LEWISTON — The Lewiston Public Library has launched a $1 million fundraising campaign to renovate its children’s department.

According to Lewiston Library Director Joseph Houston, $500,000 will go toward construction costs, with $400,000 to expand future program offerings. The remaining $100,000 will go towards outreach efforts. Money will also go toward improving the library’s technology and providing a learning place for schools and other organizations.

The library has raised more than $240,000.

“We really need a space here in Lewiston that can captivate kids and get their imaginations fired and get them excited for learning, excited for reading,” said Houston. “We’re hoping that with a new area that kids can come in here and say, ‘wow this is great.’”

Lewiston Public Library is Maine’s second largest public library in terms of service area, Houston said. Only Portland Public Library is bigger.

Lewiston is home to approximately 7,700 children. Houston says this year, 20% of children in Lewiston have a library card, a number he says tends to hover around 50% at most public libraries.

“We need to have the funds to be able to do programs in the community, meet people where they are and get people excited to come to the library,” said Houston. 

Lewiston resident Kevin McGrory said he and his five-year-old Beatrix visit the library as much as possible. He brings his daughter to the library so she can immerse herself in books, something he did at her age.

“Modernizing the library is the only way you will get people, both kids and adults, to come through the doors,” said McGrory. “Plus, these kids are the future of our country. Libraries are the gatekeeper of education, and the Lewiston Public Library needs to do what they can to keep up with what kids need these days.”

Anyone interested in donating towards the Lewiston Public Library’s renovation project can donate in-person or at its campaign website.