Maine Regional Library System (MRLS)

Map of Maine showing Maine Regional Library System districts

There are nine regional library districts in Maine

 

District Counties
1 York and Cumberland
2 Franklin and Oxford
3 Androscoggin, Kennebec and Sagadahoc
4 Knox and Lincoln
5 Piscataquis and Somerset
6 Penobscot and Waldo
7 Hancock
8 Washington
9 Aroostook

The Maine Maine Regional Library System (MRLS) is a statewide network designed to help librarians share resources, enhance services, and connect with one another. Participating libraries are organized into nine regional districts.

Established in Maine law in 1973 MRLS exists to:

  • Promote resource sharing and regional cooperation;
  • Expand access to professional expertise and continuing education;
  • Improve communication among libraries and library organizations; and
  • Strengthen public awareness and support for Maine libraries.

Region membership is free to libraries that meet the criteria and are located within the geographic boundary of the district. To join, submit the application [Word, 52 KB]

Benefits of district membership include:

  • Eligibility for the MSLN Internet connection worth a minimum of $6,100/year (If the library meets E-rate eligibility requirements in both federal and state statute)
  • Access to Digital Maine Library databases including AncestryLibrary and LearningExpress
  • Eligibility for new grants and programs from the Maine State Library
  • Eligibility for van delivery
  • Eligibility for continuing education stipends
  • Maine State Library Directory listing
  • LSTA eligibility for E-rate discounts (public libraries only)
  • MHEC purchasing cooperative discounts for library materials, supplies and furnishings
  • Specialist consulting services
  • Interlibrary Loan services via assigned ARRC

General Membership Criteria

District membership is free to all types of libraries located within the geographic boundary of the district.  Any library may join the Maine Regional Library System if it meets the following criteria:

  • Be a part of an organization or institution that has a legal basis for operation and provides information resources;
  • Have a written mission statement and service objectives;
  • Have an established funding base;
  • Be authorized to participate by its appropriate administrative authority;
  • Have established and posted hours of service;
  • Have a fixed location;
  • Have a permanent, paid library director with library services training and who is responsible for the administration of library services;
  • Have an organized collection of information and material accessible for use by its designated clientele and/or the public;
  • Agree to the terms and conditions of the Maine Regional Library System membership agreement as established by the Maine Library Commission. This agreement shall include certification by each member library that it meets the minimum eligibility requirements for participation, agrees to participate in interlibrary loan activities within the state in accordance with the National Interlibrary Loan Code for the United States and agrees to provide data on the use of regional and statewide library materials and services

Public Library Membership Criteria

Public libraries seeking district membership must adhere to the Core Public Library Standards approved by the Maine Library Commission.