The Sun Journal spoke with library leaders, staff, elected officials and more about the issues facing public libraries, the root causes, and why there’s hope for the future.
homelessness
To cope with homeless issue, Bates professor says to start by showing grace
Bates College professor Paul Schofield tells advocates to avoid clashing with allies.
Lewiston hires former legislator Nate Libby as assistant economic development director
Libby replaces longtime staffer Misty Parker, who left earlier this year to take a director’s position in Bath.
In a historic legislative session, some big reforms for Maine still fell short
Some approved legislation still awaits action by the governor, and lawmakers will return for at least one more day to address vetoes.
With homelessness on the rise, Supreme Court weighs bans on sleeping outdoors
In California and other Western states, courts have ruled that it’s unconstitutional to fine and arrest people sleeping in homeless encampments if shelter space is lacking.
This clinic inside Portland’s homeless shelter is working to treat addiction
Greater Portland Health’s medication-assisted treatment program offers shelter guests access to Suboxone in an effort to treat addiction and reduce deadly overdoses.
RSU 9 updates policy on homeless students
RSU 9 separated their original policy regarding student homelessness into two policies, as well as reintroduced a policy regarding the public’s freedom of access.
Housing committee calls on Lewiston and Auburn to collaborate on a permanent shelter
The Housing Committee called on Lewiston to create an ad hoc committee to work with Auburn’s shelter committee on the prospect of a permanent shelter.
Portland clears out longstanding homeless camp behind Lowe’s
The site had been quietly inhabited for several years. The company that owns the property says it had been concerned about the camp growing but didn’t call in the police.
Constitutional concerns raised about Augusta’s proposed aggressive solicitation ban
City councilors have been divided on the ordinance, which was proposed in response to concerns about aggressive, intimidating behavior.