Welcome to the Bethel Library Association. Nestled in "Maine's Most Beautiful Mountain Village," the Bethel Library has been the hub of the community with programs, events, and services for all ages since 1879. The Bethel Library serves the towns of Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Greenwood, as well as, Albany and Mason Townships. Library cards for residents of these towns and townships are free. Library cards for non residents are $15 annually. We also have options to check out items from our collection for those who visit us seasonally.
Our mission is to offer a welcoming environment for lifelong learning and literacy for all.
Our vision is to be an essential part of our dynamic, informed, and cohesive community.
Our Core Values are:
Equality
We provide full access to free information, programming, and services to all community members and visitors.
Intellectual Freedom
We uphold individual privacy and the right to explore diverse points of view.
Education and Lifelong Learning
We promote literacy for all age groups through print, digital, and emerging technologies.
Social Responsibility
We strive to collaborate with community partners to provide a wide range of timely and innovative programs.
Integrity
We are committed to courteous, respectful service and responsible stewardship of all financial and physical resources.
Help us to stay relevant to your current and future needs by filling out our patron survey here.
Click here to view our Patron Conduct Policy
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Free Wifi Access
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Free Computer Access
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Copy and Print Services
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Museum and Park Passes which offer free or reduced rates to the following museums
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Maine Maritime Museum
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Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
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Maine Museum of Innovation, Learning and Labor
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Maine Wildlife Park
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Digital Navigator provided by Community Concepts offering free tech help Thursdays from 2:45-4:45pm
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Full MILS connected catalog See Search the Catalog below for details
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Library of Things including games, knitting needles, guitar, memory kits, seed library
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Story Time Wednesdays at 10AM
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Monthly Family Friendly Take and Make Craft
Our Mission, Vision, Values & Services
Services
Visit Us
6 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine 04217
Tel: 207.824.2520
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 130 Bethel ME 04217
Hours
Monday 9-1
Tuesday 12-5
Wednesday 9-1
Thursday 12-5
Friday 12-5
Saturday 9-1
We are closed on the following days:
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New Year's Day
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day
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Presidents' Day
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Patriot's Day
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Memorial Day
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Juneteenth
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Independence Day
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Labor Day
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Indigenous People's Day
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Veterans Day
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Thanksgiving Day
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Thanksgiving Friday
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Christmas Day
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Snow Days will be evaluated on a case-by- case basis.
Video on how to find and reserve a book at the library:
Search the Bethel Library Collection by clicking HERE or Search bit.ly/betlibcollection
You can also use the following QR code:
:MILS introductory video
Discover the Digital Collection
In addition to our great selection of books and periodicals, we also offer a variety of online digital library services. Click on the images below to access the service:
The Digital Maine Library provides every resident of Maine with access to online resources that include a collection of full text articles and abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals and reference. It also provides students, business people, public library patrons, and higher education students and educators the ability to use online learning tools.
Search the Catalog
cloudLibrary is an application the Bethel Library Association uses to offer our patrons access to a large database of online content. This content includes eBooks and audiobooks. The cloudLibrary has updated to configure with our new MILS database. You will need your library card number to gain access to the cloudLibrary. If you've updated your library card this is the long barcode on the back of your card. If you haven't updated your card this will be your short barcode with 'bet' after it. Your password will be the last 4 digits of the phone number you have on file with the Bethel Library. If no phone number was given to the library on sign up your password will default to 9876.
News
The Bethel Library now has game kits as part of our expanding Library of Things! They have the same loan period as other items in our collection: 3 weeks!
The Bethel Library offers access to a Digital Navigator for free tech help Thursdays from 2:45-4:45pm
Connect
Like us on Facebook and keep up with the latest announcements:
Donate
You do not need a PayPal account to make a donation. Click on the "Pay with Debit or Credit Card" button at the bottom of the PayPal link. Minimum donation is $10. Thank you!
You can always bring your monetary donation to the Library or mail us at:
PO Box 130, Bethel ME 04217
Calendar
Please click on each Event for more information.
Events include Story Time, GraceNote Book Clubs, Author Talks, NDEC classes, and craft programming. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more.
Recent Events
We want to thank everyone who participated in our Spring Fling event!
Congrats to the Spring Fling raffle winners!
Staff & Trustees
Library Blog
Library Director
Kelcy Arciga
Assistant Librarians
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Lee Hughes
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Nancy Stowell-White
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Jude Stratus
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Betsy Raymond
Trustees
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Lucy Abbott
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Nancy Brown
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Amy Chapman
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Darlene Beck
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Susan Parker
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Martha Siegel
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Paula Weisberger
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John Walker
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Tara Savage
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Eliza Hazen
Contact
Bethel Library Association
6 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine 04217
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 130 Bethel ME 04217
Tel: 207.824.2520
Copyright 2020 Bethel Library Association. Website design by www.monarchconsultinganddesign.com