This study examines changes in access to care among adults in rural Maine from 2018 to 2023, a period of significant transformation in the state’s healthcare landscape. Using individual-level survey data, we document a substantial increase in the self-reported rate of health insurance coverage across rural Maine during this period, reaching 94 percent in 2023. Coverage gains are most pronounced among adults in more remote and economically disadvantaged rural areas and are accompanied by steep reductions in financial barriers to care. We also find large increases in several measures of primary and preventive care, including higher rates of annual checkups and having a personal doctor. Despite these gains, we find evidence of ongoing access challenges, with over one in four adults in rural Maine delaying medical care for reasons other than costs in 2022, and persistent disparities in access to dental care between adults in metro and rural areas. The findings from our analysis highlight both recent progress and continuing barriers to healthcare access across rural Maine communities.

Author Micah A. Pawling explores Wabanaki people’s views on forest lands as part of their cultural identity. Wabanaki forests represent self-sufficiency and knowledge systems that many tribal citizens use to reinforce their identity as Indigenous people. These forests reveal that the repercussions of settler colonialism are complex and ever changing. Historical research shows that Wabanaki leaders have had to devise innovative solutions to solve challenges about their forest lands. Cross-cultural collaborations can produce powerful results in the overall health and expanse of Wabanaki forests, provided that non-Native partners embrace very different views of forest policy. Policymakers need to consider the significance of tribal forest history, specifically Wabanaki values about forest lands, to shape appro¬priate and effective decisions today.

Each year the Margaret Chase Smith Library sponsors an essay contest for high school seniors. The essay prompt for 2025 asked students their opinion on the rights of speakers in the public square. Should people be allowed to express anything they desire no matter the ripple effect their words may cause? Or, should there be limitations on speech? If so, how far is too far?

Community STEM Nights have emerged as a powerful rural engagement strategy through Maine’s Workforce Ready 2030 (WFR) research–practice partnership. In one of the most rural states in the U.S., these educator-led events bring students, families, and local employers together around hands-on learning in computer science (CS) and emerging technologies. Grounded in principles of co-design, relevance, and local leadership, STEM Nights connect CS education to Maine’s heritage industries and community priorities. This article explores how rural educators use these nights to foster intergenerational learning, build trust, and make CS both accessible and place-based. With growing participation and evidence of impact, STEM Nights offer a scalable model for rural districts looking to deepen engagement and expand equitable CS pathways.

Maine is experiencing a historic demographic transformation fueled by the rise of remote work, pandemic-driven migration, and growing concerns about climate change. This article examines recent migration trends in Maine—particularly Cumberland County—using IRS migration data to analyze who is moving, where they are coming from, and how these shifts are reshaping the region. Findings reveal a significant influx of higher-income newcomers, with implications for housing affordability, income inequality, and local labor markets. While these shifts present opportunities for revitalization, they also pose challenges related to equity, cultural cohesion, and infrastructure strain. The article explores these dynamics through the lenses of economic vitality, social equity, and fiscal impact, offering insights and policy recommendations to help Maine communities adapt to rapid demographic churn.

"Maine is known for its progressive approach to environmental policy in part due to the state’s historical dependence on natural resources and rich biodiversity. Mainers engage in local politics: testifying at public hearings, contacting their elected officials, and submitting public comments. Participation helps create policies that reflect the will of the people, ensure that those affected by policies are able to voice their support and concerns, and safeguard against special interest groups dominating policy construction. However, our analysis of the public comments on three recent pieces of environmental legislation—LD 1679, LD 1541, and LD 294—suggest there is room for improvement. We argue that political participation in Maine could be strengthened through greater inclusion of rural and Indigenous populations to ensure that the state continues to lead in environmental policy."

Given that Maine has the highest veteran suicide rate in the Northeast, the Maine Bureau of Veteran Services has been working to educate healthcare providers and the public about services available specifically for veterans. This commentary describes MBVS activities around this topic and the actions of Maine's Suicide Mortality Review Committee as they investigate the possibility of establishing a Suicide Mortality Review Board.

Youth spend an inordinate amount of time on phones and other screen-based devices; yet research shows myriad negative effects of this behavior on education and general health of young people. In this commentary, I highlight the evidence on how excess screen time affects youth from birth to late teens and provide suggestions for actionable change, including the possible merit of school phone bans, community digital detox spaces, scrutiny of adult screen time habits as models for youth, and green time (time spent outdoors) to counteract negative impacts of increased screen time.

Over the past few years, rural Maine has found itself at an unexpected demographic crossroads. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the state’s rural counties experienced minimal or negative population growth, reflecting broader national trends of rural decline. Maine’s demographic composition compounds these challenges, with many residents aging out of the workforce. However, the pandemic disrupted previous migration patterns, as an influx of new residents led to a notable increase in rural population growth. While this shift marked a sharp departure from pre-pandemic trends, questions remain about its long-term impact. This study uses population projections under three migration scenarios to consider the potential outcomes for rural areas. The findings have implications for policymakers, planners, and community leaders. If recent growth persists, it could help counteract workforce shortages and revitalize communities long challenged by demographic and economic decline. However, if it proves temporary, rural Maine may continue to grapple with an aging population and labor force contraction, exacerbating socioeconomic pressures.

This commentary provides a definition of library ecosystem and describes how ecosystem work can positively affect library or association advocacy by helping groups speak with one voice. When libraries work together, across library types and with other invested stakeholders, and speak with one voice, advocacy messages are stronger.