Library wing dedicated to Robert and Hope Akeley

    PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Officials with the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library hosted an open house Saturday to celebrate the completion of renovations to the library’s interior and entrance, with a special unveiling of a commemorative photo of Robert and Hope Akeley, whose daughter, Mary Barton Akeley Smith, donated more than $1 million to expand the facility and make it especially appealing to children and teens. Additional funding for the project came from the library’s Board of Trustees and from the city.
Librarian Sonja Morgan served as master of ceremonies. Guest speakers included: John Cancelarich, library supporter and patron; Heidi Bartley, parent, educator and patron; Kevin Sipe, educator, community advocate and patron; Nicole Cote, chairperson, Library Board of Trustees; and Smith, a life-long supporter and donor.
Morgan greeted the dozens who attended the event, thanking all “who make the community a success.”
Cancelarich reflected on the life of Robert and Hope Akeley, using key words to describe them and what they brought to the community of Presque Isle. Words included: morality, integrity, happiness, honor, civility, dignity and friendship.
“They were moral people who desired nothing for themselves but rather for community … Bob and Hope were, are and always will be friends,” said Cancelarich. “Mary, you’ve learned well from your parents and continue to do so.”
Morgan noted that the improvements are more than the furniture and fixtures.
“What the community and people involved have done is create a place for people to gather,” said the librarian.
Bartley spoke next, sharing her family’s experience with the library and how her children look forward to using the new teen section and other renovated areas.
“As a child, I was a voracious reader. But there was a gap as I moved toward the young adult section. This library has expanded the teen section, creating a safe place to hang out, explore and commune with peers,” said Bartley.
Next, Sipe expressed thanks to all who made the renovation possible. Those recognized included: the design team, construction crew; architect and contractor — with a special note of thanks going to Roger Crouse, “who advised on all things.”
“The fruit of all their labor is here for all to enjoy,” said Sipe.
The improvements include a teen lounge, children’s area, reading room, research space and cafe.
“We want you to come enjoy Mary’s gift. We encourage you to bring your children. This is for them. Every community should invest in their children. They should know we value and love them,” Sipe said.
Cote called the past two years “a major whirlwind for all.”
“There have been a few constants. First, Mary placed faith and trust in us that we’d achieve her vision of (a space that was) functional and beautiful. Second, the dedication of each and every trustee who made the decisions and set the standards; their input was so important. And third was the burning devotion of Kevin Sipe, who deserves credit for this project. His determination to see it to completion — start to finish … He managed to keep tabs on all aspects,” said Cote, also offering a “shout out to all staff.”
Morgan recognized Heather Sincavage for her help in hanging the potato harvest prints that formerly were located at City Hall and were originally commissioned by Northern National Bank. The librarian then introduced Smith.
“Our last speaker exemplifies one who honors mom and dad with transformation and action. Everyone who visits our community can benefit” from her gift, noted Morgan.
Smith began by describing her childhood and love of books.
“I grew up reading. The one constant in my life was this library. (After moving away) I always dropped in when I’d come to visit my parents and sister, Sarah,” said Smith.
She gave a brief history of her family and her grandmother’s love of reading.
“My Grandmother Beulah Akeley raised 18 children while finding time to read. She found time to read by propping a book up while doing dishes. When fire destroyed everything they had, it’s been said she worked at the library to make money for the family. Gram, who’d served as librarian, retired at 65,” said Smith, whose mother also worked at the library until the family moved to D.C. around 1954.
Smith said her late husband (Rodney Smith) left a lasting legacy which has greatly blessed Presque Isle. The Presque Isle library, she added, was “at the top of my list.”
“These gifts (to the library) are given in memory of my father and mother, to honor them. But it’s my husband who’s allowed me to contribute to this community and its people,” said Smith, as she tried to hold back tears.
Morgan then asked Smith to do the honor of unveiling the commemorative photos of Robert and Hope Akeley that will be displayed at the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library.
This marks the completion of a project that first got underway in June 2010, when Smith donated $1 million toward the project, with an additional $25,000 given to the facility to help fund interior design planning. First opened in 1908, the library is used not only for books, computers, reference materials and Internet access, but also provides notary and passport services.