Our Mission and What we Do

Since 1891, the Maine Library Association has promoted library interests in the State of Maine. Over the years, MLA’s membership has grown to over 400 librarians, support staff, and library supporters.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Maine Library Association is to promote and enhance the value of Maine libraries and librarianship, to foster cooperation among those who work in and for Maine libraries, and to provide leadership in ensuring that information is accessible to all citizens from their libraries.

Activities

Networking

We facilitate networking opportunities with colleagues in Maine, New England and countrywide.

Partnering

We develop and foster mutually beneficial working relationships with educational institutions, businesses, and organizations.

Lobbying and Legislative Advocacy

We initiate, challenge and support legislation affecting libraries and increase the understanding and awareness of the legislative process among members. 

Conference and Continuing Education

We develop continuing education and professional development opportunities for our members, organize the annual Maine Library Association Annual Conference, and other regional forums.

STANDARDS

Responsibility for public library standards in the state has historically been shared between MLA and the Maine Library Commission. In 2019, MLA established a committee to review what it means to be a library in the state of Maine, took feedback, presented revisions, and finally approved the updates. Download a PDF of the final draft of the standards, with an overview explaining the committee's work and a matrix defining the required, enhanced, and exemplary attributes of a public library, dated 8-29-2019.