At Springvale Public Library, substitute librarian Paula Demers sorts books in pouches, awaiting pickup by the van that shuttles loaned books between libraries.
Photo: Lee Burnett
By Lee Burnett
Sanford’s two libraries received some good news this week: Federally funded interlibrary loans and internet service would be continued.
News came down that the Maine State Library had regained access to part of already budgeted $1.5 million in funding frozen last month when President Trump signed an executive order declaring the Institute of Museum and Library Services unnecessary and targeted for elimination. In response to the executive order, the state library had laid off a third of its staff – 13 people – and announced closure while it reorganized.
The arrival of partial funding allowed the state library to rehire three people. It also retained two others by shifting the funding source for the positions. Furthermore, interlibrary loans, internet service and materials for the blind that had been threatened would be continued
It was good news to Springvale Public Library Director Lesley Unger.
“It’s heartening that our libraries are being supported,” she said. “While [funding] is still in flux, I’m confident services will be supported.”
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