At Stake Now...

The MLC has proposed a new rule that is open for public comment now.

Deadlines:

Comment in person or via zoom on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 9:00am–11:00am Eastern Time.

Comment by mail or online by 5pm Friday, November 20, 2026.

Meeting and Comment Details from MLC

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Maine Library Commission's Proposed Rule

• Proposed Rule 94-075, Chapter 1: Maine Regional Library System​

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Why This Matters

The MLC’s rule would redefine which libraries qualify for state benefits such as e‑rate discounts and subsidized interlibrary loan. It would impose requirements for hours, weeks, paid staff, and professional development for librarians and trustees and more. Voices for Small Maine Libraries argues that Maine’s small and rural libraries have long proven themselves sustainable and that the rule does not reflect their realities or diversity. The proposed standards risk withdrawing state infrastructure from communities already underserved by government.

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By some interpretations of the proposed rule, as many as 65 libraries may be at risk.

 

Specific Points to Consider

Please read the full document as your library may be at risk for issues not listed below but these are the items that Voices finds most concerning.

• Rule Sections 4.3 and 4 in General: Services Provided
  Services such as Interlibrary loan and internet services could be eliminated for libraries who are not considered eligible. However, the state has a mandate to support libraries in all of Maine.
  Voice's opinion: What money, if any, is actually saved by eliminating services to certain libraries and how is this balanced against the state's mandate to support libraries in all of Maine? Clarity and transparency as to what it costs to provide services such as internet service, filtering etc. would be helpful in understanding the benefits of being recognized by the MLC.

• Rule Section 4.3--E-2: Eligibility for Van Delivery Service for ILL
  To be eligible for subsidized van delivery service a public library must have more than 100 ILL transactions per year.
  Voice's opinion: The current system penalizes low-volume and remote participants, while these communities may benefit the most from shared materials.

• Rule Section 4.4-B-1 and 2: Training
  Training is required for Library Directors (8 hours) and their board members (1 professional development opportunity annually).
  Voice's opinion: While it feels appropriate to require training for library directors the amount of hours seems arbitrary. Some libraries are managed by families, some by towns, and while some have boards, board members often bring expertise and experience such as fiscal management that benefits the library, and further professional development, is superfluous. Requiring some libraries to have training for their governing bodies and not others sets up an inequity among libraries.   

• Rule Section 4.4-C-2: Paid Director
  This Section says "It has a designated, paid individual who serves as director of the library and is responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the library on behalf of the governing board of trustees/directors (in the case of a non-profit library) or the municipality (if the library is a municipal department). This position may not be filled by an individual who also serves as a member of the governing board of trustees/directors."
  Voice's opinion: Many libraries simply cannot afford to pay staff. Funding sources vary according to a library's structure and community. In some cases funding requires a library to be supported by volunteer staff. Many grant opportunities preclude funding for staff. In libraries staffed by volunteers the distinction of one paid worker sets up a situation contrary to community support and engagement.

• Rule Section 4.4-D-3: Hours of Operation
  This Section Says "It is staffed and open to the public for an average of 12 hours per week year-round."
  Voice's opinion: What does this mean for libraries that make materials and services available outside of staffed hours? For example, some libraries offer 24/7 internet access for the community. Others offer flexible circulation opportunities for patrons during un-staffed hours. Is this number appropriate for all libraries, particularly seasonal libraries? 

• Rule Section 7: Compliance
  Voice's opinion: What libraries will be impacted? Transparency and clarity is important now, not next year. If the MLC does not review and publicize the overall impact of this rule before it is implemented, there is no way to do a cost/benefit analysis or evaluate the equity of the proposal. Additionally, what would be the cost/benefit analysis if all currently recognized libraries were grandfathered?​​​

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Another Viewpoint: The Maine Library Association's Response to the Proposed Rule

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