Join us at the 2018 Conference!The MLA conference is the place to see great national speakers while also learning what's happening right next door. This year there is even more to do with a pre-conference making 3 days of great content and networking. Have a look at the details at https://www.mainelibraries.org/AnnualConference2018.Keynotes are a panel discussion by the Maine Humanities Council on Journalism, Democracy and the Informed Citizen, Phil Bowermaster on future trends, and at the pre-conference, Miguel Figueroa Director, Center for the Future of Libraries. Concurrent sessions will feature presentations from the ACLU to YSS and everyone in between. Learn about marketing, collection development, technology, tech services, programming, youth services, the new statewide databases, and much more. Visit with exhibitors to learn about new products or touch base about products you already receive. Last but not least, network! MLA is the best place to spend quality time with library folks from around the state. Meet new faces or catch up with old friends in a fantastic fun environment. If you need help paying for conference, we have scholarships available. Once again, we have negotiated special conference rates of $100 off the regular cost of lodging at Sunday River, and it's prime leaf peeping season. Rates are good for 3 days before or after the conference, so consider making it into a mini-vacation alongside the conference. We can't wait to see you at the Sunday River Grand Summit Resort in Newry--Sunday, September 30th for the pre-conference and October 1st & 2nd for the main event.
 Can't find what you need on this site or have a question for MLA? Feel free to contact our Business Office mainelibrary@gmail.com.
MLA is proud to be a sponsor of the Great American ReadPBS is on a quest to find America's most beloved book, and the Maine Library Association is one of the local sponsors. PBS has created a list of 100 diverse books and is encouraging everyone to read as many of the books as possible and vote for their favorite. Participate in the national voting HERE. We encourage you to vote in the national poll AND the Maine poll. Take the Maine poll HERE. Maine Public has created an easy mechanism for you to vote for your favorite book. They are encouraging all voters to share their thoughts on what makes their selected book special. Go to mainepubic.org for all the details. Meredith Vieira hosts seven episodes of The Great American Read this fall, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m., starting September 11.
Looking for award information? You can find out how to submit to the Lupine Award, YSS's annual award for Maine authors and illustrators at the bottom of this page. If you want to know more about Outstanding Librarian of the Year or our Journalism Awards, click here. | Upcoming Events
Recent News
Board statement on ICERecently there have been reports around Maine of individuals being harassed and having their immigration statuses questioned by people who lack the authority of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Maine Library Association feels it is important to reiterate our commitment to our profession’s values of privacy, intellectual freedom, equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to join the American Library Association in condemning policies that separate families pursuing asylum in our country. In addition, the MLA feels it is important to remember that library records and user information are private and cannot be obtained by law enforcement without a subpoena or warrant. ALA suggests these guidelines for how to respond to law enforcement’s requests for such information. ALA and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library & Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking, have links on their websites to resources for librarians and library users seeking information about immigration, refugees, asylum, and legal defense. The website of the American Civil Liberties Union has information about what an individual’s rights are when stopped by the police, questioned about immigration status, and visited by ICE. All patrons, regardless of their origins or status, can expect to be treated with respect and dignity and for their legal rights to be protected at any library. We encourage anyone interested in learning more about, and understanding more broadly, the many important national issues our country is facing to utilize this free online content subscription resource called Opposing Viewpoints in Context, accessible through the Maine State Library's MARVEL tool. -- The MLA Board |