The McArthur Library Archives and Special Collections houses thousands of items that cover the history of Biddeford. There are Colonial Era documents that show the early years of English settlement, letters from prominent citizens, ledgers from local businesses and photos from the 1850’s on. If you think we may have an item you would like to research please reach out to archives@mcarthurlibrary.org.

Robert McArthur was the head of Pepperell Mills, the largest manufacturer in Biddeford from 1887-1910. In 1902 he purchased the empty Pavilion Church and donated it to the Biddeford Library and Reading Room Association, who in thanks named the library after him. He continued to be involved in the library until his death in 1914.

Elizabeth Stevens was a Laconia mill employee from Massachusetts. Upon her death in 1881 she donated her life savings to create a reading room at the Biddeford Public Library, which it did not have in its location in city hall. Her money was used during the 1902 renovation, and the main reading room has always been called the Elizabeth Stevens reading room.

The McArthur Library Building was originally built as a church in 1863. The steeple was cut short to make it appear more secular when the building became a library in 1902. Two large additions have been made since, the 1963 addition that extended the building to the right, and the 1996 addition which included an elevator.

We are always interested in objects that tell the story of our local area. We collect mainly paper based items, books, letters, journals, newspapers, photos, postcards etc., but will make an exception for objects that are special. If you think what you have fits that definition please reach out to our archivist at archives@mcarthurlibrary.org

Building 36, at 22 main street, was the main storage facility for the finished blankets produced by Pepperell Manufacturing. The reason for the tiny windows was prevent discoloration by the light.