Dexter community extends helping hand

DEXTER — As part of the Dexter Days celebration, the Abbott Memorial Library held a book sale on Aug. 1.  Disturbed by news that the town of Millinocket had closed its library’s doors, the staff of Dexter’s library suggested sending the proceeds of this year’s book sale to the Friends of the Millinocket Memorial Library in order to help keep that town’s library open.  

 Photo courtesy of Abbott Memorial Library

HELPING A FELLOW MAINE LIBRARY — Abbott Memorial LIbrary Librarian Liz Breault mails a check to the Millinocket Library, with the funds coming from  an Aug.1 book sale at the library in Dexter.

Town Manager Shelley Watson gave permission after surveying the members of the town council. In five hours, Librarian Liz Breault and volunteer Beth Ranagan collected $1,230 in donations to help the beleaguered northern Maine  library. All books were sold by donation.

“People were wonderfully generous when we explained what we were trying to do,” explained Ranagan, a resident of Sangerville. “That’s what Maine is all about,” said Town Councilor Ron Apel. “Extending a helping hand from one community to another.”

A number of volunteers helped to make the book sale a success:  Ed and Judy Hummel of Garland, Barb Bekier of Dexter, Maggie Strickland and Sara Herter of Harmony and Frank Spizuoco of Ripley.