KENNEBUNKPORT — When libraries were first established, their main function was as a repository for books that were loaned to members in their communities.

Today, that is still a primary function – but they also have many more.

The Louis T. Graves Memorial Public Library offers more than 400 programs, such as reading programs for children and instructional programs to adults; provides meeting space for numerous local organizations; and supplies computer and Wi-Fi services, e-book and audio lending, and more to its patrons.

The role of the library is growing and changing, said library board member George Emery, who is also the chair of the library’s fundraising committee.

“We are pleased that the library is growing, but increased use has brought challenges in finding space to meet that growth,” Emery said in a press release.

To address the changing role of the library, its board is planning a major addition.

Last month, library trustees launched the $1 million Mothers Wing Capital Campaign to finance the addition and pay for updates to the existing building.

To build the Mothers Wing – “named in honor of all mothers who have utilized the library’s services over the past century to encourage their children to read,” according to the press release – the board plans to remove the Perkins Building, which is situated behind the main building. That structure is owned by the library, and is currently used primarily for the library’s book sale.

In its place, a 4,500- square-foot addition would be built to provide more space for the library’s collections and programs. The current library building measures 5,320 square feet.

In addition to more space, an elevator for enhanced handicapped access would be installed, and the library’s aging infrastructure – including the heating and air conditioning systems – would be updated, according to the press release.

The changes are designed “to consolidate and make (the library) more efficient,” said library Director Mary Lou Boucouvalas. The building “will do a little bit of everything.”

The board has known more space was needed for several years, said board President Christian Barner. “The project has been in the works for a long time,” he said. Serious planning for the project began two years ago, and the capital campaign was announced last month.

Already, the library is more than halfway to its $1 million goal, he said.

“The project is going to happen,” said Barner. “…We’re hoping to break ground this fall. Hopefully, it will be completed sometime (in the) spring.”

As planned, the addition will maintain the historic integrity of the existing building, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary and is listed on the National Historic Register.

“We recognize that the library is a signature structure in the towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport,” said Emery. “As a result, we have worked closely with architects who specialize in historic structures to ensure that we preserve the character of this classic building while providing library users with an expanded and fully updated facility.”

The addition should “look exactly like the existing library,” said Barner. “It is important to us that this not feel like a significant expansion. We want that local, small-town space that everybody loves.”

A public hearing on the project is scheduled for 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at the North Street Fire Station, at which time the town’s Planning Board could vote on whether to approve the project.

The initial review of the application took place on July 20. Some questions were raised as to whether the Perkins Building, which is to be demolished, was a historic building, said Planning & Development Director Werner Gilliam. That didn’t seem to be the case, as it appears that building was built in the 1950s, he said.

The board didn’t raise any substantive issues, said Gilliam, and unless significant issues are raised at the public hearing, the board will likely approve the project on Aug. 3.

Trustees hope residents and visitors will support to the campaign to modernize and expand the library. To make a donation, visit graveslibrary.org.

— Associate Editor Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or [email protected].