Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta has a deal in place to purchase the former library next door. (J.W. Oliver photo)
Skidompha Public Library in downtown Damariscotta has a purchase-and-sale agreement in place to buy 170 Main St., the library’s home for 79 years, from 1922-2001.
“We sold it during our capital campaign to help raise money, always hoping to be able to buy it back,” Executive Director Pam Gormley said. “We are connected to that building through this library, through a series of firewalls and staircases, so it’s nice to be able to have the whole campus back together.”
The library plans to close on the property Aug. 1.
The library plans to add a handicapped-accessible entrance to 170 Main St. off the courtyard between the existing library and its neighbor. (J.W. Oliver photo)
“We’re thrilled to be in a position to be able to do this,” Gormley said.
The building at 170 Main St. has three tenants: the Frances Perkins Center, Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty, and Phelps Architects Inc. The Perkins Center and Sotheby’s plan to stay “and we’re glad to have them stay,” Gormley said.
Phelps Architects Inc. is already planning a move to 9 Vine St., a property that also borders Main Street. The building, now under renovation, was formerly home to the late Richard Salewski’s law office.
The library needs more space, and plans to expand into the vacant portion of 170 Main St. in about a year. The library will use the area for its local history and genealogy materials, a “space-intensive” collection now on the second floor of the main building.
“That will give us a chance to move some other parts of our library around to give more space for programming, for teens, for meetings, for gatherings, etc.,” Gormley said.
The library will add a handicapped-accessible entrance to 170 Main St. off the courtyard between the buildings, and may add a direct, inside link later.
“We hope to, but that will cost money, so that’s not something we’re able to do right now,” Gormley said.
The building at 170 Main St. dates to 1803, according to the library’s website. It was the home of the Coffin family and later the Dixon family, from whom supporters of the library purchased the building in 1922.
Town records list Flory Investments Inc. as the owner of the property. The town assesses the value of the building and the 0.06-acre property at $380,000.
