"Maine State Library has a deep history of fostering partnerships and relationships that enhance access to information for all Mainers. Continuing to build on those partnerships between school, academic, and public libraries with other state agencies, non-profits, and businesses will position our communities to improve the quality of life for their residents."

- Lori Fisher, State Librarian, Maine State Library
 

Project Examples

Maine Contemporary Archives Collaborative 
Using CARES Act stimulus funds, the Maine State Library supported collaborative work to document life in Maine during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maine Contemporary Archives Collaborative, which includes 25 libraries and cultural institutions from across the state, works to actively document history in a variety of digital formats. The collaborative, representing academic, public, urban, and rural communities, used an online platform to collect, share, and preserve stories focused on pandemic life in Maine. Though the group started small, it gained momentum throughout the project year and ultimately received a Leadership in History award from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH). An online exhibit of the 2020 archival collections is available at https://ourmainearchives.omeka.net/exhibits/show/selections/2020.
IMLS Funds: $5,230.78 

Books by Mail 
Maine State Library’s Books by Mail program helps meet the library needs of citizens who live in towns without local libraries or those with public libraries open less than 12 hours per week. Services are also available for the homebound and fill a critical need given Maine’s rural makeup. Eligible program participants select books online or by paper catalog, which are then delivered to their home by mail, free of charge. Children enrolled in the Books by Mail program also benefit from a summer reading program. Every effort is made to encourage local libraries to work with neighboring communities to provide library services to keep Books by Mail for the truly unserved and underserved.
IMLS Funds: $212,706.35 

Maine InfoNet 
Maine InfoNet, a statewide collaborative of public, academic, school, and special libraries, manages several resource sharing initiatives for the state of Maine. These include the Digital Maine Library for all library types and Maine citizens, the Download Library of eBooks and audio books for Maine libraries, the statewide catalog, MaineCat, as well as three statewide consortia that use the same integrated library system. Maine InfoNet provides the management, technological infrastructure, and help desk ticketing system for these services. By providing leadership and cost-effective solutions for quality library information services, it supports the state’s cultural, educational, and economic development.
IMLS Funds: $170,833.67 

Review recent Grants to States projects from this state library in the State Program Report database.

Search the Awarded Grants Database for additional details about awards in this state or view the State Details Dashboard..

Five-Year Plan Highlights

Goal 1: All Maine residents have equitable access to high quality information resources through libraries, Maine State Library programs and statewide resources sharing. 

• Projects include:
  • Maine InfoNet partnership for statewide services such as databases, cataloging, eBooks and audio books 
  • Area Reference and Resource Centers (ARRCs) for the Maine Regional Library System 
  • Networkmaine partnership for Maine School and Library Network (MSLN), including internet connectivity and technical support to public libraries and K‐12 schools 

Goal 2: The Maine library workforce are provided equitable access to support, guidance, and opportunities to advance knowledge and skills to in turn ensure equitable and inclusive library services via continuing education, professional development, and leadership opportunities. 

• Projects include:
  • Continuing Education for library staff, including the Voluntary Public Library Certification Program 
  • Specialists and regional consulting for the Maine Regional Library System 

Goal 3: Opportunities for Life-Long Learning for Maine residents is attainable and enhanced though Maine State Library online resources and local library programs and offerings, both in-person and virtual.

• Projects include:
  • Digital Maine Library
  • Bendable Maine, a statewide lifelong learning initiative

Goal 4: Maine’s diverse population, including people who are underserved and underrepresented, living in rural and remote communities, the disabled, those who are homebound, immigrants, or any resident who struggles with financial and other challenges may improve their lives through library services. 

• Projects include:
  • Maine State Library Outreach Library for communities with no public library and people who are homebound
  • Talking Books PLUS services for the visually impaired 

IMLS Data Collection

State Library Administrative Agency Survey
The State Library Administrative Agency Survey (SLAA) provides descriptive data about state library agencies for all fifty states and the District of Columbia. To interact with the latest data, please visit the SLAA Survey Comparison Tool.

Public Libraries Survey
The Public Libraries Survey (PLS) provides national descriptive data on the status of public libraries in the United States and its territories. Explore state profiles representing more than 9,000 public library systems and over 17,000 public library outlets.