Biddeford was among the first cities in Maine to offer public library services. The city’s first library opened in October 1863 as a city department, housed in a room within the City Building.
In October 1863, Biddeford established its first public library, marking a significant milestone as one of the early adopters of public library services in Maine. The library initially operated as a city department and was located within the City Building, serving the community’s needs for over three decades.
In 1894, the City Building that housed the library was destroyed by fire. In response to this loss, the Mayor proposed that a private association assume the responsibility of maintaining a public library for the residents of Biddeford. This led to a new era of library service in the city, paving the way for the establishment of the McArthur Library.
The vision for a new public library was realized in 1902, thanks to the generous support of Elizabeth Stevens, a Laconia Mills employee who left her life savings to build a public reading room, and Robert McArthur, an Agent at Pepperell Mills. With Stevens’ bequest and McArthur’s dedicated efforts, the association purchased the former Pavilion Congregational Church at 270 Main Street.
In October 1902, this building was dedicated as the McArthur Library, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Biddeford’s public library service.
Robert McArthur was an immigrant who began his career as a young mill worker in Rhode Island.
He was a self-educated man deeply committed to the idea of a public library as a cornerstone for self-improvement and community advancement.
His contributions went beyond purchasing the library’s current home; he also established a maintenance fund to ensure its continued operation. This tradition of support was carried on by his daughters, Jane Owen and Lena McArthur, who followed in his footsteps.
Thanks to the ongoing support from the City of Biddeford, the McArthur family, and other generous benefactors, McArthur Library today offers its community access to a wealth of resources.
The library’s collection includes more than 50,000 printed volumes, over 9,000 movies and non-fiction videos (4K, Blue Ray, DVD), over 2,500 Audiobooks, (CD or MP3 on CD), 1100 music CDs. Additionally, the library provides more than 18 public access computers and free wireless internet throughout the building.
The library also provides patrons with access to free downloadable e-books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines via Hoopla, CloudLibrary. and CloudLibrary Newsstand.
One of the library’s unique treasures is its stunning collection of antique photographs of Biddeford and the surrounding areas.
