<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[smallmainelibraries]]></title><description><![CDATA[Preserving Maine's Literary Treasures]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 31 Aug 2026 15:18:05 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Ivy and Bean, Beanbags and Books]]></title><description><![CDATA[Berwick Public Library, Berwick ME]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/ivy-and-bean-beanbags-and-books</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a67602a65a8c8dd285ce1a9</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_2d838e5e24ae40f3bbd4f41d2eb0b02d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_495,h_360,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[I Spy a Happy Little Library Patron]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dyer Library, Saco]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/i-spy-a-happy-little-library-patron</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a27188d7af0f7335698d331</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_ede6c1d6455249db8a5f058d4a1523c1~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_487,h_649,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[MLC Rule-Making Decisions Continue]]></title><description><![CDATA[The May meeting of the Maine Library Commission focused on patron behavior and training standards for library directors. In previous zoom meetings that chat was open and anybody on the Commission or the public could comment. This meeting marked the start of having the chat function turned off for everyone. Judith Meyer of the Maine Monitor covered the meeting: Maine Library Commission moves to update patron behavior policy, library standards]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/mlc-rule-making-decisions-continue</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2846a55b452722a3b62a4c</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_cfa385a5c20344fd8452cbff3e45dcc7~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Small Libraries Matter]]></title><description><![CDATA[How Maine’s Small and Rural Libraries Serve Their Communities —by Jen Maffett (Pembroke) and Barbara Baig (Edmunds TWP) Note: a shorter version of this appeared in the Bangor Daily News as an Op Ed. A library is not a luxury but one of the necessities of life. —Henry Ward Beecher When most people think of a library, they’re likely to picture one in a big city—Bangor, perhaps, or Portland. They’re likely to imagine impersonal rows of book stacks, carousels of DVDs, a score of tables, each with...]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/why-small-libraries-matter</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a2848ee99361b5d20d4d17a</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_fbb6b174f36d4d6ba93a2e70f8e514d9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Libraries Should Provide Access for All]]></title><description><![CDATA[Op Ed written by Jennifer Maffett, published in The Quoddy Tides, April 24, 2026 I listened in on the Maine Library Commission’s April 6 meeting about the Rule they are creating to define public library standards. The meeting seemed less about standards than a cumulative pat on the back for the library profession. They also have a surprising and concerning approach to resource management in times when resources are being so stretched. MLC began their discussion stating that their role was to...]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/libraries-should-provide-access-for-all</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4a75a2f7b480551f127f49</guid><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 26 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Maine's Small Libraries are Worth Celebrating]]></title><description><![CDATA[Op Ed in Portland Press Herald: Jennifer Maffett and Barbara Baig It’s National Library Week and Maine with its long history and geographical reach has many kinds of public libraries to celebrate. From tiny island libraries serving less than 100 patrons to city-based libraries serving almost 70,000 people, they all play an important role in their communities. Of the 257 libraries in Maine just over 40% serve a population of less than 2,000. It is those libraries I’d like to celebrate today....]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/maine-s-small-libraries-are-worth-celebrating</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a284db2579005354a9f096a</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 25 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_cf7321f3cdd247edb282635f0e60731d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_350,h_420,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Tale of Two Libraries: Part One]]></title><description><![CDATA[Southport Memorial Library, Southport ]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/the-tale-of-two-libraries-part-one</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a27150d7206e69ccb3b284b</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_3eb0d1ef8f294cbab06c329bfbaebca7~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_699,h_175,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Two Libraries: Part Two]]></title><description><![CDATA[Dorcas Library, Prospect Harbor]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/two-libraries-part-two</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a271788a7cc9d295b4106c8</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_3a7fe5d1650e445299ec07fa3e39f11c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_682,h_500,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The List]]></title><description><![CDATA[There are 257 libraries in Maine to explore!]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/the-list</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a27143c7206e69ccb3b267f</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 19:13:35 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_81a4c4221ddf48b398b344c37cbcaa86~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_898,h_852,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The New Challenge Begins in Earnest]]></title><description><![CDATA[April vacation was the start in earnest of our next challenge—Maine Libraries. ]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/the-new-challenge-begins-in-earnest</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a27133e7206e69ccb3b2438</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 19:09:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_fff7e841fd10459fb789d8ec9b12137c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_651,h_256,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rule Discussion Begins for MLC]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Rule discussion began on April 6. The public was not invited to comment. The MLC said comments will be accepted once the Rule they come up with goes public. This article covers what happened at the meeting. Maine Library Commission discusses meaning of 'quality' library service   What you can do MLC meetings are open to the public but the public comment section happens at the beginning of the meeting and each person has only 3 minutes to speak. This format makes it hard to react to what...]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/rule-discussion-begins-for-mlc</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28450f579005354a9ef800</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_897585ece76c4f88b2438ea16a6a4785~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[New State Standards Shouldn't Ignore the Value of Library Volunteers]]></title><description><![CDATA[Op Ed from Jennifer Maffett published in the Bangor Daily News. Jennifer Maffett is a writer, artist and educator living in Pembroke. I listened in on the Maine Library Commission’s (MLC) April 6 meeting about the rule they are creating to define public library standards. To me, the meeting seemed less about standards than a cumulative pat on the back for the library profession. They also have a surprising and concerning approach to resource management in times when resources are being so...]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/new-state-standards-shouldn-t-ignore-the-value-of-library-volunteers</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a284bb4bcf454bfefde73e9</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[April Vacation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Pumpkin Island Light off Little Deer Isle turned out to be the last on our lighthouse list. It was a wonderful place to finish. ]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/april-vacation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a270f894f1a88116951a951</guid><category><![CDATA[Redfield]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_dca8bb4c33ba41f0b75900e3d63d98e8~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_659,h_484,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We Attend an MLC Meeting]]></title><description><![CDATA[Several of us went to the zoom meeting of the Maine Library Commission which is open to the public to express our concerns. I think they were surprised by the amount of support for these "endangered" libraries. The result was that they tabled their decision until the next meeting and intended to restart the decision process in January. This article explains what happened: Maine State Library Commission to start rulemaking process for new standards]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/we-attend-an-mlc-meeting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a28431332d35aa9db664a48</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_35360433d88f4ac5bb780048d3f1fed5~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Small Libraries Are at Risk]]></title><description><![CDATA[In November we learned about some decisions the Maine Library Commission (MLC) were making that would negatively impact small rural libraries. Libraries not meeting certain qualifications would lose services such as Interlibrary Loan and Internet service. This article explains it best. New standards would require all Maine libraries to pay directors, expand hours of operation]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/why-small-libraries-are-at-risk</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a284156bcf454bfefde5c12</guid><category><![CDATA[Press]]></category><category><![CDATA[Stories]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 15 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_909f30b2f5c14d798d7c0298e2ac85b0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_675,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Rural Libraries at Risk]]></title><description><![CDATA[Credit: George Danby / BDN The BDN Opinion section operates independently and does not set news policies or contribute to reporting or editing articles elsewhere in the newspaper or on bangordailynews.com Carol Wolf is vice president of the Pembroke Library Association and Lysa Intrator is the association’s treasurer. They are two of the 10 unpaid volunteers who keep the small rural library open for area residents. The Maine Library Commissioners will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday to discuss...]]></description><link>https://www.smallmainelibraries.org/post/rural-libraries-at-risk</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a4a73cffa58f0a255d4a86c</guid><category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category><pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/44c1e0_270896468e534a7a937b1b097f86a220~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_936,h_936,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>jpmaffett</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>