STAY TUNED TO THIS PAGE TO SEE ANNOUNCEMENTS OF UPCOMING EVENTS
The Mercer Shaw Library welcomes full and part-time residents of Mercer and surrounding communities.
Regular Hours, 2023
Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 - 4:30pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm
Please see below for more information or contact us via email or phone if you have any questions, suggestions or requests:
mercershawlibrary@gmail.com
207-779-3977 (leave message)
ANNOUNCEMENT: For those of you who did, thank you for completing our survey about adding an additional service and space to the library offerings. This new space will provide more BROADBAND WiFi access with technical support, more devices, digital tutoring for those who feel out-of-the-digital media loop, and/or just want a quiet place to study, conduct business, "surf the net" and, most importantly, work remotely. All for FREE and coming soon. Please spread the word, and THANK YOU!!
EXCITING UPDATES:
June 28th, 2023. The library has been awarded funding which will add ~400 sq.ft. Digital, Remote Work Center and Meeting Room. It will feature new and updated computers, laptops, tablets, printers, digital classes and assistance in a newly renovated room connected to the library. We have partnered with the Somerset Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) to acquire the devices and offer digital classes and these other services. THANKS TO ALL WHO WROTE LETTERS OF SUPPORT, PLEDGED TO VOLUNTEER TIME TO THE PROJECT, AND OFFERED MUCH NEEDED ENCOURAGEMENT!!
July 6th, 2023. Work has begun on the expansion project. Please excuse the appearance of the library as there will be a bit of demolition and construction-like activities taking place over the course of a few months. The first step is to open up an entryway between the two spaces, connecting the old with the new. THE LIBRARY WILL REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CONSTRUCTION!
July 11th, 2023. Oh!! SURPRISE . . . the passageway between the library and the expansion space is now open! Come in and check it out! THANK YOU M.O.#1 RICKY PARLIN!!!
July 12, 2023. At Mug Up we started a sign-up sheet for anyone who would like to donate their time and talents to help out with the restoration of "Suite C". We need volunteers of all kinds: those who are willing to clean, schlep and haul, spackle and paint walls, patch tile flooring, lend interior decoration and/or floor plan ideas, wash windows, clean old or make new drapes, carpenters to retrofit shelving and build a five-station work bar using wood salvaged from former storage closets . . .or anything else you can think of to pump much needed life back into this former, first grade classroom!
July 13, 2023. Liz Caruso from the Somerset Economic Development Corporation delivered two new desktop computers donated by giveITgetIT in Waterville. They are safely in storage for now, but I might try firing one of them up to see what they're like. They will be featured in the new space once it is finished, among other devices. Mary addressed Mercer Citizens briefly at the Selectboard meeting acknowledging receipt of the grant, the amount, and described the intention and long term goals of the project, its benefits to the community, how the expansion will be supported in the future and so on.
July 26th, 2023. To prepare the expansion space for thorough cleaning and restoration, Town Clerk Nancy Gove and Mary designated ownership (with the help of Fran Varney and Heather Leo) of all the items currently being stored in the expansion space and where they will be relocated in the short term. Joan Nunally donated a minifridge and coffee maker for use in the new space (and a Bingo set to Mug Up). M.O. Gary Mosher hauled away the resulting trash and recyclables. THANK YOU NANCY, JOAN, FRAN, HEATHER AND GARY!!
August 30th, 2023. More culling has been done and the new space is starting to really open up. We have scheduled a volunteer crew to come in on Tuesday, September 5th to move the remaining items into storage and clean windows, doors, walls, floor, exit, and surfaces. We will also begin work on the new shelving on Wednesday, September 6th! If you'd like to join us on either of those two days or work sessions in the future, please email Mary @ <mercershawlibrary@gmail.com>, call 207-779-3977, or drop in during Library Open Hours.
September 9, 2023. What a work crew!! Suite C is now entirely emptied out (including removal of the sink and toilet) in preparation for floor repair and professional stripping and waxing. The former classroom cubbies are well on their way to being transformed into new shelving for the library. Heavy lifting and transformation of former bathrooms into storage spaces was done single handedly by Ricky Parlin; shelving work by Mike Fortin; schlepping, cleaning, and reorganizing by Jane Wallace, Nancy Gove, Carol Storro, Marti Kitchen, and Gaylene Williams. Pat Genness hauled away some scrap metal while Gary Moser took away the trash...again. Shaw Library can't thank these talented, diligent and hard-working volunteers enough. None of this would be possible without you!!
EXCITING UPDATES:
June 28th, 2023. The library has been awarded funding which will add ~400 sq.ft. Digital, Remote Work Center and Meeting Room. It will feature new and updated computers, laptops, tablets, printers, digital classes and assistance in a newly renovated room connected to the library. We have partnered with the Somerset Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) and the National Digital Equity Center (NDEC) to acquire the devices and offer digital classes and these other services. THANKS TO ALL WHO WROTE LETTERS OF SUPPORT, PLEDGED TO VOLUNTEER TIME TO THE PROJECT, AND OFFERED MUCH NEEDED ENCOURAGEMENT!!
July 6th, 2023. Work has begun on the expansion project. Please excuse the appearance of the library as there will be a bit of demolition and construction-like activities taking place over the course of a few months. The first step is to open up an entryway between the two spaces, connecting the old with the new. THE LIBRARY WILL REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC DURING THE CONSTRUCTION!
July 11th, 2023. Oh!! SURPRISE . . . the passageway between the library and the expansion space is now open! Come in and check it out! THANK YOU M.O.#1 RICKY PARLIN!!!
July 12, 2023. At Mug Up we started a sign-up sheet for anyone who would like to donate their time and talents to help out with the restoration of "Suite C". We need volunteers of all kinds: those who are willing to clean, schlep and haul, spackle and paint walls, patch tile flooring, lend interior decoration and/or floor plan ideas, wash windows, clean old or make new drapes, carpenters to retrofit shelving and build a five-station work bar using wood salvaged from former storage closets . . .or anything else you can think of to pump much needed life back into this former, first grade classroom!
July 13, 2023. Liz Caruso from the Somerset Economic Development Corporation delivered two new desktop computers donated by giveITgetIT in Waterville. They are safely in storage for now, but I might try firing one of them up to see what they're like. They will be featured in the new space once it is finished, among other devices. Mary addressed Mercer Citizens briefly at the Selectboard meeting acknowledging receipt of the grant, the amount, and described the intention and long term goals of the project, its benefits to the community, how the expansion will be supported in the future and so on.
July 26th, 2023. To prepare the expansion space for thorough cleaning and restoration, Town Clerk Nancy Gove and Mary designated ownership (with the help of Fran Varney and Heather Leo) of all the items currently being stored in the expansion space and where they will be relocated in the short term. Joan Nunally donated a minifridge and coffee maker for use in the new space (and a Bingo set to Mug Up). M.O. Gary Mosher hauled away the resulting trash and recyclables. THANK YOU NANCY, JOAN, FRAN, HEATHER AND GARY!!
August 30th, 2023. More culling has been done and the new space is starting to really open up. We have scheduled a volunteer crew to come in on Tuesday, September 5th to move the remaining items into storage and clean windows, doors, walls, floor, exit, and surfaces. We will also begin work on the new shelving on Wednesday, September 6th! If you'd like to join us on either of those two days or work sessions in the future, please email Mary @ <mercershawlibrary@gmail.com>, call 207-779-3977, or drop in during Library Open Hours.
September 9, 2023. What a work crew!! Suite C is now entirely emptied out (including removal of the sink and toilet) in preparation for floor repair and professional stripping and waxing. The former classroom cubbies are well on their way to being transformed into new shelving for the library. Heavy lifting and transformation of former bathrooms into storage spaces was done single handedly by Ricky Parlin; shelving work by Mike Fortin; schlepping, cleaning, and reorganizing by Jane Wallace, Nancy Gove, Carol Storro, Marti Kitchen, and Gaylene Williams. Pat Genness hauled away some scrap metal while Gary Moser took away the trash...again. Shaw Library can't thank these talented, diligent and hard-working volunteers enough. None of this would be possible without you!!
Monthly "Mug Up! Social Gatherings"
The next gathering will take place on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023 from 1 - 3pm.
Gatherings are free of charge and offer refreshments and activities determined by the members who attend. The event is held in the library, solarium and gymnasium at your Mercer Community Center!!
Refreshments, card and board games, puzzles, pickleball (competitive and easy), books, music and lively conversation. Come join us between 1 and 3pm at the MCC and Shaw Library, which is open during the Mug Ups.
Everyone is welcome - BRING A FRIEND!
Always free, always fun.
For more information, call 779-3977 or email mercershawlibrary@gmail.com.
Sponsored by Somerset Public Health and Redington Fairview General Hospital
Virtual Storytime with Kim Dawes
The delightfully entertaining Mrs. Dawes of Belgrade Public Library reads one or two children's picture books aloud, followed by a demonstration of a simple craft. The stories are themed around upcoming holidays or seasonal events and changes. Bring your children to the library at any time during library hours if you are interested in participating in this program. It lasts about 30 minutes and there is no charge.
Library Sponsored Programs in Full Swing
Programs in hopeful development
- Pickleball: The library offers lessons, equipment and a regulation sized court to learn and play Pickleball. It is a fun court sport for all ages - roughly a cross between ping-pong, tennis and badminton. Clinics and regular games occur on a first come, first serve basis and must be arranged in advance through the library. Free of charge for residents of Mercer; nominal fee for non-residents. Inquire in the library during open hours, or shoot us an email.
- Mug Up: Details above
- Virtual Storytime: Details above
- Saturday Shaw Socials: Join us for a quiet, friendly, informal weekly gathering featuring a homemade confection (maybe even a recipe swap), a cuppa (tea or coffee), and cordial conversation (sometimes even about books). This little group gathers between Noon and 1pm on Saturdays. We hope that you will join us!!
Programs in hopeful development
- Music: If you play any instrument, used to play and want to again, like to sing, or just love to listen, discuss, and learn more about music we want to hear from you. The library would love to host a music program where Music Lovers of Mercer get together and jam. We can start with our piano, a couple ukuleles, a few recorders, your guitars and voices, and take it from there.
- Quilting Crew: Are you a quilter who doesn't mind strutting your stuff and seeing what other quilters are up to? The Library is interested in hosting a quarterly workshop where quilters can show past and present projects, and share tips, tricks and tools with other quilters. Let's talk!!
- 'Bored' Games: Had enough screen-time? Do you miss or enjoy playing hands-on games or constructing jigsaw puzzles with friends and family? The library has a few you might like. Scrabble, Yahtzee, Playing Cards, Trivial Pursuit, Checkers, Jacks, and more are available for small groups to get together and play. Contact the library to arrange a time to host your family or group, drop in to see if we can get something going on the spot, add a piece or two to an ongoing puzzle or sign out a game or puzzle to work on at home.
- Got an idea? If you would like to start or see a program at the library, don't hesitate to contact us about it. Let's see what we can do together!!
WE ARE ABLE TO ACCEPT A LIMITED NUMBER OF DONATIONS IN PERSON THAT ARE CLEAN AND GENTLY USED. PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE DONATIONS OUTSIDE THE LIBRARY OR IN THE DROPBOX.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Calendar of Current Events
