Amy Stone, Northeast Regional Representative

Bridgton Public Library, Bridgton Maine


Professional Background

I have experience in public, school, and special libraries. I have found my work happiness at the Bridgton Public Library, a 501(c)3 nonprofit public library, where I have worked since 2016. Library advocacy and rural digital equity are the two things that I am passionate about, and I work on these things at the state and national level on several advisory boards and working groups.
 
I have a BA in English Literature and an MA in Library and Information Science. I currently serve as the Maine Library Association Legislative Chair. I am a member of the Maine Digital Equity Alliance and the ALA Digital Equity Work Group.

Headshot of Amy Stone
What inspired you to get involved with the board?

I am inspired by all of the members I have met over the years and their dedication to their work and the profession. ARSL has amazing opportunities to connect its members and advocate for the sector. I want to move this work forward. 

As the Director of a small rural library, I know the importance of building positive relationships and value the energy and innovation of library workers in similar situations. Listening to your community, whether it is your local community for your library or your community of practice, is something I carry into my role on the ARSL board. 

What inspired you to get involved with the board? 

My library is 1,024 square feet, and less than 1/3 of our annual budget provided by a grant from the town.  Nearly two-thirds of libraries in America serve communities like mine, libraries that do not have the money to cover the services they need or the space to offer big programs; libraries that have solo librarians or do amazing work with a minimal staff.  I think rural and small libraries are disproportionately impacted by legislation across America designed to ban books and paralyze public libraries. They are not always fairly represented, and my goal is to make their issues heard.
"I want ARSL to continue to be at the table in BIG ways, not small ones."
I believe rural and small libraries are under attack and do not have the resources right now to defend themselves appropriately. We need to work together to find a more connected strategy to preserve libraries.
 
Why is the mission of the Association for Rural & Small Libraries important to you? 
The ARSL Vision is the part that really moves me. This organization recognizes and values small and rural libraries' unique challenges and opportunities and focuses on honoring and supporting each member's choices.

ARSL is in a great position to build on its successes and improve accessibility and responsive service for our members. 
 
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