McFalls library to move to town offices

MECHANIC FALLS — The Mechanic Falls Library Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday to close the downtown location and move into the town office.

The Library will be located on the third floor currently occupied by Region School Unit #16’s Adult Education program. The Adult Ed program was formally given notice today and as per the current lease conditions, either party needed to give 180 days’ notice of intent to void the lease.

The building formerly occupied by Androscoggin Head Start, located on the municipal complex property and vacant since June of 2010, will become the new home for the Adult Education program. Under the conditions of the new lease, the town will rent the building to RSU#16 for a $1 per month and is offering a 20-year lease.

All expenses to operate the building including utilities, insurance and maintenance, will become the responsibility of the RSU. The town will provide plowing and sanding of the parking area. Adult Ed has been given permission to begin modifying the space to meet their needs and expects to begin moving their operation at the conclusion of this school year.

“This is really a win, win situation all around. Adult Ed gets a larger space at a lower cost, the Library moves to a larger space that is in much better condition, and the Town goes from maintaining three buildings to one,” said Town Manager John Hawley

The public library will make minor modifications to the town office space once Adult Ed has moved and should be open this summer. The library, located on Elm Street has been using the building since 1938. It will be vacated and listed for sale in June.