Maine State Library

The Maine State Library began when the Maine Legislature authorized the purchase of books in 1836 and as a result, the State Library began to grow.

It is guided by the Maine Library Commission, a 17-member board that is appointed by the Governor.

The members represent the “State's libraries and ensure geographic diversity and broad individual experiences”[2] and “establishes the policies and operations of the State Library, gives advice and makes recommendations on the expenditure of state and federal funds, and establishes guidelines and policies for statewide library programs.

"[3] The Maine State Library adheres to its mission in a hands-on approach.

It is shifting from its more traditional role of collecting and selecting information to now “facilitate, organize, and access information.”[4]