Bangor Public Library

{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2023}}

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{{Infobox library

| image = BangorPublicLibraryMainEntrance.jpg

| image_size = frameless|image_upright =1.20

| library_name = Bangor Public Library

| library_logo = 125px

| location = Bangor, Maine

| established = 1913

| collection_size = 520,000

| pop_served = 35,473

| budget = $2,388,577

| director = Ben Treat

| num_employees = 35

| website = http://www.bpl.lib.me.us/

{{Infobox NRHP

| embed = yes

| name = Bangor Public Library

| nrhp_type = cp

| nocat = yes

| partof = Great Fire of 1911 Historic District

| image =

| caption =

| location = Harlow, Center, Park, State, York, and Central Streets
Bangor, Maine

| locmapin = Maine#USA

| built = 1911

| architect = Peabody and Stearns

| architecture = Late 19th And Early 20th Century American Movements, Renaissance

| added = June 14, 1984

| refnum = 84001479{{NRISref|version=2009a}}

}}

}}

The Bangor Public Library is the public library of Bangor, Maine. It shares the URSUS online cataloging system with the University of Maine and other Maine libraries.{{cite web |url=http://www.librarytechnology.org/lwc-displaylibrary.pl?RC=179 |title=Bangor Public Library |website=libraries.org |access-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150920004427/http://librarytechnology.org/libraries/library.pl?id=179 |archive-date=September 20, 2015}}

The library's roots date to 1830, when the Bangor Mechanic Association assembled a private collection of books.{{Cite web|url=http://www.bizymoms.com/bangor/bangor-public-library.php?topicid=6531&threadid=22261|title=SEO Services for Doctors - Digital Marketing | Ekwa Marketing}} In 1873, it absorbed several other associations' libraries and became the Bangor Mechanic Association Public Library.{{Cite web|url=http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h2421.html|title = Bangor Public Library}}

In 1883, former U.S. Congressman and lumber baron Samuel F. Hersey left the City of Bangor a $100,000 bequest, which the city used to form a municipally owned public library. The Mechanic Association's 20,000 books formed the core collection. In 1905, the small membership fee was abolished and the library became truly open to all.The American library annual, p. 327

By 1911, the library's collection had grown to 70,000 books. Then came the Great Fire of 1911, which destroyed the library along with most of the Bangor Business District.Maine library bulletin, Volumes 1-6, p. 2 The library reopened that May with the 29 books pulled from the ashes and 1,300 others that had been on loan.Report of the Public Library 1917, p. 16 (Today, the library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Great Fire of 1911 Historic District.{{Cite web |url=http://www.bangormaine.gov/pdf/Historic_Brochure_Online_Version.pdf |title=Bangor Historic Preservation Program |date=2010 |access-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110915233420/http://www.bangormaine.gov/pdf/Historic_Brochure_Online_Version.pdf |archive-date=September 15, 2011}})

In 1913, the library's new building, designed by the Boston architectural firm Peabody and Stearns, opened its doors near the high school.{{Cite web |url=http://bangorinfo.com/Focus/focus_bpl.html |website=Bangor in Focus |title=Bangor Public Library |access-date=February 27, 2022}}

In 1997, the library was renovated and a new wing added (designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects), thanks to a donation from Stephen and Tabitha King.{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2013/mar/22/stephen-king-wife-maine-library |title=Stephen King and his wife pledge $3m to Maine Library |last=Flood |first=Alison |date=March 22, 2013 |website=The Guardian |access-date=February 27, 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/books/la-xpm-2013-mar-21-la-et-jc-stephen-king-tabitha-3-million-bangor-maine-library-20130321-story.html |title=Stephen King and wife Tabitha pledge $3 million to Maine library |first=Carolyn |last=Kellogg |date=March 21, 2013 |website=Los Angeles Times |access-date=February 27, 2022}} King's story The Library Policeman was inspired by his 10-year-old son's expressed fear of returning overdue books to the Bangor Public Library because of "the library police".Stephen J. Spignesi, The Essential Stephen King (2003), p. 127

In 2014, the library was renovated again; plans included a new glass atrium designed by Scott Simons Architects.{{Cite news|url = http://bangordailynews.com/community/bangor-public-library-renovation-tentatively-scheduled-for-june/|title = Bangor Daily News|last = Bangor Public Library|date = 5 March 2014|work = Bangor Public Library Renovation Tentatively Scheduled for June|accessdate = 8 August 2014}}

On an interesting note, the library contains the couch that former VP Hannibal Hamlin drew his last breath upon while playing cards too hard.{{Cite web|url=http://wjbq.com/the-bangor-public-library-contains-a-creepy-piece-of-u-s-presidential-memorabilia/|title=The Bangor Public Library Contains a Creepy Piece of U.S. Presidential Memorabilia|website=Q97.9|language=en|access-date=2018-10-18}}