The Scarborough Public Library provides opportunities for cultural, personal and intellectual enrichment in a safe and welcoming environment.
For over one hundred years the library has served as the common ground and heart of the community. Toward the turn of the 20th century, a group of women and men of the First Parish Church on the Black Point Road, collected and shared their books. This idea of sharing became so popular that on August 2, 1899, the first meeting was held of people desiring to become incorporated as proprietors of a social library, with seven present. These seven appeared before a Justice of the Peace and thus the Scarboro Public Library Corporation was organized and recorded. Seven people demonstrated more than 100 years ago that a strong desire to share books could build a library.
The mission of the Scarborough Public Library is to provide Scarborough citizens and other patrons of all ages with a high quality facility and services, consistent with available community resources. This shall include:
• a stimulating and welcoming atmosphere,
• access to knowledge through diverse formats,
• assistance with access to information,
• support for formal or independent education, and
• opportunities for lifelong learning and enjoyment.
