The University of Southern Maine Libraries and the Dr. Charles A. Scontras Center for Labor and Community Education have set up a location for a a Maine labor archives, the Scontras Center Collection, housed at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn library location. The two departments invite donors with connections to the labor movement in Maine to donate materials to add to the collection. If you wish to donate, please consult the Scontras Labor Center Collection FAQ below.
What materials can I donate?
When considering making a donation, please include only materials that are in good condition and relevant to the Scontras Labor Center collection. We can accept materials gifts such as books, newsletters, bulletins, and other published print items related to the history of labor in the United States, with particular focus on Maine.
What will happen to my donated materials?
Accepted materials will be added to the Scontras Center Labor Collection, housed at our Lewiston-Auburn campus library. Most donated books will be put into library circulation, while donated documents will remain in-library use only to better protect them from damage. Patrons may still request to read parts of these materials via ILL.
How do I give materials to the Scontras Labor Center Collection?
Before you donate materials, please reach out to the Scontras Labor Center and the Library Collections Manager in advance. We can be reached by phone at 207-780-4928 and 207-780-5417, and by email at scontrascenter@maine.edu and usm.acquisitions@maine.edu.
We will coordinate a time when you can drop off materials for donation, preferably at our Lewiston-Auburn campus. If you are unable to come to campus, special accommodations can be made.