing to house it. When a new school was built in the 1950s, the old village schoolhouse became its permanent home. This building burned in 1961 and the Gibbs Free Library died. From this smoldering ash — Dr. Gibbs’ bequest, a small insurance payment, and a bequest from John and Marcia Bryant — came a total of just over $4,000. This money was invested in 1971 “for future library use” and by the early 1990s had grown to more than $40,000. This was used as seed money to bring in a $360,000 Community Development Block Grant to build the beautiful new Gibbs Library which opened in 1993. The building consists of 2,500 square feet of library space, the 900 square foot Bryant Community Room which is part of the library, and the 900 square foot Washington Town Office. The Washington Library Association was formed to oversee and manage the library as well as to finance its operation. The library is self-sustaining and financed by its own fundraising efforts. Heat and lights are paid for by the town because the library’s grant provided a new space for the Town Office. It is manned 21 hours a week entirely by volunteers. About 65-75% of the budget goes towards purchasing books and supplies. The Gibbs Library book collection has grown to over 11,000 volumes all catalogued by bar code using Follett software. Four online computers are available to the public (two PC’s and two MAC’s) and Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The library is comfortably furnished with soft furniture and work tables, and the children’s wing is an area of particular pride. Gibbs Library’s growing collection includes the most current publications and best-sellers, books on tape and CDs, videos and DVDs, Maine books, and, especially, its children’s and juvenile books. The latest additions are the Steven & Tabitha King Language Arts audios containing a choice of over 30 languages such as French, Finnish, and Ojibwe, and the college level Great Courses which include Astronomy, History, Mathematics, Science, Music and Art classes on DVD and CD. Not only is Gibbs meeting the needs of a conventional library, but it has brought a new dimension to the community with a series of programs featuring Maine authors, performers, nature presentations and others of local interest and the more than 140 different art exhibits by area artists. Computer one-on-one sessions are now offered in which volunteers help community members with software issues such as how to use email, Microsoft office and photos. back to top President Paulette Oboyski Vice President Ann Dean Treasurer Susan D'Amore Secretary Joan Freiman Librarian Madelon Kelly Asst. Librarian Liane Chapman Trustees: Leann Diehl Mark Durbin Ivy Gardner, Teen Trustee Deborah Hill Alma Jones Hazel Kopishke Joseph Marble Cheryl McKeary, immediate past president Bo Marks Beverly Moody Kathryn Nichols Kathy Ocean Kiana Ocean, Teen Trustee Susan Richardson Barbara Sager Dorothy Sainio The Board of Trustees meets the first Monday of each month (unless a holiday) 7 pm at the Library Washington Library Association is a non-profit community organization dedicated to diverse reading interests and community service. back to top Residents of Washington and neighboring communities are eligible for library cards at no cost. Books, audio tapes, compact discs, DVDs and videos may be checked out for two weeks. Please ask about extended loans if you have vacation plans or special circumstances. Borrowers who have overdue books out may not check out any new materials until the overdue items have been returned. Late Fees are calculated from the due date at .05 cents for each day the library is open. This calculates to .25 cents a week or $1.00 a month. For your convenience, a book return is provided by the front entrance of the library for easy drop-off. It is preferred that fragile materials such as videos and tapes be returned inside at the desk. Renewal. Library materials may be renewed for a two-week period unless the item has been reserved by another patron. If it is overdue, the fine must be paid before renewal. You may renew an item in person or by phone 845-2663. When renewing by phone, please record the new due date on the card pocket. You may reserve material by phone or in person. Interlibrary loans are available for books not owned by our library. You can see if the desired material is available in the Maine Library system by researching on URSUS. Request may be by phone or in person. The borrower is responsible for returning books in good condition. Damaged or lost books may be charged back to the borrower. back to top To provide: the public with current reading materials, programs and materials for continuing education, self-improvement, enjoyment and education. a location for the dissemination of Federal, state and local documents, history, and information pertinent to awareness of governmental, cultural, recreational and business activities in the local area and to preserve these records for future generations. the children of Washington with recreational materials and information sources which stimulate and help improve reading skills and encourage the formation of well rounded individuals. To communicate and cooperate with the Prescott School to encourage reading and to aid students in learning research skills which will be valuable to them in later life. the social, governmental, cultural and recreational organizations of Washington with information which will meet their currents needs. timely, accurate and useful information for community residents in their pursuit of job-related or personal interests. To participate in interlibrary loan and cooperative reference services to meet needs for material not available locally. back to top The Gibbs Library has an all volunteer library staff and welcomes your donations to continue to meet the need of the local community. If you would like to Become a Friend of the Gibbs Library, please stop by and talk with one of our volunteers or download the Friend of the Gibbs Library Donation Form and mail to Gibbs Library. (Acrobat Reader required for viewing.) back to top

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