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10 hours ago

Gear 'libraries' in Maine form network to boost outdoor recreation

A room is full of camping gear and there's a wooden counter. Photo / Maine GearShare Maine GearShare, whose Brunswick inventory is seen here, launched a statewide gear library network.
By Laurie Schreiber

Six gear libraries have united to create the Maine Gear Library Network, designed to expand awareness of the programs and expand access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors.

“The network is a growing coalition of community organizations, including Maine GearShare, that are working together to make outdoor recreation more accessible, especially for rural, low-income and historically excluded communities, by eliminating one of the biggest barriers to participation: gear ownership,” said Emily Mackeown, advancement manager of Maine GearShare and a lead organizer of the network. 

She added, “We want to spread the word that these libraries exist, and we’re looking to expand.”

The network includes Maine GearShare in Brunswick, Old Town-Orono Gear Library, Kindling Collective in Portland, Katahdin Gear Library in Millinocket, Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp Gear Library and the Appalachian Mountain Club, which offers gear rental from its three lodges in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness, which is Maine’s share of the Appalachian Trail. 

Gear libraries lend outdoor equipment such as bikes, kayaks, tents and camp stoves.

“The concept of sharing outdoor gear is pretty obscure still,” said Jon Cocina, director of membership at the Appalachian Mountain Club. “We’re eager to see the Maine Gear Library Network build strength through cooperation, knowledge sharing and a commitment to accessibility, and it would be amazing if this network could serve as a successful case study for gear lending across the entire Northeast.”

The network is supporting new gear libraries through technical assistance, equipment sharing and public education. It launched a website that offers a statewide directory and information on gear libraries.

“Being part of this network strengthens our ability to remove barriers, share knowledge and ultimately get more people outside experiencing the health, joy, and community connection that outdoor recreation provides,” said Amber Albe, Skowhegan Outdoors’ programs and pathways manager.

The network allows gear libraries to share resources and collaborate, said Josh Bossin, executive director of Maine GearShare and organizer of the network.

Maine GearShare is promoting the network with funds from a Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance Program grant awarded by the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation and funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

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