Contact Name
Ms. Lori Fisher
Contact Title
State Librarian
State Library Address

Maine State Library
64 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0064
United States

Contact Email Address
lori.fisher@maine.gov
Grants to State Programs

The Grants to States Program

The Grants to States Program is the largest grant program run by IMLS; it provides funds to State Library Administrative Agencies (SLAAs) using a population-based formula set by the law. SLAAs determine goals and objectives for the funds in their statutorily required five-year plan (see below). For more information, see the Grants to States program overview.

    Allotments
    YearAllotment Value
    2019 $1,195,092.00
    2020 $1,307,113.00
    2021 $1,344,502.00
    2022 $1,344,090.00
    2023 $1,529,054.00
    5 Year Plan Text

    Each state creates a 5-year plan for its programs to strengthen the efficiency, reach, and effectiveness of library services. View all states' plans.

    5 year plan
    Attachment Size
    maine5yearplan.pdf 727.18 KB
    5 Year Evaluation Text

    At the end of a 5-year period, each state reports their results in achieving goals and objectives projected in their 5-Year Plan. View all states' evaluations.

    5 year evaluation
    Attachment Size
    maine5yearevaluation.pdf 3.42 MB
    Ms. Lori Fisher

    "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.