Mayhew Library
🏢 Mayhew Library Association · Addison, Maine
Mayhew Library
The Mayhew Library has served the tidal village of Addison on Washington County's bold coast since January 30, 1892 — one of Maine's oldest continuously operating community libraries — renamed in 1897 to honor Calista Wass Mayhew and her husband Francis, who sustained it through its earliest years. The 1939 building that replaced the fire-lost original still stands at 290 Water Street, maintaining a 5,380-volume collection for a community of 1,255 residents.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | Closed |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 290 WATER STREET, ADDISON, ME 04606
Phone: (207) 598-8350
Website: maine.gov
Plus Code: 87PJJ794+J6 (ADDISON, ME)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Mayhew Library
The Mayhew Library Association was founded on January 30, 1892, when Addison opened its doors as the Addison Public Library, with Minnie Wass serving as the first librarian from a building on the north side of Water Street that also housed a shoe shop and telegraph office. In 1897 the library was renamed to honor Calista Wass Mayhew and her husband Francis L. Mayhew, who had generously supported the library's growth during its earliest years. On a May night in 1938, fire at Addison Point destroyed the original library building; Herbert and Ross Ward donated their vacant lot to the association, and the present library building opened to the public on December 20, 1939. Today the Mayhew Library holds 5,380 volumes and circulates 441 items per year to serve Addison's 1,255 residents in Washington County's Downeast region. Open two sessions each week — Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings — the library is run by the association under director John Rittenhouse and remains free for all community members.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Founded January 30, 1892 — one of Maine's oldest continuously operating community libraries
- Renamed 1897 for Calista Wass Mayhew, an early patron who helped secure the library's future
- Present 1939 building replaced the original after a 1938 fire; donated lot from the Ward family
- 5,380-volume circulating collection serving Addison's 1,255 residents in Washington County
- Free borrowing for all community members, open Wednesday & Saturday
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Mayhew Library card connects you to Maine's statewide digital collections, available around the clock.
📚 Services
- Free borrowing for all Addison community members
- 5,380-volume circulating collection
- Access to Maine Digital Library statewide resources
- Interlibrary loan through the Maine library network
- Community gathering space
🎸 Programs
- Community reading programs and seasonal events
- Volunteer-led library association programming
📍 Nearby Libraries in Downeast Maine
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Mayhew Library open, and is it volunteer-run?
The library is open Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. It is managed by the Mayhew Library Association and staffed with community support. For closures or special hours, call (207) 598-8350 or email mayhewlibrary@yahoo.com before your visit.
Can I borrow eBooks and digital materials with a Mayhew Library card?
Yes. A free Mayhew Library card gives you access to the Digital Maine Library, which includes eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, and research databases available 24/7 from any device — far beyond the library's two open sessions per week.
What is the history behind the library's name?
The library opened as the Addison Public Library on January 30, 1892. In 1897 it was renamed the Mayhew Library to honor Calista Wass Mayhew and her husband Francis L. Mayhew, who played a key role in supporting the young library's survival and growth during its first five years.
Is the current library building the original 1892 structure?
No. The original library building was destroyed in a fire at Addison Point in May 1938. Herbert and Ross Ward donated their vacant lot to the association, and the present building at 290 Water Street opened on December 20, 1939 — now over 85 years old and still in use.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in September 2026.
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