Captain George A. Carver, born in 1836, worked in turn as a ship's carpenter, builder, owner, and master, then helped found a successful New York ship chandlery business. After retiring in 1893, he returned to Searsport and lived where Moose Point State Park is today. His wish to build a library for the town was fulfilled by his family after his death. Boston architects designed the building, which was constructed of granite and pressed brick with exterior field stones from Moose Point at a cost of $25,000. Inside were leaded skylights, warm wood, and classical detail, and it became the first building in Searsport to have electric light. In 1998, grants and local contributions supported the addition of a children's room and an elevator for handicap access.