Friend Memorial Public Library breaks ground on expansion

The expansion includes the construction of the Anne and Maynard Bray Maritime Research Center

The library’s new wing was designed by Elliott Architects and will be built by Blue Ledge Carpentry. Rendering courtesy of Friend Memorial Library.

May 5, 2026

By Steele Hays

BROOKLIN—Construction of a new $3 million expansion of Friend Memorial Library in Brooklin was officially launched April 29 with a festive groundbreaking ceremony that drew a large crowd despite overcast skies and light showers.

“This is perfect Maine weather,” said Robert Baird, fundraising chairman of the capital campaign.

Robert Baird, fundraising chairman of the capital campaign, addresses the crowd. Photo by Steele Hays.

Almost 500 people and organizations have contributed more than $3 million to the campaign, Baird said, but the fundraising efforts are continuing. The group’s goal is to raise $4.1 million, which will pay for the new addition and fund a $1 million endowment. 

In addition to doubling the library’s size, the addition will house the new Maritime Research Center and its collection of more than 6,000 maritime books, plans and documents donated by Jon Wilson, founder and former head of the WoodenBoat School and WoodenBoat Magazine. The center will also house more than 150,000 photographic slides donated by renowned marine photographer Benjamin Mendlowitz, who has been the principal photographer for the Calendar of Wooden Boats for more than 40 years. 

Baird noted that Brooklin calls itself “the boat building capital of the world” based on its cluster of boatyards building and maintaining pleasure boats, both power and sail, but “this expansion is about a lot more than boats.” 

Library Director Catherine Nevin said she was especially excited about the additional space and opportunities the new addition will bring for children and teenagers using the library. She introduced two young library members, who spoke about their own expectations.

“It will be a place to read, work or just hang out and a place outside the school for us to have fun,” Alida Lewandowski said. 

Moments later, Baird encouraged the large crowd of children in attendance to grab a shovel and dig into the large sand pile behind him, which they did—with enthusiasm. 

Blue Ledge Carpentry of Orland is the contractor for the project. Owner Chris Pickering said his crew would start work right away on the foundation and expects to have the building framed and roofed by fall so that interior work can proceed during the winter months. He hopes to complete the project by June 2027. Elliott Architects of Blue Hill are the designers. 

The library wing housing the maritime collections will be named for Anne and Maynard Bray, who have also played key roles in the Wooden Boat organization. Anne, formerly WoodenBoat Magazine’s research director, died in 2018. Maynard is a longtime writer and editor with WoodenBoat.

Children at the celebration were encouraged to participate. Photo by Steele Hays.

Library supporters anticipate that other private collectors of maritime books and artifacts will join Wilson and Mendlowitz in donating their collections once they see that the research center is becoming a reality.

Once the new wing is completed, the room at the rear of the current building will be used for children’s books and activities and will be named for the late Katharine White, a longtime New Yorker Magazine editor, wife of E.B. White and avid supporter of the Friend Memorial Library. 

As part of the expansion project, a grassy outdoor courtyard and open-air pergola will be built behind the current library building, providing a space for outdoor gatherings and events.