McArthur Public Library Preservation Survey and Long-Term Planning Project

FAIN: PG-50329-08

McArthur Public Library (Biddeford, ME 04005-2413)
Renee L. DesRoberts (Project Director: May 2007 to July 2009)

A preservation assessment of the library's special collections, including photographs of Biddeford and its environs from the 1870s through 1960s, glass plate and film negatives from a local photography studio active from 1900 to 1950, and archival materials documenting the history of this former textile-producing area, home to one of Maine's largest Franco-American populations.

McArthur Public Library, under the direction of the staff archivist, will engage the Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) in the execution of a general preservation survey. The library, founded in 1863, has been in its current home (a church completed in 1864) since 1904. Over the past 140 years the library has amassed a variety of historical collections, including photographs and glass negatives from local studios, local newspaper and postcard collections, book collections and various artifacts ranging from footwear to weaponry.We would like a comprehensive assessment to use as a planning document for future preservation actions.