Sept. 11, 2001

Terrorist attacks in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.

Oct. 26, 2001

After being approved by Congress, USA Patriot Act signed into law by President Bush.

November 2001

Maine librarians begin to voice concerns about act’s reading records provisions.

Feb. 10, 2003

Approximately 50 people demonstrate against the act outside Bangor Public Library.

Aug. 28, 2003

Paula Silsby, U.S. attorney for Maine, defends act at a public discussion at Bangor Public Library.

Nov. 1, 2003

More than 60 people attend a conference on act at Thomas College in Waterville, which features speakers from anti-act organizations in other states.

Nov. 5, 2003

Waterville adopts anti-Patriot Act resolution.

Jan. 20, 2004

President Bush, in his State of the Union address, calls upon Congress to renew act in 2005.

Feb. 10, 2004

Proposed Maine Legislature resolution against the act is approved for further consideration in a 6-4 vote by the Legislative Council.

Feb. 26, 2004

Public forum on act, featuring speakers from MCLU, NAACP and National Lawyers Guild, is held in Portland.

Dec. 31, 2005

Several provisions in the act, including some sections that govern federal access to private communications and records, are set to expire.