Library Friends conference

AUGUSTA — Registration is open for the 20th anniversary Friends of Maine Libraries conference set for Monday, Oct. 1, at the Senator Inn.

While all are welcome to attend, including library staff and trustees, this conference is especially appropriate for community-based supporters of their local libraries and of Maine libraries in general.

The keynote speaker will be Jamie Ritter, current director of information and reader services at the Maine State Library who formerly worked closely with dozens of Maine libraries who benefited from MBNA’s Library Grants Program. Also featured will be Maine State Librarian Linda Lord; former Maine first lady, longtime literacy supporter and Maine Library Commission member Karen Baldacci; Maine’s three library district consultants and others who are pleased to serve as resources to libraries and friends throughout the state.

One of the highlights will be the announcement of the two winners of $1,000 grant awards for a worthy friends group or program.

Registration, including materials, refreshments and ‘Friends only’ shopping opportunities, is $45. Discounts area available for new or existing FoML members and for applications postmarked by Sept. 15. For more details and a registration form, visit www.friendsofmainelibraries.org or find Friends of Maine Libraries on Facebook.

Votes could help schools

STATEWIDE – Voting began Sept. 14 in U.S. Cellular’s Calling All Communities campaign. Returning for its fourth year, U.S. Cellular is giving communities the opportunity to help improve education by challenging them to rally community support for the chance to win a share of $1 million. The school that garners the most community votes will win $150,000 and the next 17 schools with the most votes will receive $50,000.

Calling All Communities is open to all K-12 schools, big or small, public or private. Voting runs through Oct. 21. Visit a local U.S. Cellular store to pick up a code to vote. Enter the code online at uscellular.com to cast a vote.

College Fair Sept. 23

GORHAM — The University of Southern Maine’s Office of Undergraduate Admission and the New England Association for College Admission Counseling will host a free college fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, in the Costello Sports Complex on USM’s Gorham campus. For anyone seeking more information, contact USM Undergraduate Admission at 780-5670 or email [email protected].

All prospective college students and their families are invited to attend. No registration is necessary.

More than 250 colleges and universities from across the nation are expected to attend. Bowdoin College, Vermont Technical College, University of Tampa, Husson University and the Western State College of Colorado are just a few examples. Representatives from USM’s Office of Financial Aid, the Finance Authority of Maine  and the New England Board of Higher Education will also be participating. For a current list of all colleges that will be in attendance, refer to www.neacac.org/cf_fall.cfm.