Hello All, MSL staff have heard about several instances of Maine libraries losing municipal funding during the pandemic. Next Tuesday, December 1st at 3:15 p.m., our COVID statewide update will take the form of a discussion on responding to de-funding challenges. Ellsworth PL director Amy Wisehart and community engagement librarian Abby Morrow will share their experience responding to a serious budget decrease at their library. They will explain what they have been doing to maintain community engagement and how they took action and worked with their supporters and city officials to address the financial challenge.

Amy recommends reading this recent LJ article by EveryLibrary's John Chrastka<https://www.libraryjournal.com/?authorName=John%20Chrastka>:
"How To Fight an Austerity Budget and Advocate for Your Library in the Age of COVID-19"
https://www.libraryjournal.com/?detailStory=how-to-fight-an-austerity-budget-and-advocate-for-your-library-in-the-age-of-covid-19

Janet will send out the Zoom link Tuesday morning like usual. Hope you can join the discussion. Deb

Deborah A. Clark, MLIS
Library Management Specialist
Maine State Library
(207)233-2193
E-mail: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>

"Great Libraries Build Strong Communities"