Winter Harbor Public Library

Some libraries are worth visiting for the books alone. Others have a story of their own to tell.

Winter Harbor Public Library offers both.

Housed inside historic Channing Chapel, this welcoming community library is a place to discover a good book, explore local history, connect with neighbors, or simply enjoy a quiet moment surrounded by beautiful architecture.

A Building with a Story to Tell

The library's home is one of Winter Harbor's architectural treasures.

Channing Chapel was built in 1888 through the efforts of David Flint, a summer resident who envisioned a Unitarian chapel for the community. Local residents helped gather beach and field stones for its construction, creating the distinctive stone building that still stands today.

The chapel was dedicated in August 1888, and Flint established a library of classics in an upstairs room.

Over the decades, the building's purpose and ownership changed. The library eventually moved elsewhere, but in 1996 it returned to Channing Chapel, reconnecting a community institution with its historic home.

Today, visitors can admire the chapel's stonework, vaulted wooden ceilings, and remarkable stained-glass windows while exploring the library's collections.

More Than Books

Winter Harbor Public Library offers a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and jigsaw puzzles.

Its collection of books by and about Maine is especially fitting for a library on the Schoodic Peninsula. Readers can discover Maine authors, explore regional history, or find something new to enjoy.

Digital resources provide access to e-books and audiobooks, while internet access and library computers help residents and visitors stay connected.

For younger readers, the children's collection offers colorful books and opportunities to develop a lifelong love of reading.

A Place Where Community Happens

The library is also a gathering place.

Book discussions, Mahjong gatherings, author presentations, and other activities bring people together to learn, share ideas, and enjoy one another's company.

Whether you're a year-round resident, a seasonal visitor, or someone exploring Winter Harbor for the first time, the library offers a friendly place to connect with the community.

A Little Something Extra for Visitors

Beyond its shelves, the library offers practical amenities that can make a day in Winter Harbor easier.

Visitors can use wireless internet, relax in the reading room, browse used books for sale, or enjoy the outdoor seating and gardens.

The library also provides free electric vehicle charging stations in its parking lot, with donations appreciated.

Preserving the Past, Welcoming the Future

Winter Harbor Public Library represents something special about small communities: the way history, generosity, and shared interests can come together in one place.

From the stones gathered for Channing Chapel more than a century ago to the books and programs enjoyed there today, the library continues to serve as a welcoming resource for Winter Harbor and the surrounding area.

Stop in, look around, and discover a little piece of Schoodic history. You might even leave with your next favorite book.