Topsham Public Library, Topsham, Maine -- History and Genealogy Section

The Topsham Public Library in Topsham, Maine was a priority visit for me, since my husband has relatives in this town, and I have visited Topsham for 20 years but never thought about their library. My husband knew where this new 2004 library was, and when we went, I was sure he was taking me to an assisted living center. It looks like one on the outside, with the main rooms on the top floor, the huge parking area was surrounded by lots of manicured grass. Emma J. Gibbon, a librarian gave me a tour and was extremely helpful. Although there wasn't a huge genealogy section, I got a few surprises with the library.

Front entrance (above), back view (below).

Reading area with lots of light and woods.

Genealogy and History books.

The Brunswick Record books were in a small private reading room. When I first saw these books, a few months prior, I had no idea what was in-between the covers. I was far more curious the second time I visited the library. It turns out, The Brunswick Record was the town newspaper. Below is a copy of the January 8, 1931 issue. There is an article on this page about the new Topsham Library stating it was opening on January 15, 1931.

Children's section (above). Their back door leads to a large

backyard, a play area for the kids with a small picnic table, so cute.

The Stephen and Tabitha King

Young Adult Room (above)

Loved this painting. The Androscoggin River separates Brunswick and Topsham. 

The two surprises were the Brunswick Record books in the small study room (I was thinking, at least they didn't throw them away). It wasn't until a few months later that I found out it was holding old newspapers and not town records. Second, I'm glad I read all the labels outside of all rooms because seeing Stephen and Tabitha King's name was a pleasant surprise.