2021 Library PROGRAMS & Community EVENTS

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Accessibility: A New Entrance for an Old Library

If ever there was a silver lining to be found during this unprecedented year, we submit that after over one hundred years, the Waterford Library is finally accessible to all. As an historic structure and integral part of a Registered Historic Village, it was exempt from any ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) mandates. This has never been ideal. Huge and imposing granite steps were a physical impediment and an almost insurmountable problem. How can architectural integrity survive when you have to reconfigure several tons of rocks?

So, miracle of miracles, who knew that being closed during a pandemic would allow for the creation of a new ADA accessible Doorway, Ramp, and Parking, along with a new paved driveway, paved walkway, updated drainage and eco-friendly, pollinating landscaping.

For countless years, Waterford Library Trustees struggled to find a solution to make the building accessible. The dilemma was the stairs. There simply wasn’t enough room to extend a ramp out to the road. Instead, could a ramp come through the side doorway? (There is an inhouse residence for the librarian or paying tenants that helps finance the library.) No. Existing doors were too small for a wheelchair. What about an entirely new back entrance and redesigned first floor? Would we have to sacrifice the apartment? Endless Options without any practical or realistic solutions.

Then, in 2017, the Board contacted the Portland firm of SMRT Inc. Paul Stevens, one of the partners, was also great-grandson of original architect John Calvin Stevens. With years of expertise in restoring historic  structures, we hoped they could develop a feasible adaptaction. Ever optimistic, we started fundraising and applying for grants to pay for both their services and eventual construction. Subsequently, the Maine Community Foundation, Tabitha and Stephen King Foundation, Norway Savings Bank, Bear Mountain Grange, and other individuals generously contributed towards this important renovation. 

Several solutions emerged. It was decided to build a ramp from the driveway around to the front door. We asked several local masons to provide estimates on the cost of removing one side of the fieldstone stairway entrance wall to make room for the ramp, plus lift the building to reposition all three granite steps to raise the threshold upto the doorway. Then, rebuild the stonewall to cosmetically mask the new ramp.

Fortunately, we overheard one of the masons mumbling, “why don’t they just go through the side window?” Years earlier this option had been discussed, but the window in question housed electrical and internet components, so the idea had been vetoed. With fresh eyes, that first driveway-side window was the perfect solution. Inside, the window seat could be removed, nearby book shelves were on wheels, and most importantly, the existing window was wide enough for an automatic door.   A new round of estimates began. Resulting quotes were now fractional, and incredibly, had already raised enough money to cover the projects! 

Wilson Excavating was instrumental in initial site preparations. The septic system had to be moved to make room for new parking spaces behind the Rice Museum. The driveway and front walkway were upgraded for paving, as well as clearing the front lawn area.

There are not enough adjectives to express our gratitude to James Long & Sons. Their contributions were above and beyond expectations. Along with the Waterford Historical Society, our greatest concern was preserving the historical integrity of the building. We all watched in fascination as James Long & Sons carefully disassembled the original stonework below the side window, then painstakingly reconstructed the exterior facade, disassembled the interior window seat, then skillfully and seamlessly used all those parts to integrate and recreate the new automatic doorway. It was a work of art. You would never know any element was not original. And, all on time and on budget. Extraordinary!

Requirements for the new ramp included complete ADA compliance, sensitivity to our Historic designation, and seamless integration with the new paved driveway. For this phase we contacted the Maine Accessibility Corporation of Herman, ME.  As Mainers, we knew they understood the full range of our climatic needs. Consultant Kevin Grass provided a site assessment, then gave thoughtful, realistic advice with practical solutions. An ADA 36” wide Aluminum Mesh Ramp with 5’ x 5’ landing platform and dual handrails (all with a durable black powder coating) were selected, then fully installed by Maine Accessibility. Waterford resident Preston Harrison had the honor of first test-walk.

The front walkway posed its own problems. Depending upon the weather, It might be muddy, icy, slushy, or a mini pond. The solution: create an incline from the stairs down to the road with gravel side ditches for drainage. In addition, two new dry wells were dug on either side of the walkway to further divert water. We consulted with Beverly and Brian Hendricks of Deer Wood Gardens, who expertly planted various drought free landscape solutions, installed a charming new seating area in the side garden, and artistically repurposed all the rocks removed from the building. Thanks to Pine Tree Paving of Norway there is an actual paved driveway area and front walk. Finally, HeatTrack Heated Snow Melting stair pads were installed to de-ice the granite steps throughout the winter months. 

Trustees Robert Spencer (a former landscape architect), Jane Traill (master gardener), Doretta Colburn (farmer), and Al Struck, each lent invaluable expertise throughout all stages of development under the inspiring leadership of Board President Gere O’Donnell. Extra Special thanks to project manager, John Wait, for the countless hours needed to coordinate the many facets of this plan. We are so grateful for all of these skilled contributors, and generous benefactors, who together made this impossible dream come true.

Please join us in recognizing all of them .

SAT SEPT 18 at 11 am - WILKINS HOUSE

THE BLACK GHOST- UNDERSTANDING THE MAINE BLACK BEAR with Deborah Perkins

Wildlife ecologist Deborah Perkins has studied bears throughout North America and worked for the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's black bear study. She brings these many adventures to life with stories, science, and pictures through a powerpoint presentation. Suitable for all ages. 

This Annual Fraser Gardening Program

 is free and open to all. 

Donations gratefully accepted

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WATERFORD LIBRARY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES 

cordially invite you to our

OPEN HOUSE / ANNUAL MEETING

CELEBRATING LIBRARY ACCESSIBILITY 

with our Donors and Contractors 

August 4, 2021 outside the library at 6:30pm

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GOATSCAPING AT THE WATERFORD LIBRARY

The goats returned on Saturday July 3  10 am-2pm for friends/family to play with the goats. 

Starting June 4th 2021, Al’s Goats of Springvale, Maine were in residence for 1 week in the backyard of the Waterford Library. Our goal was an environmentally safe method to eradicate poison ivy and other invasive species. Goats are a safe, nontoxic solution. Aside from making our backyard safer for visitors, this was our way to educate, share, and celebrate the Keoka Lake Association’s 50th Anniversary of lake protection and stewardship.

Prior to the herd's arrival, a survey was conducted to determine exactly which plant species were growing on the property. Photos and cuttings are shared with his biologist.  Aside from poison ivy, we have ferns, blackberries, locust, wild cherries, buttercups, vetch, ground elder / bishop's weed, goat weed, nan’s bush, the usual saplings, and a number of other plants. 

How does it work? According to Al Charon, Poison Ivy has no natural predators, so any plants eaten by the goats are naturally stressed, and this causes them to get crispy, and die. Goat urine also effectively burns out the oils in the ivy. A few species are toxic to goats, predominantly in the milkweed family, so the site is pre-evaluated for the safety of the goats. A special solar electric fence is placed around the entire area to be consumed, and each day the goats are placed inside. Their goat herder is with them during the day, and the goats sleep in a nearby trailer overnight. Small areas take a few days.  Goats  eat approximately one acre of vegetation in a month.

Please DO NOT FEED THEM ANYTHING.  Some nearby plants are toxic and lethal to goats. Please do NOT allow children or pets near the electric fence. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Animals, such as barking dogs will startle the goats. They will run for shelter, and shelter is their trailer. The goats can hurt themselves trying to get to safety. Goats LOVE to play and NAP. They are Most active in the morning and late afternoon. Playbreaks and naps help their digestion, and both help keep them on task.  

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2021 ANNUAL FRASER GARDEN PROGRAM

JUNE 26 11am-noon

with DEB PERKINS of First Light Habitats
Waterford Library is presenting a program June 26 from 11 am- noon about how to make our landscapes more friendly to the environment. Deb Perkins of First Light Habitats will be leading a walk-and-talk entitled "Landscaping for Biodiversity and Water Quality." Deb calls herself "The Personal Ecologist" and with 25 years ecological experience in the Northeast she can help us all to better understand the natural world and make recommendations for creating a personal habitat which serves both the land and the land owner's wishes.
We will be visiting a local waterfront property for the hour-long program and professional consultation. Deb will guide our group on a walk along the shoreline, and and cover the following topics in an interactive style:native plantings and landscaping practices that promote biodiversity and protect water quality how to build bird and pollinator habitat at home eco-friendly and low maintenance lawn alternatives  

Deb Perkins is available for consultation.

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MR. DREW and HIS ANIMALS TOO 

The Waterford Library hosted 7 LIVE Online Shows each Monday April 19 - May 31 from 6:30-7:30 pm 

with Mr. Drew and his Animals. 

Children of all ages joined these LIVE virtual events that featured exotic reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates from around the world. 

The shows are LIVE, so each show was unique.

Monday, April 19th @ 6:30 intro, insects and arachnids

Monday, April 26th @ 6:30 amphibians

Monday, May 3rd  @ 6:30 turtles and tortoises

Monday, May 10th @ 6:30 lizards

Monday, May 17th @ 6:30 snakes

Monday, May 24th @ 6:30 Maine reptiles 

Monday, May 31st @ 6:30 review of programs, Q & A's.

Mr. Drew is a rehabilitator and outreach program for injured, neglected and unwanted exotic animals. He finds them good homes or uses them in his educational shows. He has written for magazines and did a CNN segment. As an “Educational Technician, merit badge counselor, and guide for Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary and Mt. Apatite Geological Park. Drew delights all ages with  unique style, energy, knowledge and love for learning.

  PREVIOUS ALL ABOUT BOOKS 

LIVE ZOOM EVENTS  

The All About Books series offers Maine authors a platform to talk about their evolving journey. Challenges of the past year have made these conversations especially poignant.

TUES. MAY 4 at 6:30pm

KEOKA LAKE ASSOCIATION presents 

KEOKA LAKE - A History of Life on Our Lake Celebrating 50 Years

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Keoka Lake Association, KLA members have been busily crowdsourcing a comprehensive collection of stories, photos, and historic insights about the people who live around Keoka and call Waterford home. Many generations have both lived and summered here. Over the past year and a half, what started as a small booklet has turned into a 350+ page labor of love. Various individuals will share their contributions to this exciting new addition to the history of life in Waterford. 

a recording will be available upon request.

APRIL 6, 2021

Kate Hotchkiss -new series: On Harbor's Edge.  
In addition to writing the On Harbor's Edge series, Kate Hotchkiss is a freelance writer, classic model, and photographer with contributions to online and print magazines, newspapers, books, and commercial advertisements. Kate is semi-retired from business, government and United Nations positions that included living in China for 12 years and travel throughout Asia.
Kate has two sons who now live in Boston and Athens, and has three stepsons living in Maine and Missouri. She is empty nesting on a Maine island with husband Ellard and their youngest son's German Shepherd.

 MARCH 2, 2021

  Maine Favorites Authors Bruce Robert Coffin and Judith Green discuss 'What makes a Good Mystery?'  

Judith Green is a story-teller and mystery writer who has written 26 high-interest / low-level novels and stories for adult new readers. For many years she was Adult Education Director for eleven rural towns in western Maine. Her mysteries have been in 15 issues of the New England Crime “Level Best” anthologies. “A Good, Safe Place,” published in 2010 in Thin Ice, was nominated for an Edgar®. Her modern epistolary story, “Dear Manuel,” chronicles her ongoing character, Margery Easton. "Breaking In” was published in this year's Level Best anthology and, set in a small town that would look awfully familiar to folks around here. She is currently seeking a publisher for her first book, "Don't Bet the Farm," and has started working on another. Green lives in a home she and her husband built, next to an ancestral family home in North Waterford, Maine.

Award-winning writer and retired police officer, Bruce Robert Coffin is the author of the bestselling Detective Byron mysteries. As a detective sergeant, he supervised all homicide and violent crime investigations for Maine's largest city. Following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001, Bruce spent 4 years investigating counter-terrorism cases for the FBI, earning the Director's Award, the highest award a non-agent can receive. Coffin made his fiction debut in 2015 with the short story, “Foolproof.” It was included in Best American Mystery Stories 2016. Bruce has now penned numerous short stories and novels, including “Beyond the Truth”, Silver Falchion Award Winner for Best Procedural, Agatha Award Nominee for Best Contemporary Novel, and Maine Literary Award Nominee for Best Crime Fiction. His fourth and latest book is “Within Plain Sight.” He is a member of International Thriller Writers, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. He is a regular contributor to Murder Books blogs and resides in Maine with his wife.

FEBRUARY 2,  2021

Maine author  Deb Gould - 

"Eastern 1 and Eastern 2"

Deborah Gould grew up in Portland and Brunswick, Maine. After college in New Hampshire, she moved to Boston and worked for a major publishing firm, but soon came to her senses—left the city and moved back to Maine. Her fiction tends to rise from her fascination with social history and the ordinary experiences and truths we share with those who have lived before us. Her work appeared in an anthology of women writers, Words on Wednesday Night. A new edition of Household (2011) is due out shortly from Maine Authors Publishing. The first book in her acclaimed Eastern series (The Early Years) was published in 2015; and  (Later On) in 2018.

In 2013 she was a Maine Literary Award short fiction finalist, then won that award in 2014. Her novel The Eastern: The Early Years was a 2016 Maine Literary Award finalist. Gould is a resident of Brunswick; and summers on Flying Pond in Mount Vernon.

 JANUARY 12, 2021 

Sweden Maine author Rowland Creitz

 "To Touch the Earth Again"
Only weeks out of medical school, Dr. Philip Springer sees disaster coming…but the wrong kind. He is forced to substitute for the only doctor in Possum Run, TN, a tiny isolated coal town in the rugged Appalachian mountains. To the doctor’s surprise, Possum Run defies many mining stereotypes. It is peaceful and harmonious and—despite the Depression—offers full employment. But trouble is brewing in paradise. A politically-connected miner is endangering the mine, and the huge slag dam high above the town is leaking badly. Even under the guidance of his faithful nurse, Philip learns to be a doctor and part of the town. Then one day, he and Possum Run face a danger far beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.
Born in New Jersey, Rowland Creitz was a primary school teacher in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine and an educational consultant before becoming a full-time writer. He lives in Stow, Maine and this is his first novel.

2020 CHRISTMAS IN WATERFORD

This year, 2020, has been like no other. Everyone of us has experienced unprecedented challenges. Never before have we been so isolated or divided, yet never before have we come together with such resilience and grace. So many losses, so much sorrow, so many changes, yet through it all, I am so immensely awed and humbled by the kindness and generosity of this small community we all are fortunate to call home.

This year, so much of what we all took for granted, vanished. Life as we knew it was Cancelled. But people found new ways to connect, stay in touch with friends and loved ones, and support each other. All our usual library programs reemerged online through the new medium of ZOOM. Many thanks to all the Maine authors who joined us remotely throughout the year! And, although all our annual public family and fundraising events could not be held, we instead gave back by donating to both local food banks, the Harrison-Waterford PTO, and Waterford Santa. And miracle of miracles, who knew that being closed during a pandemic, allowed for a new ADA accessible doorway, ramp, parking spots, paved walkway, and paved driveway to be installed.

For many years, Waterford Santa has been providing toys and gifts to the most needy families with children aged pre-k to 6th grade. A Facebook page let folks donate money or sign up to buy items. This year, with our annual Christmas festivities  cancelled, the library instead joined with Waterford Santa to select books to match each child's specific reading level and interests. Then, everything was dropped at the town hall for distribution. The Library Board felt these strategies would most help our littlest children.
So although we are not celebrating together in public, you are always in our thoughts., We hope you can join us virtually during our weekly Friday 10am Coffee Cafe, or at the monthly author and book club events. Or, you can still drop in to pick up a book any Saturday from 10 am - 2 pm. So Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Season's Greetings, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year.

The Waterford Flat Halloween was sadly cancelled, as we can’t safely offer all the usual community programs and activities this year. Instead, we have donated to the Harrison/Waterford PTO to help them variously support local children in BOTH elementary schools.

An alternate TRUNK or TREAT was held in 

No. Waterford on Halloween from 6- 7:30pm at the church and Melby's parking lot where there is more room for social distancing. The Library Association appreciates these efforts on behalf of the children.   

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Waterford Library BOOK SALE

The Annual BOOK SALE was held under tents

on the grounds of the Wilkins House on 

Saturday October 10, 2020 - 11am to 2pm.

There was a great selection of books 

thanks to our many wonderful donors. 

Covid-19 safety protocols were in place. 

Many thanks to everyone who kindly 

came to shop, volunteer, or donate. 

Your support means everything!

New ADA Door and Ramp Installed.

We are delighted to announce that the NEW ADA compliant Entrance, Door, and Ramp have been fully installed.

Many thanks to everyone who has contributed in ANY way to this project.  

 Waterford Library Association 

ANNUAL MEETING  Jul 23, 2020 at 6:30 PM

PLEASE JOIN US 

The Board is extremely excited to share an overview with updated information about the Library Ramp Project. Peter Leslie will offer insight into “Accessibility for All” – an issue the Board feels is important for our community. Due to current conditions, the meeting was virtual via Zoom.

CLIMATE CONVERSATIONS PROGRAM

July 7th at 6:30 p.m. 

Follow-up article in  7/29/20 edition

 of the Maine Sunday Telegram

We are excited that Nick will share via Zoom his presentation on State of the Birds – Maine Audubon. Bird populations in Maine are continually changing. This presentation covers the last few decades and discusses which species are disappearing, increasing, and looks to identify the future of Maine birds. We look forward to you joining us for a fantastic and informative presentation.  Best,  Kerry & Doretta  

 YOU ARE INVITED TO A LIVE EVENT!

Waterford author Robert Spencer  discusses PROSPECTS, Mining Maine For Riches,  

WHERE: In The Barn at Bear Mountain Inn, Waterford Road, Waterford, ME

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 25th from 6-7:30 pm

DETAILS: In a socially distanced setting, Robert will read from his second novel. The story takes place from 1897 to 1904,  when pegmatite mines were a vital part of the Oxford County local economy. Included will be a Q&A about how the book was created. Copies available for purchase.  

All profits support the Waterford Library.

Due to Maine CDC guidelines, attendees limited to 30.  Face-coverings required.

 For Reservations contact Robert at robertwbooks@gmail.com

 ZOOM is available for remote attendees.

Admission is free, with a suggested $5. donation to support the Waterford Library.