The Maine State Library will hold community listening sessions around the state during the week of September 28 to gather feedback for the creation of a Maine Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy Framework. One of those listening sessions will be held at Belfast Free Library, Sept. 29, from 12 - 1:30 p.m.

The State Library received funding in the state FY27 Supplemental Budget to create and implement an AI Literacy and Safety Plan for Mainers, as recommended in the 2025 Maine AI Task Force Report. 

The State Library has put together a team, including a project manager and evaluator, to create the Literacy Plan as a strategic living framework, which will adapt and evolve as AI impacts on Mainers change over time. 

“The first step to creating this framework is to hear from Mainers,” said Lori Stockman, Maine State Librarian, in a news release. “We need to hear what our residents think about AI, how they are using it or not using it, and how they hope community organizations like libraries can help them navigate this new digital environment.” 

Why libraries for such a big endeavor?

"AI is not simply a technology to adopt – it is an evolving information environment that librarians are uniquely positioned to help communities navigate," said Maine State Library, in a news release. "In Maine, there are 256 public libraries that reach into every corner of the state. Librarians have a strong history of helping individuals, families, and communities navigate all types of literacy challenges, which includes the transition to the Internet back in the late 1990s."

To participate in one of the community conversations, please visit https://www.maine.gov/msl/ai/ to see the list of locations and times. Participation is free and open to anyone in the public. 

Established in 1837, the Maine State Library strives to help people, make Maine libraries stronger, and transform information into knowledge. The services provided by Maine State Library are available to all Maine residents and are free of charge. To learn more, visit https://www.maine.gov/msl/.