Merrill Library participates in Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program

Merrill Library at the University of Maine at Machias is one of 68 libraries participating in a new pilot program that will expand members’ access to library materials throughout the state.

Launched Sept. 16, the Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program will allow members of any participating library to use their regular library card to borrow materials and access services when visiting any other participating library.

Merrill Library members are already able to take advantage of Maine’s Interlibrary Loan system, through which participating libraries deliver materials to one another at members’ requests. The new program will make borrowing more convenient for members who travel, says director Marianne Thibodeau.

Members of participating libraries who visit Machias will gain borrowing access to Merrill Library’s collection of over 60,000 materials, without needing to sign up for a new card.

A review of the program and evaluation of opportunities for expansion is slated for August 2020. A full list of participating libraries can be found on the Maine State Library website.