PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — In what has now become an annual tradition for the Mark & Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle, the library’s entrance was lit up with the addition of a “book tree” decorated with lights and numerous books this week.
Library Director Sonja Eyler said the tree’s primary goal is to celebrate the holiday season, as well as the role the library plays in the community. She said that there was also a “wow factor” at play in prominently displaying the colorful tree to all who enter the library.
On Thursday, many walking into the library admired the tree, gazing through its many spines. The books selected knew no era or subject. From the works of Roman statesman Cicero to an especially large volume on “early Russian architecture.”
Eyler said that the development of book trees began as a sort of “competition” among librarians across the country about five years ago, when her library put one up. It is unclear how the tradition started, but they have been displayed at public libraries nationwide, from Alaska to Delaware.
“It was somewhat of a fad,” Eyler said. “We all just started making little ones, and then they got bigger and bigger.”
The books on the tree have a variety of origins. Some are from the library shelves and others are donated. Eyler said the Presque Isle-based law firm Bemis & Rossignol had helped to fill out the tree by lending some “thick, stable” books on American jurisprudence.
Frank Bemis, attorney at Bemis & Rossignol, said his firm has been lending their books out to the library for a number of years.
“We love our library, and we love to be a part of this community,” Bemis said. “It’s great to pitch in.”
While Christmas-themed novels fly off the shelves, Eyler said one of the most popular items during the holidays is cookbooks, no doubt being used to craft some of the thousands of holiday dishes across Presque Isle.
Sarah Stackhouse, director of Student Activities, Athletics, and Transportation at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone, said that the base had been built by Computer Science and Robotics instructor Gregory Hamlin with the help of a few students.
Custodial staff then worked with library employees and volunteers to place books on the tree.
With those around Presque Isle and beyond taking part in building the tree, Eyler said it represents a sense of community more than anything.
“It’s a message about coming together and gathering together to create something for the community,” Eyler said.
