Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree announced today that the Maine State Library is a recipient of a National Leadership Grant award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services in the amount $493,770; the federal award will be matched with $623,523 in public and private funds. The project, titled Empowering Public Libraries to be Science Resource Centers in their Communities: A Guide for State Library Agencies, will create a replicable model that enables state library agencies nationwide to work with public libraries to build and sustain effective informal science programming and services that prepare people to be full participants in their communities. 

"I am thrilled that the Maine State Library was awarded this prestigious grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services," Pingree said. "To be one of 6 awardees from over 100 applicants across the country speaks to the quality of work of Maine State Librarian James Ritter and the entire staff.  Considering the increasing importance of science and technology to our economy, I think it’s wonderful that this project will encourage our local libraries to become resource centers for children and adults interested in exploring these topics."  

An independent federal agency, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Their mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement.