vose library ribbon

About Vose Library

Vose Library has been a community place for readers, learners, and neighbors since 1931.

We’re proud to serve Union and the surrounding communities of Appleton, Hope, Warren, Washington, Waldoboro, and Friendship.

Welcome to Vose Library

We’re more than just a place to borrow books, we’re a community space.

At Vose Library, you’ll find books, movies, magazines, audiobooks, and e-books for all ages.

We offer public computers, free WiFi, and printing services. We host programs and events throughout the year, from book clubs and yoga to kids’ activities and author talks.

We hope to see you soon!

Our History

Vose Library was founded in 1931 with a bequest from Helen Ayer Vose, a school teacher born in Union, who left a collection of books and $5,000 to establish a public library.

Helen Vose, Founder of Vose Library

1931

Library founded with Helen Ayer Vose’s bequest.

The library’s first location was the located on the second floor of the Vose building, above a local business.

1938

Moved to the Masonic Block, in a corner of the local grocery store.

1976

Relocated to the newly-renovated Robbins House (rented from Union Historical Society).

1999

Capital campaign launched for a permanent home.

2011

Moved into our own new building at 392 Common Road.

Today, Vose Library continues Helen Vose’s legacy by serving our community with free access to books, resources, and programs for all.

Mission & Vision

To advance learning, inspire curiosity, enrich lives, and promote community.

To support a community engaged in lifelong learning.

Our Vision for Technology is to intentionally support our mission by providing access to tools and serving as a technological resource for a community engaged in lifelong learning inside and outside the library.

Our Team

Our team is here to help you find your next great read, answer questions, and make you feel at home.

We are also supported by a dedicated team of volunteers.

Emily Sigsbee

Library Director

Sadie McAdams

Library Assistant

Board of Trustees

Vose Library is guided by a volunteer Board of Trustees who provide oversight and support for the library’s mission and operations.

Dave Poulin
Board President
Sharon Caron
Board Treasurer
Laura Schuh
Board Secretary
Howard Butler
Trustee
Amy Cornell
Trustee
Laurie Warden
Trustee
Bob Williams
Trustee

Interested in joining the board or learning more? Contact us at hello@voselibrary.org.

Corporation Membership

Vose Library is a nonprofit corporation governed by its members. Community involvement is at the heart of who we are.

Who Can Become a Member?

Any adult resident of the Union Area is eligible for membership in the Vose Library corporation.

Members may be elected by a majority vote of the members present at any regular or special meeting.

Annual Meeting

The annual meeting of Vose Library is held each year in June.

Interested in becoming a member or attending the annual meeting? Contact us at hello@voselibrary.org.

Our Art Collection

Vose Library is proud to display original works by notable artists. Stop by to see these pieces in person.

Bernard Langlais

Two works by Maine artist Bernard Langlais are on view in our lobby, thanks to a partnership with Colby College and the Kohler Foundation. Langlais (1921–1977) was known for his bold, whimsical wood sculptures and is celebrated as one of Maine’s most distinctive folk artists.

More Langlais works can be seen on the Langlais Art Trail at other cultural institutions throughout Maine.

Joseph Fiore

Vose Library is the fortunate recipient of “Rock with Pictograph,” a work from Joseph Fiore’s “Rock Paintings” collection. The artwork was a gift from the Maine Farmland Trust, in collaboration with the Falcon Foundation.

Fiore (1925–2008) was an acclaimed avant-garde artist known for his abstract compositions. An environmentalist, he drew inspiration from the natural world. Between 1975 and 1987, he produced a collection of Rock Paintings inspired by geology and Maine’s landscape.

Anthony Venti

Local artist Anthony Venti has graciously donated two prints to Vose Library.

One print, originally submitted as an entry for the Common Ground Fair, went on to represent The Wild Blueberry Association of America and was part of a cultural exchange between the US and Japan, displayed at the Aomori Prefectural Museum.

Another piece, “The Voyage Begins,” depicts an old bookshop scene — a model galleon, sun-streamed windows, and a worn wooden floor — capturing the quiet magic of a place where ideas come alive.

Vose Library Photo Gallery

Take a peek inside Vose Library and see what we’re all about.

Vose Library Policies

Our policies help ensure a welcoming, safe, and fair environment for all visitors. Click on a policy below to view the full document:

Behavior Policy | Building Use Policy | Bylaws | Child Safety and Vulnerable Adults Policy | Circulation Policy | Closure Policy | Collection Development Policy | Computer and Internet | Electronic Device Borrowing Policy | Endowment Policy | Exhibit Policy | Financial Policy | Gifts Policy | Informational Display Space Policy | Patron Rights Policy | Record Retention and Security Policy | Reference Services Policies | Smoking Policy | Technology Help Policy

Questions or concerns? Reach out to use at hello@voselibrary.org.

 

Klaviyo form display here.