Founded:
The library's roots extend back to the 1880s, when a group of Wayne citizens decided to form a small lending library. Dues were collected to help buy books. Over the years the collection grew and the library was housed in various town locations.
In the 1920s library users began raising money for a permanent home. After years of fund-raising, the library was built in 1938. It was named in honor of Annie Louise Cary, whose family made a sizable bequest to the building fund, and this gift enabled the plans for the present building to become a reality.
Annie Louise Cary was born in Wayne in 1841 and was America's first operatic prima donna.
Collections:
The Cary Memorial Library has a cataloged collection of over 12,000 items, including current and classic fiction, a Maine Collection, a children's collection, non-fiction, a teen collection, large print books, audiobooks on CD, DVDs, magazines and local history materials.
The Wayne Historical Society and the Town Archival Board maintain the library's Historical Archives. A complete index of our historical records as well as a collection of local histories of Wayne and surrounding towns are also available for use in the library.
Facilities:
The library's 75-year-old building was being renovated and updated in 2013.
Hours:
Monday 9 - 1 and 3 - 7
Tuesday 3 - 7
Wednesday 2 - 7
Thursday 3 - 7
Friday - closed
Saturday 9 - 3
Sunday - closed
Activities:
Visit the Cary Memorial Library website