Introduction

One thing I love about being a Mainer is being able to share the treasures of this state with my kids. I have two young boys who love to be outside digging in the dirt, fishing, or riding their bikes. I like these activities too, but I tend to have a book in my hand while supervising their outdoor activities. I love to read, I love Maine, and I love my family. 

I’ve lived in Maine my entire life. I didn’t have that itch so many young people talk about in High School where they just want to get away from their small town. I wanted to stay. I saw the beauty in Maine even at a young age. It wasn’t just the scenery that held me tight, it was the close sense of community that I came to trust and feel safe in, in my town but also in Maine as a whole. 

Life slowed down a little for me when my second son was born. I was no longer working full time. I was able to take my youngest to story hour at our local library. This free activity to attend with my son during the week felt like such a gift. We signed up for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program. The daunting challenge is really attainable when you break it down. 

On a family weekend trip to Damariscotta, Maine, in early 2025, we walked downtown, grabbed coffee from a local shop, and then, enticed by a book sale sign on the sidewalk, popped into the library. Here is where I realized that we were welcome in any library. Libraries are public spaces and even if you don’t live in that town you can still go to the library. You can use the WIFI, you can browse a newspaper, your kids can play a game or read a book, and often libraries have ongoing book sales so you can still leave with a book to read. 

Being a part-time stay-at-home mom, creating reading goals for my youngest through 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, realizing that I am welcome in any public library, and having a deep love for the state of Maine, triggered an idea that seemed impossible at first. I wanted to read a book to my youngest son in every public library in Maine. My oldest son, being in school, wouldn’t be available for the number of day trips it would take to reach this goal, but he could come along during summer vacation and any weekend trips we took. 

This idea seemed crazy, but after some mapping and creating spreadsheets, it started to seem possible. I didn’t know what we would discover and I didn’t set out to gain anything more than exploring the state I love while reading books with my son. After nearly a year of driving around Maine and about 200 library visits, the richness this adventure has added to my life is immeasurable. 

I am happy to have the opportunity to share my adventures. We have seen some pretty cool things, walked though many historic buildings, visited nine island libraries with more on our schedule, met some wonderful Maine people, and, of course, read lots and lots of books! My oldest son has gained a better understanding of Maine geography and helps me map out each county that we visit. My youngest son has noticeably expanded his vocabulary. As for me, I’ve gained a new layer of love for Maine and its tight-knit communities, rural back roads, and the people who characterize what it means to be a Mainer. I will gladly take the road less traveled in order to avoid the Augusta rotaries, Route 1 in the summer, or I-95. Rural roads may take me a bit longer to reach my destination, but the views are worth every extra mile.