Community-driven alliance aims to make outdoor recreation more accessible
Emily Mackeown, Advancement Manager, emily@mainegearshare.org
Josh Bossin, Executive Director, josh@mainegearshare.org
Maine GearShare
657 Old Portland Road, Brunswick, ME 04011
207-200–1876
www.MaineGearShare.org
August 5, 2025
BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Maine Gear Library Network (MGLN), a first-of-its-kind statewide alliance of gear libraries, has officially launched, providing affordable access to high-quality outdoor equipment. From bikes and kayaks to tents and camp stoves, the network is a community-driven gear lending program committed to equitable access to outdoor recreation for residents and visitors alike.
“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. “This means that more Mainers can enjoy the outdoors in all seasons. They can try kayaking for the first time or see if fat tire biking is for them. We want to spread the word that these libraries exist, and we’re looking to expand.”
MGLN is actively supporting new gear libraries through technical assistance, equipment sharing and public education. Its new website offers a statewide directory and information on the benefits of a gear library.
Currently, the Maine Gear Library Network includes:
- Maine GearShare – Brunswick
- Old Town-Orono Gear Library – Old Town
- Kindling Collective – Portland
- Katahdin Gear Library – Millinocket and surrounding region
- Appalachian Mountain Club – offers gear rental from their three lodges located within Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness
- Skowhegan Outdoors – Skowhegan
“At Skowhegan Outdoors, we believe that everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the outdoors, no matter their resources or experience level. 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 Alke of Skowhegan Outdoors.
The Skowhegan Outdoors Basecamp Gear Library is a completely free community resource that provides access to outdoor recreation equipment for all ages and abilities, serving residents of Skowhegan and the greater Somerset County area.
Josh Bossin, executive director of Maine GearShare and organizer of the network, said that “The network will help connect organizations that want to expand access to the outdoors, allowing us all to share resources and collaborate, enhancing the impact of the lending program across Maine and hopefully beyond.”
“The concept of sharing outdoor gear is pretty obscure still,” said Jon Cocina, director of membership at the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC). “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.”
Between Maine and New Jersey, AMC operates seven gear lending facilities. In Maine, AMC loans gear through its lodges, Medawisla Lodge & Cabins, Little Lyford Lodge & Cabins, and Gorman Chairback Lodge & Cabins, all located within its Maine Wilderness Initiative (MWI)
property in the Maine Woods. Lodge guests have free access to rent paddling equipment, fishing gear, snowshoes and more.
Hallie Herz, co-director of the Kindling Collective, also has hopes for expansion, “Our preexisting relationship with Maine GearShare makes both gear libraries better community resources. We love working and strategizing together. This existing relationship has been a game changer for us, and we are looking forward to expanding across the state with the rest of the gear library community in Maine.”
Maine GearShare is promoting the Maine Gear Library Network with funds from a Community Outdoor Recreation Assistance (CORA) Program grant. CORA is funded through the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation State Grant to help communities that have been hardest hit by challenges facing these sectors.
To schedule an interview or learn more about borrowing or starting a gear library, contact:
Emily Mackeown, emily@mainegearshare.org
Josh Bossin, josh@mainegearshare.org
Maine GearShare: 207-200-1876
Hallie Herz, The Kindling Collective 207-200-4707
Amber Alke, Skowhegan Outdoors 203-892-4569, amber@mainstreetskowhegan.org ###