Library History
Bonney Memorial Library is a welcoming, central gathering place for the community of Cornish and surrounding areas – a place for lifelong learning!
On a June night in 1928 at the Pike Memorial Hall, Dr. Sherman Bonney presented the keys of the Bonney Memorial Library to the Cornish Library Association. It was the occasion of the dedication exercises of the library, which Dr. Bonney built in tribute to his parents, Dr. Calvin Fairbanks Bonney and Mrs. Harriet Cheney Bonney. He closed his remarks with these words, “The donor has been permitted to honor the memory of his parents and at the same time make a slight contribution to the people of Cornish.”
In 2023, we celebrated Bonney Memorial Library’s 95th Birthday with a community party with cake & refreshments, a visit and book signing by beloved children’s author, Kevin Hawkes, and a “Stuffie Scavenger Hunt,” that families did, searching for stuffed toys hidden around the library, following clues. They had to answer questions about the library. In 2028, we’ll celebrate the library’s 100th Birthday!
Our Mission
Mission Statement: The Bonney Memorial Library endeavors to provide quality collections, resources, and services to meet and support the educational, informational, and recreational interests of all members of the community. Its doors are open to all who care to read and learn.
Our Staff & Volunteers
Thank you to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and trustees. Their hard work and commitment make all the difference at our community library.
Staff:
Sharon Beever, MSLS, Library Director
Cara Parent, Library Assistant
Volunteers:
Cyndy Burgess
Bill Cifuni
Danielle Marshall
Ana Volland
Volunteer Gardeners:
Betty Estes
Janet Berger
Cyndy Burgess
Library Trustees:
Stephanie Lair, President
Heather Newman, Vice President
Carolyn Jacobs, Secretary
Bob Tims, Treasurer
Colleen Tims
Eleanor Pansar
Scott Cecil
Allaire Palmer
Linda Humphrey
Connie Forbes
Gary Mason
Policies
Policies for Bonney Memorial Library are in place to help us to fulfill our mission.
Storm Closures
If the library is closed due to inclement weather or an emergency, you can find information on WCSH News Center Maine Channel 6, WMTW Channel 8 News or WGME Channel 13 News.
Community Room Use
We are working on finalizing our policies. This section will be updated soon! Please contact us in the meantime for more information.
Internet Use
Internet access is available to patrons at the Bonney Memorial Library in Cornish, Maine. We are very pleased to offer Internet access to our patrons. The Internet offers diverse and unique resources. Our goal is to promote individual growth and educational excellence for all members of our community by providing access to resources whether through our Internet connection or materials available from our library or other locations. Please click here to read our complete Internet Use Policy.
Bonney Memorial Library Cards
To apply for a new card, visit the library with a valid photo ID (and proof of address if your ID isn’t current) to sign the form and pick up your new card.
Students through Grade 12 may use their school and grade as ID/proof of residence. Children 5-12 years old will need a parent/legal guardian to sign their form. The form can be filled out at any time but to complete the process and receive a new card each applicant needs to come to the library in person.
Portland Public Library Cards
Bonney Memorial Library can help you to sign up a FREE Portland Public Library card. All residents of Cumberland and York counties are eligible for a free Portland Public Library card and, with the 14-digit number it provides, access to their amazing online resources including :
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Access to hundreds of online books through the CloudLibrary
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Genealogy information from Ancestry Plus and Heritage Quest
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World Languages – Learn a New Language with Mango Language
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Auto Repair Manuals
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Access to PPL Digital Commons: Portland Public Library Digital Commons
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Portland Public Library's Digital Commons is an open-access online portal featuring digitized materials that represent and preserve the history and community life of Portland, Maine.
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Kids ebooks
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And more!