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Inside Southport Library, Southport
Current Issues
STANDARDS
As our group, Voices for Small Maine Libraries, sought to understand the Maine Library Commission's (MLC) decision-making, we dug into the relevant documents. Want to dive deep too? Start here:
MAINE LIBRARY COMMISSION PROPOSED DRAFT RULE (July 2, 2026)
This is the draft rule proposed by the Maine State Library Staff and is currently under discussion by the Maine Library Commission. The document would define criteria for libraries to “qualify” as public libraries in Maine and be eligible for Maine State Library Network benefits.
Much of the discussion on MLC rules revolves around which libraries will be qualified to receive state benefits such as METEAF internet discounts and support and Interlibrary Loan. The alternative proposed by Voices starts from the premise that all current libraries are so qualified and that a process should exist for removing any library for cause. This document shows what the MSL website currently says re: qualified.
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED RULE (WORKING DRAFT) (1)
This is an alternative to the MLC proposal submitted by Voices concerned about the potential negative impact of the MLC Proposed Rule. The core difference between VFSML alternative and the MLC draft is that the MLC approach is largely punitive in nature—conditioning state benefits on compliance with their eligibility criteria. The Voices alternative is supportive, grandparenting in all libraries currently listed in the 2024 Maine Public Library Annual Report and providing procedures for removing a library individually for cause.
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED RULE (WORKING DRAFT) (2) (May)
In proposing its alternative, Voices invited others to offer suggestions. Based on this input and on the discussion at the MLC meetings on their draft, some changes were made to Version One of the initial Voices’ proposal. This is the current revised version of the Alternative Proposed Rule.
In addition to the language of the rule, the Voices alternative provides drafting notes for context for each section. These notes range from cross-referencing to state statutes to comparisons of similar provisions in other states.
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED RULE (WORKING DRAFT) (3) (Aug)
In addition a petition was submitted for the Commission to adopt the attached alternative approach, Maine Library Commission (MLC) Library Rule—Alternative Draft Proposed by Ad Hoc Group: Petition for Agency Rulemaking Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A. § 8055
DEFINITION OF A PUBLIC LIBRARY: RULE MAKING & RESEARCH
What is a Public Library? In MLC's January 2026 meeting, Maine State Library staff stated that funding limitations led them to redefine what a public library is so that they could eliminate those organizations that didn't qualify. Assistant Attorney General Sarah Foster advised that they can't make a ruling about what is a library without going through the rule-making process. Accordingly, the MLC has launched into an almost year-long process to define what a "quality or qualified library" is. Those of us in Voices for Small Maine Libraries argue that the discussion fails to consider the experience, history and needs of small and rural Maine libraries.
APPENDIX A TO WHAT IS A PUBLIC LIBRARY
This Appendix reviews at least six iterations of the MLC approach to “standards.” While the MLC has stepped back from its proposal from last fall that would have required paid staff, degrees, etc., these iterations are important so long as the final Rules are uncertain.
ALTERNATIVE PROPOSAL: WHO DEFINES "PUBLIC LIBRARY" IN MAINE (working draft)
This working draft discusses the definition of public library in Maine and concludes that there is no federal mandate on how Maine should define a library or qualified library and that state law definitions recognize locally created and controlled libraries. The paper was compiled by the volunteer group, Voices for Small Maine Libraries to provide a resource for those interested in library issues. It provides an overview of legislation and agency responsibilities and reviews work of related entities such as NetworkMaine and MaineInfonet. The 26+ Appendices provide details on threatened libraries and other data. Recognizing their own status as novices in this arena, the authors invited others (Members/staff/ advisory groups of the Attorney General’s Office, Maine Connectivity Authority, Maine Library Advisory Council, Maine State Library (various), MaineInfonet, NetworkMaine, Office of the Public Advocate, Public Utilities Commission, Status of Public & School Libraries Working Group, various individual public and special libraries, interested members of the public, etc.) to review, correct, and add to the material.
WHO'S WHO?
HERE'S WHO IS MAKING THE DECISIONS
There are a variety of organizations, with a variety of possibly confusing acronyms, weighing in on how libraries manage their organizations and their resources. In addition, there are federal and state organizations that fund resources for libraries that filter through these organizations.
STATUTES AND REGULATORY RESOURCES
Summary of Maine Administrative Procedure, 5 M.R.S.A. Part 18
This document offers a checklist of relevant provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act regarding rulemaking.
1 MRSA 400 et seq.
This is the text of the Maine Freedom of Access Act, which governs how state agencies meet, keep records, and the like.
27 MRSA Ch. 1-19. Libraries, History, Culture and Art
This is a statutory excerpt about free public libraries established and controlled by towns and also about the establishment of Regional Library Systems.
35-A MRSA Maine Telecommunications Education Access Fund (METEAF)
This is the statute that sets up the Maine program analogous to the federal education rate (E-rate).
OTHER MATERIALS
MLC Membership
Scroll down on the MLC page to see membership categories and current memberships.
COMMUNICATIONS
March 16, 2026, Email from Bryce Cundick to ME-LIBS list re; An Update from the Maine Library Commission
This email shared information from the MLC March 9 meeting regarding the previously proposed MRLS Agreement, which the Attorney General’s Office “advised is not legally enforceable.”
April 1, 2026, Email from Voices for Small Maine Libraries to Bryce Cundick with Alternative Proposal
This email forwards and explains the basis for Voices alternative approach. The key point is: “We are, frankly, unable to understand how withdrawing State infrastructure from libraries— many in areas already underserved—would positively address these points.”
April 16, 2026, Email from Voices for Small Maine Libraries to Bryce Cundick, MLC Chair, Commission Request to Defer Participation
In Email the MLC Chair seeks to have Voices refrain from communication with the Commission and others.
April 17, 2026, Email from Voices for Small Maine Libraries to Bryce Cundick, MLC Chair responding to “Commission Request to Defer Participation.”
This is the email response to the Commission request seeking to keep Voices from sharing its alternatives with the Commission. It explains the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act and disagrees with the Commission that early communication is prohibited—in fact, the opposite.
May 9, 2026, Testimony of Sarah Redfield sent with email to Bryce Cundick, MLC Chair
Remarks at the MLC meeting are limited to 3 minutes. This is an extended version of Professor Redfield’s testimony.
May 14, 2026, Email from Sarah Redfield to Bryce Cundick
Following the May Commission Meeting Professor Redfield specifically asked for a Fact Sheet and other information required by statute.