Maine State Library awarded federal grant

WASHINGTON – The Maine State Library has received a $925,456 federal grant to improve and expand current services in its three regional library districts.

“This grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services is especially timely as the Maine Library Commission has completed its Regional Library System Study to evaluate current services and assess needed changes,” said U.S. Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins in a joint statement announcing the grant.

“This funding will help the Maine State Library implement these findings to improve training and educational opportunities, strengthen the Maine Infonet interlibrary loan system, improve children’s services and technology and improve statewide resource sharing,” according to the statement.

As co-sponsors of the Museum and Library Services Act, the senators are working to increase funding for museums and libraries; streamline the application process for the states; make studies concerning the impact of museums and libraries public; and, designate the Capital Children’s Museum as the National Children’s Museum.

The legislation is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions.