Phillips Public Library - a History
Every story has a beginning.
The Phillips Public Library is located within the Paul G. Whittemore building on Main Street in Phillips. The Paul G. Whittemore building served as a high school for the area from 1894 to 1969. It then functioned as a Middle School until the last eighth-grade class graduated in 1988.
In 1911 it was formed as a private corporation and serves the town of Phillips residents and the adjacent towns of Avon and Madrid. In previous years the library was above the Town Office and within the Phillips Historical House.
The library is located within the Paul G. Whittemore building on Main Street in Phillips. The Paul G. Whittemore building served as a high school for the area from 1894 to 1969. It then functioned as a Middle School until the last eighth-grade class graduated in 1988.
The Library Board began fundraising and renovating the Paul G. Whittemore building in the spring of 1998 and reopened it as a library in March 2000. The High School Alumni gave generously, as did citizens. Grants were received from organizations throughout Maine.
Plaques honoring these donors are located in the Board Room.
Phillips Librarians
Past & Present
Albertine Butterfield
1911 - 1916
Bertha Boston
1916 - 1931
Lura Badger
1931 - 1937
m. Otto Badger, Town Selectman
d. June, 1953
Kathleen Noble Toothaker
1931 - 1937
m. Charles E. Toothaker
Alice E. Parker
1946 - 1954
b. 02-17-1900 d. 09-10-1979
Daughter of: Dr. Mason & Nell Quimby
Taught in: Blethan School, Phillips
Taught in PHS
Tressie Carroll
1955 - 1957
b. Freeman, 01-24-1887 d. 02-02-1959
Daughter of: Thomas & Florence Carville Carroll
Taught in: school in Salem and Sandy River Plantation
Made home with Harty Field Family
Fay H. Hoover
1957 - 1968
Emma York
1968 - 1976
b. 03-03-1892 d. 01-16-1980
Daughter of: John A. & E. Carrie Dutton-Russell
Attended: Rangeley High and Farmington Normal School
m. Vincent York
Taught in: Brooklyn, NY - 20 Years
Operated Greenwood Inn, Phillips, ME until 1971
Marian Hardy
1976 - 1986
Marian Hardy expanded and modernized library services with a focus on public relations during her decade-long tenure. She established a book committee to review and purchase current best sellers and other up-to-date reading choices. New children's programs were started, including story hours in a kid-friendly reading room. She also added to the more accessible atmosphere by displaying exhibits of local antiques and collectibles. With Mrs. Hard, what was once a quiet circulatory desk job, changed into a genuine profession.
Cindy Worthley
1987 - 1994
Cindy Worthley expanded the importance of children utilizing the library. She enjoyed talking with and getting to know patrons and helping them find information. She worked on keeping children's books up-to-date, expanded story hours, and created theme-based programs such as the Teddy Bear Picnic. She helped organize the annual book sale, which is held during the Old Home Days. Together with Hedy Langdon, she created additional fundraisers, the Strawberry Festival and the now nostalgic coffee houses, featuring: Mike Worthley, Jack and Carolyn Harvey, JohnTooker, Heidi Osterhour, Jewel Pinkham, and many more.
Hedy Langdon-Stinchfield
1988 - present
Hedy Langdon is honored to continue in the legacy of the librarians before her. It has been her joy to use her organization skills and community commitment to encourage the growth of the Phillips Public Library. Hedy wants the Phillips Public Library to be an open door for readers, children, activists, and all citizens who value information, communication, and hospitality.
In 1965, moved library to ell of Phillips Historical Society
b. Rangeley, 01-25-1899 d. 10-27-1972
Daughter of: Nathan & Bertie Oakes Ellis
Postmistress of Rangeley; member of Circle of Kings Daughters, Holder of Grand Cross of Colors, President of Eastern Star
Children: Richard W. and Kathleen Caton
