WATERVILLE — People who love the public library — and have treasures tucked away in their attics — may hit two birds with one stone July 12.

They can learn about the value of their treasures and help raise money for Waterville Public Library at the same time, at an antiques appraisal fair to benefit the library’s $3.1 million capital campaign.

The fair, to feature James D. Julia Auctioneers, of Fairfield, will be held 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the REM Forum Room at The Center downtown. The Center is located at 93 Main St.

The city has committed to pitching in $1.5 million toward the library’s capital campaign.

“We have raised $650,000 from foundations and personal gifts and so, that leaves us with a bit to make up,” said Suanne Muehlner, who is co-chairing the library’s capital campaign with Jay Violette.

Renovations to the library, built in 1905, will include building a new entrance on Appleton Street, fixing the roof and installing an elevator and new heating and air-conditioning systems. New programs and resources for young children, teens, seniors, parents and other adults also are planned as part of the project.

Muehlner said Sunday that library officials hope to start construction in about a year.

“This (antiques appraisal) is our first major fund raising effort and it’s so important to do something that gets the community involved and behind the library effort and this library project,” Muehlner said.

Those wanting to have items appraised will be asked to pay $5 per item for a verbal estimate and $10 for a written estimate. The limit is five items per person.
Early bird appointments are available from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. for a cost of $8 per item for a verbal estimate and $12 an item for a written estimate. The limit is eight items per person.

Those wanting to make an early bird appointment are asked to send an e-mail with name and phone number to WPLappraisals@gmail.com and appointments will be made on a first-come basis.

People also may sign up for a home or “walk-around” appraisal in which an appraiser goes to their homes, for just $100.

“This is a real benefit for people,” Muehlner said. “For 100 bucks they come in and walk through your house and look at things. It’s a great idea for to have an appraisal for insurance purposes. I’m going to have it done.”

Julia appraisers have expertise in art glass, lamps, paintings, furniture, toys and dolls, jewelry, Americana, firearms, military pieces, books, print media, advertising, and Native American items, according to information issued by the library.

Children’s Librarian Kathleen Kenney said Sunday that the fund raiser will be fun and help with important library renovations that will enable her and others to do their jobs better. The children’s room will be rearranged as a result of the changes and circulation will be centralized. That will allow her and other library employees to concentrate on programming, keep the collection up-to-date and make navigating the library easier.

The new elevator will benefit both employees and patrons, including mothers with children in strollers who have a very difficult time maneuvering stairways in the absence of an elevator.

“It will be easier to get everything you want — for everybody,” Kenney said.
She said the renovations will help showcase the facility’s impressive collection — and protect it.

“It really is quite a good collection so it seems a shame to put a treasure in a leaky shoe box,” she said.

Amy Calder — 861-9247
acalder@centralmaine.com