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AUGUSTA — Kennebec Savings Bank has made a $25,000 gift to the Whitefield Library in support of the purchase and restoration of the town’s historic Arlington Grange Hall.
The gift will complete the first phase of the library’s campaign and fully fund the purchase of the building.
The Whitefield Library opened in July 2017 in response to a letter from a local second-grader, who asked the town’s select board to establish a library to provide children with a place to spend time during summer vacation. The library is completely volunteer-run and occupies space in the Grange at no cost.
“Libraries are no longer just quiet places to read,” said Kennebec Savings Bank President and CEO Andrew Silsby. “They have evolved to become dynamic service centers that make up the fabric of our communities. We’re proud to support this incredible group of highly dedicated volunteers who are working tirelessly to sustain what has quickly become an important mainstay for the Whitefield community,”
The Arlington Grange was built in 1884 to serve as a meeting hall for an organization of Civil War veterans. Local grange officials invited the Whitefield Library to use the space in 2017. In 2018, due to decreasing membership, the Arlington Grange decided to close, giving the library an opportunity to buy the building. Bolstered by support from the community, the Whitefield Library plans to purchase the building from the Maine State Grange and complete renovations that will improve their services and allow the organization to remain self-sustaining.
The first phase of the $155,000 capital campaign will fund the purchase of the building for $25,000 – a goal that has been reached as a result of the Bank’s donation. Phases two and three will pay for a wide range of improvements, such as installing Wi-Fi and renovating the second floor to create an events space and community center.
“This gift will enable us to jump ahead to phase two of our campaign, which we didn’t expect to start for another year or two,” said Sue McKeen, president of the Board. “This gift is an incredible boost for us and for our community, and it will enable us to be here serving our community for years to come.”
Kennebec Savings Bank has branches in Augusta, Waterville, Winthrop and Farmingdale.
For more information, contact Corporate Giving and Community Relations Coordinator Amanda Cooley at ACooley@KennebecSavings.Bank.
PHOTO: From left, Debra Rogers, board member, Whitefield Library; Cheryle Joslyn, vice president of the board, Whitefield Library; Sue McKeen, president of the board, Whitefield Library; Andrew Silsby, president and CEO, Kennebec Savings Bank. (Submitted photo)
