About

History & Mission
History & Mission
Mission Statement

The mission of the South Berwick Public Library is to create a cultural town commons where all who enter have free access to media that informs, educates and entertains.

History



In 1970, after using a community resource for years, South Berwick found it did not have a library that was open to the general public. A group of concerned citizens organized the current library to fill this void. The Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities owned the Jewett Eastman House in 1971 when the South Berwick Library opened in one rented room of this building. It operated solely with donated books and volunteer librarians. The town accepted these services as the town library in 1972 and began financial support. A librarian was hired in 1973 and the hours that the patrons could use the library have increased steadily to 36 hours a week.

When SPNEA sold the house, a group of civic minded residents rallied. The Jewett Eastman Memorial Committee purchased the house in 1984 entirely through voluntary donations. The Jewett Eastman House was the home of the South Berwick Public Library until 2012 and remains an integral part of the community.  Situated in the heart of the historic district of South Berwick, the house is listed on the National Historic Registry. and is being reacquired by Historic New England, as SPNEA is now named.

After 40 years in the charming but small Jewett Eastman House, the town of South Berwick purchased the church, rectory, and properties of the former St. Michael’s Church in 2010. Years of planning and commitment to expand library services by citizens has transformed the former church space into South Berwick’s new twenty first century Library.  Extensive exterior work and a new addition were completed in 2011 and the former rectory was saved and moved by Russ Tarason at no expense to the town.

Library Hours

Tuesday: 10am – 7pm

Wednesday: 10am – 7pm

Thursday: 10am – 5pm

Friday: 12pm – 5pm

Saturday: 9am – 2pm

Sunday: Closed

Monday: Closed
FAQ's
How do I get a library card?
Membership at the library allows you to borrow items from the South Berwick Public Library collection and other Maine Infonet Libraries for use at home.

To apply for membership at the South Berwick Public Library please bring something to identify yourself with proof of residency.  A driver’s license and utility bill will work fine.

Acceptable ID:

Driver’s license or state ID

Social Security card

Passport

Alien Registration card

School ID

Food stamp card

Acceptable Proof of Residence

Auto registration

Printed checks/deposit slips

Utility bill

Cancelled mail with postmark dated within the last 30 days

Valid hunting or fishing license

Rent receipt, Lease, mortgage agreement or tax bill

SAD 35 student ID

Children 5-13 need a parent or legal guardian’s signature (and parental ID) to get a library membership.

Not a South Berwick Resident?

Residents of Berwick, North Berwick, Eliot and Rollinsford may get memberships at the South Berwick Library for free as part of our Interlibrary Collaborative. Please bring photo ID and proof of residence to get a membership. Students may use a SAD 35 ID and teachers in SAD 35 may use a pay check stub.  Residents of other towns may purchase a membership for a $20 annual fee for a family account.
How long can I keep items?
The loan period is 3 weeks and items may be renewed once time for a total of 6 weeks unless someone is waiting.

Items borrowed from other libraries in the Maine system may have different loan rules.

Late fees are 5¢ per day with a maximum of $5.00 per item.
How many items can I borrow?
You can borrow up to 50 items at a time.  
3 movies at a time.
Do you have public computers?
There are 6 public computers for use by visitors.
Do you have Wi-Fi?
There is Wi-Fi available throughout the building and on the grounds.
Do you have programs?
Current program and event information can be found on the South Berwick Public Library website.
Do you have a copy machine?
Printing from the public computers or make copies:

Black & white copies are .10 each
Color copies are .25 each
Do you have a scanner?
Our printer will scan to an email address.  This service is free.
Do you have a fax machine?
Faxes can be sent out but not received.  The fee is $1.00 per page.
Do you have a notary?
We do not have a notary at the library at this time.  

Free Notary Services:

  • Town Hall clerks can notarize documents for you is you are a resident.
  • Your bank will notarize documents for you if you have a bank account.
Pay for Services:

Make an appointment with a private notary.Click here to search for notaries by town in York County.