Waldo County is located in the Mid-Coast region of Maine, encompassing a total area of 1,876 square miles. The county is bordered by Knox County to the east and Lincoln County to the west, and the Penobscot Bay lies to its south. The county is home to numerous rivers and streams, including the Ducktrap River, St. George River, Medomak River and Passagassawakeag River. In addition, Waldo County also includes several islands in Penobscot Bay such as Islesboro Island, North Haven Island and Vinalhaven Island.

The weather in Waldo County is typical of that found in coastal New England areas with cold winters and cool summers. Average temperatures range from a low of 19°F in January to a high of 75°F in July. Snowfall averages around 60 inches per year while rainfall averages around 40 inches per year.

Waldo County has an estimated population of 35,945 according to the 2019 U.S Census Bureau estimates which represents a 0.1% decrease since 2010 when it had an estimated population of 36,000 people. The population is spread across 21 townships with Belfast being the most populous with over 6500 residents according to 2019 estimates followed by Winterport with 4200 residents and Searsport with 3800 residents according to 2019 estimates.

Economy of Waldo County, Maine

Waldo County has a diverse economy that includes industries such as tourism, fishing, aquaculture, manufacturing, and government services. Tourism is one of the county’s main sources of income with attractions such as the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath and the Penobscot Bay Region Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center in Rockland drawing visitors year-round. Fishing and aquaculture are also important to the county’s economy with many businesses relying on these industries for their livelihoods. Manufacturing is another key industry in Waldo County with companies such as Verona Island Boat Works, Inc., Knox Woolen Mill, and Waldo County Plastics producing a variety of goods.

The county is also home to several government agencies including the Maine Department of Education and Department of Environmental Protection which employ hundreds of people in Waldo County. In addition, Waldo County has a thriving small business sector with many entrepreneurs starting their own businesses in retail, hospitality, healthcare, technology, and other sectors.

Waldo County has seen an increase in economic activity over the past few years due to investments from both private companies and public agencies. The growth has been particularly noticeable in the hospitality sector with new hotels opening up throughout the county and more restaurants offering local cuisine. The county’s unemployment rate was 5% as of January 2021 which is slightly higher than the state average but lower than many other counties in Maine.

Libraries in Waldo County, Maine

According to babyinger, Waldo County is home to a number of libraries, both public and private. The Belfast Free Library, located in the heart of downtown Belfast, is the largest public library in the county. Established in 1876, it serves over 12,000 patrons each year with a wide variety of materials including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs and CDs. The library also offers public computers with access to online databases and other resources.

The Searsport Public Library is another popular library in Waldo County. It was founded in 1867 and has since grown to become one of the most visited libraries in the county. It features a variety of materials for all ages including books on history and culture as well as audio books and DVDs. Additionally, it offers free internet access through its computer lab for those who need it.

The Penobscot Bay Regional Library System serves seven townships within Waldo County including Belfast, Searsport, Winterport and Swanville among others. This system provides patrons with access to over 500 thousand items from all types of media such as books, magazines, audio books and more. Patrons can also use their card to check out items from any library within the system at no cost.

In addition to public libraries, there are also several private libraries located throughout Waldo County which are open to members only or by appointment only. These include libraries like the Belfast Historical Society Library which has an extensive collection of documents related to local history as well as rare volumes from around the world; or The Maine Sea Coast Mission Book & Art Collection which houses rare manuscripts about maritime history along with original artworks from local artists.

Landmarks in Waldo County, Maine

According to a2zdirectory, Waldo County, Maine is home to a number of interesting landmarks that are worth exploring. One of the most iconic landmarks in the county is the Belfast Harbor Light. Built in 1876, this structure stands at the entrance to Belfast Harbor and has become an integral part of the city’s identity. The light is open for visitors during summer months and offers spectacular views of Penobscot Bay.

The historic Fort Knox is another popular landmark in Waldo County. This fort was built in 1844 and served as a defensive position against British attacks during the War of 1812. Today, it serves as a museum offering visitors an opportunity to explore its underground tunnels and learn about its history through interactive exhibits.

The Penobscot Narrows Bridge & Observatory is another must-see landmark in Waldo County. This bridge connects Verona Island to Prospect and features an observation tower that stands 420 feet tall which provides breathtaking views of Penobscot Bay from its top floor observation deck. It’s also home to the Fort Knox Museum which offers insight into local military history with artifacts from both World Wars I & II on display.

The Waldo Theatre in Belfast is also worth visiting while you’re in town. Built in 1923, this theatre has been beautifully restored and continues to host movies, concerts, lectures and other live performances throughout the year. Visitors can also take tours around backstage or explore the theatre’s art gallery which features original works from local artists.

Finally, make sure you visit Swanville’s old town hall building while you’re here as well. This historic building dates back to 1895 when it served as a meeting place for local residents and businesses alike; today it continues to serve as a reminder of Swanville’s past with its unique architecture still standing strong after all these years.