The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library will host a Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours event on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The event will take place at the library, located at 4 Oak Street in Boothbay Harbor on the corner of Oak Street and McKown Streets.

The library parking lot is very small, so attendees for the Business After Hours should park in the Howard Street parking lot across from Boothbay Harbor Town Office.

The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library has been providing library service to the residents of Boothbay peninsula since 1924. In 1906, the citizens of Boothbay Harbor voted to establish a free public library, and in 1922, the library moved to the first floor of the Townsend building on Oak Street. In 1923, the need for more library space, along with a desire for a World War I Memorial, led to the approval of a bond for the purchase of the Chapman Reed property just across the street.

Originally designed as a private home, this beautifully proportioned Greek Revival temple-style structure was built in the 1840's by William Maxwell Reed. In 1923, the town of Boothbay Harbor purchased the property on Oak Street from the heirs of Chapman Reed. The dedication ceremony was held in July of 1923. The Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library was incorporated the following year, and currently operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

In 2014 the library embarked on a three phase renovation and expansion project. The Phase 1 completion, in June 2014, expanded the usable space of the building by 80 percent. Phase 2 will see the construction of an exterior elevator, and Phase 3 will complete the expansion with a shared storage building and connector between the library and the Friends of the Library Used Book Store.

The new space includes a conference room for library program use as well as a meeting space for local organizations. A dedicated room for youth has also been built, allowing the library to begin planning for more programs to serve the youth population of the area. In addition, the library’s HVAC system is completely new, allowing the library to provide a space for visitors that is comfortable year round.

This Business After Hours will give the community a chance to see the library’s renovations first hand and learn about the new features and services that are now available at the library. Refreshments will be provided by Capers Catering. Guests are encouraged to bring their business cards to be entered into a drawing to win one of several door prizes, including at least one book bag with a gift certificate to the Used Book Store, another book bag with a signed copy of Richard Ford’s latest book “Let Me Be Frank with You,” and another book bag with a signed print by local artist Thomas Block (suitable for a child’s bedroom wall).

The chamber’s Business After Hours events are open to members and non-members, and everyone from the business community is encouraged to participate. The event is complimentary to chamber members and $10 per person for non-members which goes to support a stipend for our summer intern. We have several Business After Hours scheduled so far and welcome more with an average attendance of 80 people. Please register to attend by visiting www.boothbayharbor.com or by calling 207-633-2353. We would also be happy to work with you to learn about how you can become a host.

Since being founded 52 years ago in 1962, the Boothbay Harbor Region Chamber of Commerce has grown into a first-rate, multi-service membership organization that currently serves close to 400 members. We hope that you will be able to join us for the Harbor Lights festival on Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Boothbay Harbor.