The West Buxton Public Library traces its beginnings back to 1925 when it was organized in the West Buxton Baptist Church on the hill on River Road by the dam. The Masonic Building, also on River Road in West Buxton, was its second home until 1953 when service to the community went dormant. The library came out of its five-year dormancy in 1958 under the leadership of Edward M. Elwell where it found its new and current home in the former District #12 Schoolhouse (circa 1853) keeping its location in the West Buxton village area and still on River Road. The resurrection of the library resulted from the perception that such a facility was needed by the residents of the village area on both sides of the Saco River: Buxton and Hollis.

The library has benefited for most of its history from the financial support of the Towns of Buxton and Hollis. The annual appropriations have been supplemented by book and bake sales, memorial gifts, miscellaneous gifts and many monetary donations and collections.

The Saco River Flood of 1936 caused extensive water damage to the building. It wasn't until 1991 that the sills and entire flooring of the library was able to be replaced. Later that same year, the Maine Army National Guard replaced damaged walls and made other needed repairs including a handicap ramp. A new roof was installed. A new bathroom was installed in 1999 after a well was drilled and septic system constructed. This was a very worthy project and is greatly appreciated by all.

In June 1997 the computer was upgraded and internet access was established through high-speed cable modem. Another computer was obtained. In 2006 another upgrade was made to both computers. The library went WiFi in December 2006. Two computers were donated in 2007. The library now has three computers for patron use and one for staff use.

The operating budget has increased from approximately $100 in the 1950's to the current level of $9600. Building repairs have been completed. A NNO Grant was received and the carpeting was replaced and new tile was placed in the restroom and the foyer. Two storm doors with screen inserts have been placed on the front of the building and a screen door was placed at the ramp read door.

Improvements are constantly being made to make the library a warm and inviting place to study, read, access the internet, borrow books and audio/video media. Coffee/tea are offered on Saturday mornings for free. There is an inviting, comfortable reading area that can be enjoyed in the evenings or on Saturday morning. Cribbage and Scrabble boards are available for games.

Carrie Redlon's Reading Room has a donated rocking chair and a donated rolling cart being used for board books and audio/video materials. There are many new books and audio books for the children.

The library is staffed by dedicated volunteers who are knowledgeable and will aid the patrons with their needs. The library also offers through the Portland Public Library the interlibrary loan system. Any resource that cannot be provided by this library may be obtained through the interlibrary loan system.

All visitors are welcome to the Library. Monthly events are held throughout the year and the public is always invited. Come visit your local one-room schoolhouse library, borrow a book and read!