Turner Public Library
Books are just the beginning...
About TPL
Where can you find us?
98 Matthews Way
Turner ME 04282
When can you visit?
Tuesday & Thursday 12:00 - 7:00 pm
Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
What is the Turner Public Library Mission Statement?
Proceeding from the conviction that the sharing of information and culture is essential to an individual's flourishing and a vital society, the Turner Public Library provides a space for social gathering and the exchange of ideas in addition to curated collections and programs to address the community's needs and to advance its interests.
What is the history of the library?
The Turner Public Library was founded by members of the community in 1939. It is a non-profit corporation. Support for its operations comes from extensive fund raising efforts, from a bequest given by Oakes Kilgore, and from a contribution toward operating expenses given annually by the Town of Turner. The library also depends heavily upon its volunteers. They play a vital role in both fund raising and library operations.
French Fry, TPL's mascot, joined the library as our Children's Ambassador and all round friend, free to roam the library when accompanied by a young reader. Named by TPL's young patrons, French Fry is a North American River Otter, also known as a Common Otter, found locally in this area of Maine.
MEET THE TEAM
Nicole Van Tassel
Library Director
Rebecca Trujillo
Library Assistant
Nicole Van Tassel joined TPL in October of 2022. After visiting the library for years with her children she was delighted to join the team! Nicole is a homeschooling mom of five, runs a variety of programs for homeschoolers in the community, is active in her church and has a background in Early Childhood Education. For fun she loves to curl up with a good book, take a nap or work on her photography business. Her family keeps her busy but she loves meeting new people at the library!
Becca joined TPL in June of 2023 after years of being a patron of the library. Becca is a lifelong resident of Leeds, and is excited to have a job in her local community. Becca has worked with families and children since 2005 in several capacities including teaching, childcare, advocacy and doula work. In her free time she does pottery, painting, baking, fiber arts, and many other hobbies.
Emily Grant
Library Aide
Emily joined TPL in March 2023. Emily grew up in Leeds and graduated from Leavitt, and after some time away for college and grad school (she has her Master's degree in music therapy and is a board certified music therapist), she is back and so happy to be with the library! Emily also volunteers with the Leeds fire department, and enjoys yoga, and hiking with her dog.
Stephanie Christner
Library Aide
Stephanie Christner's family moved to Turner in 2016 although her husband grew up here. She is a mother of two teens and enjoys spending time with family. Some of her hobbies include reading, hiking, and playing board games. She is very excited to be a part of the TPL team.
Brittany Gilman
Library Aide
Brittany Gilman moved to Turner in 2021 with her husband, two young sons, their dog Maizy and their 10 chickens. She has a Bachelors in nursing from University of Maine and is currently a stay at home mom. She enjoys spending time outdoors and with friends and family. Her family visits the library weekly which inspired her to join the library team!