Louis B Goodall Memorial Library Timeline

• 1900: First public library in Sanford opened on School Street near Washington School (now the parking lot between Guererro Maya restaurant and the post office).
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• 1937: Louis B Goodall Library built at the corner of Main and Elm Streets. Funded by Lela Thornburg, daughter of Mr. Goodall. Colonial revival architecture using then current construction methods. Designed by William Armitage of Portland.
• 1950: East side branch opened in the field house at Carpentier Park; moved to a storefront at High St and North Ave in 1963; closed in 1991.
• 1976: Two-story addition to Goodall Library completed. Main entrance relocated to Elm Street, improvinig handicapped access with automatic door openers and street-level wheelchair access.
• 1999: Replaced the “card-catalog” with a computerized library automation system.
• ~2000: Library website created (lbgoodall.org) 
• 2004: Elevator installed, funded by a Community Block Development Grant and several local foundations.
• 2006: Purchased twenty-six Dell desktop computers for staff and patrons.
• 2008: Goodall Library listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• 2011: Installed geo-thermal HVAC system, replacing the original oil burning furnace. Also installed other energy efficiency improvements. Funded by the library’s endowments, along with grants from Efficiency Maine and the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation.
• 2012: Purchased seven Lenovo laptop computers for patron use.
• 2012: Upgraded our computerized catalog automation system in partnership with Sanford Schools.
• 2013: Upgrade internet connection from COAX to fiber-optic.
• ~2018: Replaced all fluorescent tube lighting with energy-efficient LED.
• 2021: Joined the Maine State Library’s MINERVA consortium, expanding the catalog and inter-library loan service to include 60+ libraries.
• 2023: Joined the Maine State Library’s Reciprocal Borrowing program, essentially turning a Goodall Library card into a “statewide” library card. 
• 2023-25: Renovation and expansion. Funded by a federal Community Projects grant submitted by Chellie Pingree MC and a bequest from the Gladys Rothwell Estate. Temporary re-location to Shaw’s Plaza.
• July 7th, 2025 – Renovation complete, moved back into 952 Main Street, Sanford ME