Remote Work through Libraries Grants

Through a collaboration with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) the fb88 State Library (MSL) invested $2 million in 39 of fb88’s 257 public libraries to expand their capacity to provide targeted resources, services, and physical space to support remote and hybrid workers across the state. Business owners and entrepreneurs that primarily operate with a virtual footprint also are served.

The Remote Work through Libraries Initiative selected libraries based on a competitive grant program that focused on libraries serving communities where access to business centers or coworking spaces are lacking or where there are barriers preventing some remote workers from taking advantage of existing facilities.

Public libraries applied for two types of projects: programming and/or space renovation grants ($5,000 - $25,000) and capital improvement grants ($25,000 - $100,000). Proposals focused on expanding current workforce-related services and programs, adding functionality to existing meeting rooms, creating new spaces, or large capital projects. Priority went toward proposals that focused on reaching historically underrepresented groups as well as those from libraries that serve economically disadvantaged communities and/or communities that were disproportionately impacted by recent economic downturns as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The list of Remote Work through Libraries awardees can be found here.

Libraries and their Projects

Library	City/Town	Project Description (click for more information)
	Bowdoinham	Expanded accessibility, computers with secure internet connections, printers, and video conferencing equipment.
	Brooksville	Wifi printing and expanded open hours.
	Bucksport	Expanded seating and technology, privacy screens and a projector.
	Camden	High speed wifi, modular furniture, tabletop outlets, and a designated area to conduct business calls and video chats.
	Caribou	Hotspot and laptop lending, and Bookmobile delivery of technology.
	Carrabassett Valley	Accessibility, technology, high-speed internet, and space upgrades.
	Searsport	Space upgrades, including electrical outlets, and furniture along with an upgraded copier/printer/fax machine.
	Casco	Constructing a 1000 square foot addition dedicated for remote workers, including mobile furniture and technology offerings.
	Deer Isle	Expanded outdoor workspace equipped with electrical outlets, shade, and new tables and chairs.
Chebeague Island Library	Chebeague Island	Constructing a dedicated space for remote work and study.
	North Berwick	Laptops, mobile furniture, and software for remote workers.
	Fort Kent	Shared remote workspace and other amenities including fast wifi and a new wifi printer.
	Gardiner	Private meeting and work spaces, a self-contained meeting pod and updated existing desk/work spaces in the Reading Room.
	Guilford	Workstations, high-speed internet, educational programming, and other amenities to support remote workers.
	Bar Harbor	Constructing a substantial, 2-story dedicated commons space for remote work and study.
	Kennebunk	Support services for teleworkers, home-based business entrepreneurs, and co-working individuals. Expanded existing space and new areas with comfortable furniture, ample electrical outlets, and good Wi-Fi.
	Liberty	Training for remote workers along with access to high-speed internet, computers, and a color printer.
	St. Agatha	New computers, an updated printer, tables for collaborative work, and desktop privacy panels.
	Kennebunkport	Small conference rooms and work areas, improved ADA accessibility, and worker-friendly outdoor spaces.
	Lubec	Computers, furniture, and technology support to remote workers in the community, along with training and outreach on how to use the resources.
	Yarmouth	Dedicated workspace for remote workers and ADA-compliant study carrels with electrical outlets for charging devices.
	Millinocket	Upgraded meeting rooms, new computers, and devices for checkout, as well as community outreach and training programs.
	Monroe	Improved internet access, space for meetings and events, and lending computers and other technology to remote workers.
	New Vineyard	Drop-in center for remote workers with internet access, computers, and other resources, as well as programming and classes.
	Alfred	Upgraded high-speed internet access and new workspaces for remote workers and community members.
	Bath	ADA Accessibility, technology, and space upgrades.ADA Accessibility, technology, and space upgrades.
	Jonesport	A new, dedicated remote work space along with computers, printers, and scanners, as well as a private space for remote workers.
	Portland	Family-friendly workspaces in the Children’s area as well as computers, internet access, and educational toys and activities for children to use while their caregiver works.
	Readfield	Outdoor charging stations, improved ADA accessibility, and new quiet workspaces on both the first and second floors.
	Poland	Expanded facilities with computers, workstations, comfortable furniture, power outlets, a copier, and a meeting room with technology for online meetings.
	Rockland	Dedicated co-working space, remote worker events, and programming.
	Hiram	Redesigned workstations, improved infrastructure, and training programs in the library along with an outdoor pavilion with wifi and power outlets for use anytime.
	South Portland	Dedicated remote worker space with multiple workrooms and technology.
	Southwest Harbor	Additional amenities and services for remote workers, including 24/7 access to electricity, a new soundproof meeting pod, and more comfortable workspaces with charging capabilities.
	Thomaston	Upgraded electrical, HVAC, and air quality improvements. Dedicated coworking space with privacy, larger monitors, and videoconferencing equipment.
	Dover-Foxcroft	Renovated level of the library with tailored spaces and amenities for remote workers.
	Mercer	Expand space for remote workers and entrepreneurs in a new digital hub with computers, furniture, and other equipment.
	Unity	Workstations, programming and resources for remote workers including networking opportunities to share resources and feedback.
	Vassalboro	Converted existing space into private remote worker spaces, upgraded technology, and a new ADA-accessible entrance in the library.