The McArthur Public Library's mission is to connect the Biddeford community with materials, programs, services, and informational and cultural resources needed to lead fuller, better, and richer lives.
We have been doing this since Biddeford's first library opened in October 1863 as a city department and occupied a room in the City Building. When the City Building burned in 1894, the Mayor recommended that a private association assume the responsibility of maintaining a public library for the benefit of the city's residents. Using seed money willed to the association by Elizabeth Stevens, a retired employee of the Laconia mills, and the energy of Robert McArthur, an Agent of the Pepperell mills, the association bought the former Pavillion Congregational Church at 270 Main Street and dedicated the McArthur Library in October of 1902 - and we have been here ever since.
Daily life in Biddeford, Saco and the surrounding areas are wonderfully reflected in our local newspaper collections, which cover both cities going back to the 1840's, along with some even earlier single issues. It has long been our dream to make these priceless historical resources available to our community 24/7 and, of course, free of charge - we are thrilled to make this happen at long last.
Our collections, including local history and newspapers, are accessible to our in - person visitors at any time that the library is open. You do not need a card to access these collections.
Library Hours:
Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Sunday - CLOSED