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

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.

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.

The library will require reservations to use the public computers and microfilm research services.

While there are no capacity limits on the number of people who can use the library at a given time, the library is 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, which features every newspaper published in Maine, has been recreated.

A public reopening celebration is planned in early to mid-August.

Library hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the State Street location. For more information, call the library at 207-287-5600.

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