Island librarian passes away


An island and Maine librarian passed away on February 26, 2017 at the age of 96.

Charlotte Hall, librarian, lived on Swan’s Island for several years in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.  She came to the island as the wife of Winslow Hall who served as pastor of the Advent Christian Church. Charlotte put her library skills to work at the fairly “new” library that was formed in 1970 and located in the Lee House next to the ferry terminal. Charlotte organized the books and the building.  She developed a card catalog for the Swan’s Island Library and trained several islanders to catalog with 3 x 5 cards and a typewriter. She made sure those who would be taking care of the library when she left the island knew how to continue with her work. SIES was organized in 1970 and became a 501(c)3 in 1972.

Mrs. Hall supported Nancy Carter, an islander, to receive training under CETA (Comprehensive Employment and Training Act) in library science around 1980.  Nancy now serves on the Board of Trustees for the Swan’s Island Educational Society.

Charlotte was a wonderful, kind woman who was always smiling. Her work and training provided the support needed as we moved into new building, the Old Atlantic Schoolhouse.  The card catalog she created provided a wonderful finding aid until we automated of our library catalog.  She set us on a path and we haven’t looked back since.  Thank you, Charlotte, and God speed.