Did you know the library has a Help Desk? In many ways, it’s like the reference services we provide at our Circulation Desk, but with a focus on your overall needs. Help Desk staff can tell you all about local resources and connect you to programs like General Assistance, Disability Rights of Maine, or Meals on Wheels.

What kinds of things can you help with?
We can meet with you in person or over the phone to answer questions like:

• What food pantries are open this week?
• What are local affordable housing options?
• How can I download an app on my phone?
• Where can I find a pro bono lawyer?
• How can I apply for MaineCare?

While we’re happy to refer you to the experts, we don’t provide case management, counseling, therapy, legal advice, or emergency services. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. We also do not perform any kind of device repair or virus removal.

How can I reach the Help Desk? 
To make an appointment with the Help Desk, you can call the library’s phone number (207-723-7020), come in during our open hours (Monday-Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-1:30), or fill our our online contact form.

Does the Help Desk offer direct aid? 
Starting during the pandemic, we helped coordinate the delivery of grant-funded direct assistance with things like heating fuel and food. However, after many conversations with patrons, community partners, staff, and other libraries, the library’s Board of Directors ultimately decided that the direct assistance aspect of the program was beyond our scope as a library. So about a year ago, we began a slow phase-out of direct assistance and to focus on resource navigation and prevention. Our last date of heating fuel assistance was April 30th, 2024. If you need help with heating fuel, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We are happy to talk you through other available options. 

As we move away from direct aid, we are organizing more programs that bring social services, benefits, and programs to the library. For example, this summer and fall, Penquis will be available at the library to get folks signed up for heating assistance before the cold months, and starting in June, the Office of Family Independence will be offering MaineCare, SNAP, and TANF appointments at MML. Check our website calendar or Facebook page to see upcoming programs. With so few of these types of services located in the Millinocket area, we believe that bringing them to the library is an important way to increase local access.

Questions? Feel free to reach out to us at info@millinocketmemoriallibrary.org or 207-723-7020.