27 M.R.S. § 4

Any person or organization receiving the loan of any books, documents or other material from the Maine State Library shall be responsible for the full value thereof to the librarian, and in case of the loss of or damage to a volume belonging to a set, shall procure a new volume or be responsible for the value of the set. If any person or organization shall neglect or fail to return any books, documents or other material lent to them, or shall return the same in an injured or mutilated condition, after due demand and notice, the librarian may maintain a civil action against such person or organization for the full value thereof. Actions to enforce the liability mentioned in this section may be brought by the librarian in his own name in behalf of the State, and in case of his death or removal, the action shall be prosecuted by his successor.