In July of 2008, Swan’s Island Library and former Old Atlantic
Schoolhouse (circa 1903) was struck by lightning. The building
and its contents were completely destroyed by fire, and along
with it and important community gathering place and a treasured
piece of history. Three years to the month after the tragic
incident, the community gathered for the Grand Opening of the
new Swan’s Island Library. USDA Rural Development provided grant
funds in the amount of $398,000 in the form of a Community
Facility Grant under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
(ARRA) to help the community rebuild. This was one of the
largest grants in the nation given to a library under the ARRA
funds, and the largest grant ever given to a Maine library by
USDA Rural Development. Other funding was provided by insurance
proceeds and donations from the community. As a result of the
determination and commitment by the Swan’s Island community and
USDA Rural Development, the new 3,500 sq. ft library is now a
reality. The major benefits