AUGUSTA — After a long period of closure do to the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant facility relocation, the Maine State Library reopened its doors to the public on July 12 at 242 State Street, Augusta.

"We missed being open to the public, so we're looking forward to being able to serve people in person again," said State Librarian, Jamie Ritter, in a news release. “Our staff are ready, and we cant wait to help Maine residents by bringing our public services back to them.”

The library's permanent location at the Cultural Building on the State Capitol Complex was closed to the public in May 2020 after it was determined that significant repairs and upgrades were needed to the facilities mechanical systems. Since that time, the library has worked to identify temporary library space. The public location will be at 242 State Street, while the majority of the library's collections are located at the Carleton Mill in Winthrop. Library staff will shuttle materials between the two locations as patrons request items.

“We have made our public space appealing and welcoming,” said Alison Maxell, director of Public and Outreach Services for the Maine State Library. “While were offering a little bit of everything, the public will definitely notice some changes to how we offer some services.”

Most notably, the library will be requiring reservations to use the public computers and microfilm research services.

“Because of our scaled down space at the new facility, we simply don’t have as many computers or microfilm machines to offer,” said Maxell. “For that reason, we are going to take reservations to make sure we can offer these resources in the most equitable way. The best advice we can provide is to call ahead to ensure the materials or machines you want are available.”

While there are no capacity limits on the number of people who can use the library at a given time, staff are encouraging people to call ahead to make reservations or ask about available services. All policies relating to staff and the public as it relates to wearing masks will be determined by official policies for state employees and facilities. Curbside lending and direct lending will be offered, and the library's iconic News Nook that features every newspaper published in Maine has been re-created.

The library plans to host a public re-opening celebration in early to mid-August.

“We want to get re-established and used to how our modified services are offered,” said Ritter. “Once we feel like we have a handle on things well be sure to celebrate being back in business.”

Starting July 12, the Maine State Library (242 State Street, Augusta) will be open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and questions, please contact the library at 207-287-5600.