Books in Glass Case

If you have spent time browsing our nonfiction section recently, you may have stopped to admire the beautiful glass-front bookcase. The historic books housed inside this case aren’t just for display—they represent the very foundation of the library's history. These volumes are some of the original books from the Alfred Reading Club, which were generously given to the library in 1903 to start its very first collection. They serve as a physical reminder of our community's long-standing love for reading and learning.

It is incredible to see how much we have grown from those first few shelves of books. Today, the library houses over 12,000 materials in its permanent collection, offering a vast array of topics, genres, and resources right here in Alfred. But our shelves are no longer limited by our walls. Thanks to Inter-Library Loan (ILL), our patrons now have access to millions of books across the entire state of Maine. If we don't have the specific title you are looking for on our shelves, we can bring it here just for you.

As technology has evolved, so has our mission to keep our community connected. In 2024, the library officially joined the Download Library consortium. This exciting upgrade allows our patrons to instantly borrow and download thousands of ebooks and audiobooks directly from their smartphones, tablets, or e-readers.

At the start of 2026, we are also excited to expand our reach by starting a brand-new home delivery service for Alfred residents who find it difficult to visit our physical library building, bringing books and resources right to your doorstep.