FARMINGTON -- The Farmington Library is on Harvey Aft's list of stops, not only to take out books but also to enjoy a a warm reception and a bit of banter with the staff.

"This is the best library I have ever attended and I have been in libraries in Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago and Washington D.C.," the retired University of Maine at Farmington chemistry professor said.

"All libraries are buildings with books. What makes this library really wonderful is the great service and staff and the fact they put up with me," he said with a chuckle.

For December, the Maine State Library selected Farmington to spotlight. The accolade, Library of the Month, is displayed on a traveling blue banner strung up on an exterior balcony facing High Street.

To read about the library and see photos of the interior, go to www.maine.gov/libraries/spotlights and click on Farmington Library.

"Stenciled ceilings, carved oak, glass floors, book-lined walls and a domed rotunda -- the Farmington Library is as beautiful as a museum, but its friendly staff and modern lobby make it a wonderful hometown library," according to the Maine State Library's site.

Aft said he is so impressed with the staff, the facility and the award that he had T-shirts made up with "Libraries Make Magic Chemistry" printed across the front for each employee. The word "Libraries" is written out in atomic symbols -- Lithium (Li), Bromine (Br), Argon (Ar), Iodine (I), and Einsteinium (Es).

"This is not just the library of the month. It is the library of the century," he said.

Library director Melanie Coombs said Aft's gift made the staff's day.

Coombs was hired earlier this fall to replace Jean Oplinger, who retired. She said she was very proud that the state chose Farmington as the library of the month.

"Libraries are one of the few complete services that the community can take advantage of for free," she said.