MAINE, USA — The Maine Library Commission is expected to consider a proposal Monday that would require public libraries to sign an agreement so they can maintain access to interlibrary loan services and internet access.

Under the proposal, all libraries would be required to pay their directors and remain open to patrons at least 12 hours per week or risk losing those services.

Several nonprofit libraries, long operated by volunteers with limited hours, are pushing back against the proposed requirements, saying they cannot afford them on tight budgets. They say they do not want to be forced to choose between paying salaries or shutting down.

The new requirements stem from an overhaul of library standards by the Maine State Library, separating out provisions already mandated by state or f

See Full Page