WEST PARIS — A fundraiser for the Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library is aimed at fixing the roof of the building, which needs to be replaced.
The library was built in 1926, based on a design by Gibbs & Pulsifer of Lewiston.
The building, made of broken fieldstone gathered from local fields, has embrasures carved into the top, giving it a castle-like look.
During an interview in October 2016, David Macdowell, chairman of the library’s board of trustees, said that while many renovations have been made to the library over the years to keep it in working condition, some projects should be prioritized, including the roof.
“I think we’re looking at an overhaul on the roof, rather than patching it up,” he said in October. “The useful life of a roof is about 20 to 25 years, and the roof up there now is about 18 years old.”
On its Facebook page, the library announced it was kicking off a fundraiser called Love Your Library, with the purpose of raising money toward replacing the roof.
“Repairs have been made (on the roof) over the years, but persistent leakage problems still exist,” according to the Facebook post.
The estimated budget to replace the roof is $71,135, according to the Facebook page, and while the library’s savings account can cover a majority of the funds, it will be short by about $10,000.
Those who wish to make a donation can drop it off at the West Paris Town Office, the library, or mail it to West Paris Library Fundraiser, P.O. Box 247, West Paris, ME 04289.
The Arthur L. Mann Memorial Library recently launched a fundraiser to help fix the roof, which is leaking and in disrepair. The fundraiser, called Love Your Library, is looking to raise close to $10,000.
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