Merrill Memorial Library — Attraction in Yarmouth

It’s ok. Slightly weird vibe that I’m not sure how to describe. “Old” works but not in a majestic way. It’s not in disrepair, but not an updated feel for sure. Chairs older and not very comfortable. Not a ton of parking. Hours seem a bit limited.

It looks large from the outside, but has half the space you’d expect on the inside. They have only one room that can be reserved for meetings, study sessions, etc.

In the room with the work tables, beware the lamp outlets. They aren’t attached to the table in any way and when you attempt to plug in your device, they will slide off the table VERY easily. Totally unexpected. I caught the lamp before it hit the ground on my first visit. (Ummmm… VELCRO, anyone?) The electrical sockets are also extremely loose.

I guess my main gripe/shock is the REALLY SLOW Internet speed. This is Yarmouth… not known for being “poor,” but the Internet speed is sad. It’s around 25 up/down. Slowest I’ve seen in a public library anywhere and slower than many places with public access like McDonald’s. The cheapest spectrum plan is 100 down. My phone gets 100-200 Mbps in many places. i’m not sure what going on there. It’s odd.

If you need to video conference with your doctor or anyone else and the library has a lot of simultaneously Internet users, it might not go well for you.

So, 25 Mbps is just sad. Like really sad. Impoverished sad. For anywhere in the U.S. So, for $$$$$ YARMOUTH? It’s over the top embarrassing. Really embarrassing.

The Maine Visitor Center just off 295… which is maybe 3 miles away, has an open hotspot that is twice as fast.

The Internet situation matches with the “old” vibe. It’s like some older person that has almost zero knowledge of technology made the decision to go with DSL.

Anyway, they have AC, so someone told them about that invention.

Bottom line, an OK amount of space, somewhat uncomfortable desk chairs, laughably slow internet, slippery unattached lamps with loose outlets, books on shelves, somewhat moderately limited hours, indoor plumbing and electricity and a staff.

It’a a library. I’ve seen less affluent areas have far better ones. Forget where you are and you’ll be satisfied enough. Remember, and you’ll be scratching your head a little. As the saying goes, I guess you get what you get and you (don’t , do, or...

We have all good things to say about MML. The staff is wonderful and they will walk you through the library to find what you want. The events are fun for all ages! Toddler Messy time is absolutely a fun time! The selection is wonderful, and the library is so tidy. My five year old just loves books and they make his learning experiences exciting! Thanks for keeping paper alive!

Update: my son is now 7 and we still enjoy the summer bingo sheet and the events hosted by the library! It's such a great library...

I love coming here it is amazing! My first time here I felt like a complete weirdo XD and I just fit in immediately! I love the MML (Merrill Memorial Library) The thing I love most about it is everything. Free coffee, great books, great librarians. I just love Yarmouth Maine period. This is the Nashville of Tennessee. You can't go to Maine without coming...