Grant size: $300 to $1,000.
Application Deadline: January 15 (postmarked)

Background
The Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust was established in 1986 to help libraries better serve communities in Maine with a population of less than 10,000. Mr. Rudman frequently traveled throughout Maine, particularly Downeast, on business. He was struck by the commitment to learning and reading as evidenced by a library in the majority of towns he passed through, regardless of their size. He and Mrs. Rudman encourage libraries in smaller communities to continue and expand programming and outreach through the Trust that bears their name.

Priorities
The Rudman Advisory Committee encourages all libraries to strive to meet the Minimum Public Library Standards of the Maine Library Association. A particularly important component of these is the requirement that libraries submit an annual report to the Maine State Library. Information compiled from these annual reports influences the amount of federal money received by the state. In 2010, verification that a library has submitted an annual report for the previous fiscal year will be required by the Rudman Advisory Committee.

The trust encourages creative solutions to the challenges faced by small libraries by supporting:

• Lively programming: speakers, storytellers, book discussions, children's performers, cultural events, etc.
• Collections and programs tailored to meet unique local interests, i.e. history, how-to, etc.
• Preservation of special collections
• Sharing resources through collective purchasing and cooperatives
• Collaboration with community groups and agencies

Eligibility Requirements
Programming and outreach activities must be integrated with the library's collection--"tie it to the book." Applicants must explain how their proposal is based on the collection and how participants will benefit from this association.

The Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust invites applications from libraries serving communities in Maine with a population of less than 10,000 located in the following counties:

• Aroostook
• Hancock
• Knox
• Penobscot
• Piscataquis
• Waldo
• Washington

The trust does not provide support for capital and operational expenses or for resources that are otherwise freely available in the state. Requests for large print books or materials and computer hardware or software will not be considered.

How to Apply
Applications must be postmarked by January 15 and mailed to:

Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust
Maine Community Foundation
245 Main Street
Ellsworth, ME 04605
phone: (207) 667-9735 or-toll free 877-700-6800

Contact
Jean Warren at the Maine Community Foundation (1-877-700-6800 or jwarren@mainecf.org) and Valerie Osborne, District Consultant for the Northern Maine Library District (1-800-427-8336 or valerie.osborne@bpl.lib.me.us), look forward to speaking with you concerning this opportunity should you have any questions or comments.

Rose and Samuel Rudman Library Trust Application
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