Monthly Archives: January 2019

Continue the Conversation

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Thursday January 31st 7-9pm

In the Kendall Room of the Coombs Municipal Building 13 School Street

People who gathered for Howard Solomon’s talk about Anti-semitism last month were hungry for more. Let’s gather and talk about how we can move forward as a community with all of our diversity. Race, religion, financial status, sexual orientation… we can address the “isms” that divide us. All ideas welcomed. Coffee, tea and sweets will be served.

We will be kicking off with a short Ted Talk by Sally Kohn: “What can we do about the culture of hate?”. She is the author of The Opposite of Hate, “a must read book for the moment we’re in”.

We are hoping that this is the beginning of an ongoing community dialogue about “isms” and we will be inviting participants to generate ideas for continuing the conversation.

Support Maine Libraries with your Tax Return Check off

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In 2017, Bowdoinham Public Library was awarded a $1000 grant to establish the  “Welcoming Library”, a travelling collection of picture books and resources focusing on the immigrant or “new arrival” experience.  Thanks to this grant the program was launched and has since tripled in size and reach due to the resonance of the topic and the effectiveness of the materials. Please help create other grant opportunities by donating the the Maine State Library Fund via your Maine Income Tax form using “Schedule CP: Charitable Contributions and Purchase of Park Passes”. Donating $5 or more is this easy:

How do I donate?

  • Go to your Maine Income Tax form – Form 1040ME
  • Locate Schedule CP which is used for voluntary charitable contributions to any of the organizations listed. [Schedule CP is also used to purchase a park pass for entry into Maine State Parks].
  • Look for Maine Public Library Fund in section A.
  • Choose to donate _$5 _$10 _$25 or more.
  • Maine taxpayers using the I-File system will also see the Maine Public Library Fund on the Schedule CP voluntary contributions page.
  • If you have any questions, see Maine Revenue Service (MRS) or consult your tax advisor.

Instructions for individuals who use TurboTax or H&R Block

How do these funds help?

Fall 2018 Program Grants Awarded
Library Name Grant amount Grant funds will be used for:
Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library $2,500 Large-print book club for a nearby retirement community.
Lubec Memorial Library $2,500 Local oral history video series.
Washburn Memorial Library $2,141 Lego program for local students.
Orono Public Library $1,800 Culture Packs program.
Norway Memorial Library $1,500 Community art project.
Skowhegan Free Public Library $1,360 Youth robotics and coding program.
Bonney Memorial Library, Cornish $1,000 Young artists sketching program.
Dyer Library, Saco $900 Digitization of local historical photographic collection.
Lincolnville Community Library $500 Method Writing Workshop.
Mildred Stevens Williams Memorial Library, Appleton $450 Youth animation workshop.
Stockton Springs Community Library $400 Weekly tai chi classes for seniors.
Fall 2018 Wireless Hardware Grants Awarded
Library Name Grant Amount Grant funds will be used for:
Andover Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Belgrade Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Brooksville Free Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Florence Sturdivant Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Lincolnville Community Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Milbridge Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Spaulding Memorial Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Veteran’s Memorial Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Winter Harbor Public Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Winterport Memorial Library $250 Purchase of hardware and software for wireless statistics
Spring 2018 Grants Awarded
Library Name Grant Amount Grant funds will be used for:
Waterboro Public Library $5,000 STEM programming for children
Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta $3,600 Expanding podcast capabilities
Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lovell $2,500 LEGO library and programs for tots to teens
Dr. Shaw Memorial Library, Mt. Vernon $2,500 Mobile shelving to expand children’s room space
Paris Public Library $2,500 Craft cart and monthly crafting programs
Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland $2,500 Portable digitization lab
McArthur Public Library, Biddeford $1,800 Outdoor movies program
Brown Memorial Library, Baldwin $1,700 Children’s room improvements
Guilford Memorial Library $1,300 STEM discovery kits
Cary Library, Houlton $1,000 Quiet maker space for teens and challenged adults
Gardiner Public Library $1,000 Children’s monthly nutrition programs
Patten Free Library, Bath $1,000 Books on the Bus seat covers
Pittsfield Public Library $1,000 ARSL Conference attendance
Springvale Public Library $1,000 Family summer sensory story time