IMPROVEMENTS IN THE AUDITORIUM

Now that the auditorium is fully accessible, the facility is used for more meetings and events. The Levi Stewart Community Theater, an independent, 501(c) (3) organization, has raised money to make a number of improvements in the auditorium. The group purchased and donated 150 new, comfortable audience chairs and bought new window shades for the auditorium windows. The theater group also raised over $8,000 to purchase a new front curtain for the stage. It will be installed some time this Spring.

WORK IN THE BASEMENT

The Preservation Group had the building sewer line upgraded and moved to a better location. We had a new door installed at the west basement entrance and constructed new steps leading down to the basement. The construction of a custodial closet in the basement made it possible for the Town to expand the Town Manager’s office and add a second exit from the Town Office. A heating unit, removed from the auditorium a few years ago, has been installed to provide heat in the basement.

THE LEVI STEWART PRIVATE LIBRARY MUSEUM

We are proud to announce that museum is now open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The museum tells the stories of Levi Stewart, his philanthropy, his family, Corinna, the Stewart Library Building, and the 19th century movement of Mainers to the frontier of the American West. Mr. Stewart’s entire collection of 6,500 books and other artifacts have been preserved in the museum and in the climate controlled, special collections room in the basement.

For more information call the Stewart Free Library at 207-278-2454. The Library is open Tuesdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and Saturdays 9:00 AM to Noon.

OTHER IMPROVEMENTS

The Preservation Group installed a new security camera system and expanded wireless access to the Internet throughout the building.

Corinna Public Works continues to work on the expansion and improvements to the parking lot.

FUNDING AND LONG-TERM MAINTENANCE

With the exception of the Levi Stewart Community Theater donations and the Town Office expansion, these upgrades and improvements were funded by private donations to the Stewart Library Building Preservation Fund.

In 2016, using designated donations and a grant from the Next Generation Foundation of Maine, the Preservation Group established the Stewart Library Building Endowment Fund at the Maine Community Foundation. Each year the Town receives a payout from the earnings of this fund. The endowment payout does not decrease the Town’s responsibility to fund the operation of the Stewart Library Building as it has always done in the past. The endowment payout provides supplemental funds, focused on paying for the new fixed costs resulting from the renovations, and funding the Building Maintenance Committee’s work of keeping the building in a state of excellence.

The principal of this fund will always remain at the Maine Community Foundation. The Preservation Group will conduct further fund raising to increase the principal and enhance the sustainability of the building into the future.

Contributions to the fund will always remain in the account, but earnings come to the town in yearly cash payments that can be spent only on a specific list of maintenance items for the Stewart Library Building.

To make a contribution and invest in the future maintenance of the building send a check to Maine Community Foundation, 245 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605. Mark the check “Stewart Library Building Endowment Fund”. Donations of any amount are welcomed.

SPECIAL THANKS

We wish to thank the public works crew for their help in many circumstances. They always come through when needed. Lois, Pam, and Tony in the Town Office are always ready to answer questions, help with bookkeeping, planning, meeting details, and access to the building. Also we thank the Stewart Free Library for cooperation and hosting of the museum hours. Special thanks is given to the members of the Select Board. Since 2014 the continued support from our elected officials has made possible the wonderful renovations and improvements to the Stewart Library Building.

I wish to thank the members of the Stewart Library Building Preservation Group. For six years this group has worked to preserve Corinna’s great architectural and historic treasure.

Kenneth Dow
Chair, Stewart Library Building Preservation Group