Portland Public Library

This library is what I believe a library should be: full of people, videos, computers, art, and oh yeah, books. It is a wonderful library, and I often drop in to wander the stacks when I am in the Old Port for lunch. It is a place with a classic feel, but then the new portion with all that glass is so beautiful, too. Worth going in to see the space.
Parking is a bit tough, but worth the parking fee to go in and get a book for free!

I tend to think that any place that lets you borrow books and movies and music for free deserves five stars. That being said, some libraries are better than others, and Portland Public Library definitely falls into the «better than others» category!
There is a vast collection of books and you can request books from other branches as well. There is a large section of books on CD, and also a section of coffee table books which I don’t make use of but always notice and appreciate. The DVD selection is decent, I often have movies transferred in from other branches. They have lots of CDs to borrow as well, and a good selection of magazines (back issues are on the lower level). Visit the Portland Room for tons of material specific to our fine city.
Computers are available in one hour time blocks. I use them when I need to print something and I’ve never had to wait more than a few minutes for one to become available.
There is an art gallery in the lower level which I think is so great! It makes it really easy to enjoy some local art. Keep walking past the gallery for the in-​house used book store.
Check out the calendar online or in the lobby — the library has so much to offer the community! They bring in great speakers and authors. I went to an incredible Brown Bag Lunch Lecture last year. They have a book club and a knitting group. They offer assistance with tax preparation and navigating the Affordable Care Act. They seem to have great programs and activities for kids.
I really don’t do much at the library besides borrow books, but every time I go I am really amazed at all the great resources available.

I’m a book fanatic and I think that’s an understatement. I read constantly and it’s an expensive habit if I continue to buy books. I drifted away from using the library but I’ve come back to it in a big way. I’m spending more time here and picking up new books. I like the fact that if they don’t have it in house, I can request it from any library in the state and pick it up here.
It’s located right in the heart of Portland across from Monument Square and they’ve done some renovations, but in my opinion not enough has been done. Yes, they’ve prettied up the outside and added lots of glass to give it an open, airy feel but once you go down to the lower level where the nonfiction is housed you see how much still needs to be done. The stained orange carpet needs to go from the nonfiction level. There is an indescribable funk in that room that isn’t just old book odor. I hope there is a plan brewing to redo this room to match the rest of the library. It’s a beautiful building with lots of places to sit and read or surf the net if you want. The atrium is a big space that is always jammed with people using the wifi and making a ton of noise. Once you come inside, a hush settles over the place and it’s peaceful.

History lessons with Steffasaurus: The Portland Public Library was chartered in 1867 and is Maine’s oldest and largest public library systems. It’s home to complimentary Wi-​Fi and over 300,000 books/​audiobooks/​musical recordings/​movies, etc. The library’s values include: freedom, inclusiveness, creativity, collaboration, and sustainability.
When I was a youth, I loved the library. Our local one used to host challenges where if you could read x-​amount of books during the summer, you’d win fun prizes (stickers, book marks, and even books). As a girl who loved to read, it was one of my favorite school vacation activities!
I sort of fell away from going to libraries of any kind after college… sadly (and it hurts my heart to admit this out loud), it’s not a place I find myself needing as much as I once did (though there’s something charming [practical and eco-​conscious, too] about borrowing books that I’d like to rediscover!). When I moved to Portland I remember watching the library here go through much-​needed renovations and thinking, «When they re-​open, I’d like to somehow support what they’re doing.» And I’ve tried! They do an excellent job of being more than just a fabulous and competent library, work space, research center, and place for children to learn, play, and grow… for example, their dedication to the arts is inspirational, diverse, and so appreciated! I’ve seen an exhibit dedicated to Maurice Sendak (which was so moving and nostalgia-​inducing that I was brought to tears… and have thought about it fondly since); and, just recently, I watched ballet dancers preform in the windows to allow passers-​by the opportunity to see sneak peaks of shows to come.
I’m proud that this kind of library — one that’s so community-​focused — is located in the heart of Portland. If I had kids, I would absolutely bring them here for all the wonderful child-​centric programs they have; for now, I look forward to what wonderful performances, programs, music, and art exhibits they continue to house!

A few weeks ago, the morning drive dolts on WEEI were joking about libraries and the last time any of them had been inside one. One of the hosts said the last time he had been in a library was 1978! I guess I’m not surprised.
I love libraries. I often wonder where would we be without libraries, but then again, not everyone is obviously into books/​libraries like I am.
Other reviewers have lamented the lack of parking nearby. I usually park on one of the side streets, or in the public garage across from the Public Market on days like yesterday, with torrential rain. That’s one of the drawbacks, but not a substantial one, but I would «ding» my review slightly because of it.
This is a beautiful library, in the heart of downtown. I am a big fan of the the Portland Room, which is invaluable for research and the staff (in particular, Abraham), are accommodating and always ready to assist.

Lovely library architecture and nice gallery downstairs. Beautiful plants and very helpful staff.
On the down side, the lobby is very nice but full of homeless, either sitting at tables or just standing around or having loud conversations. Very distracting and unfortunately makes it unpleasant to sit there. There are 90 minute limits supposedly at the tables in the lobby, but don’t know if they are monitored or if someone actually tells people they have to move after 90 minutes. Too bad since it is a very nice space.
There are long waits for the public computers inside, but staff are very nice. Parking is a huge hassle. There is none other than street parking or pay lots. Elm street along the side of the library is right across from the bus station and sketchy types are hanging out there, so I’m not sure about the safety of parking your car there or walking alone if it is dark.
Once again, very nice building and facility with a homeless and parking problem, just like the city of Portland itself, which seems full of transients and vagrants.

Art
history
and
telescopes
The Portland Public Library is a huge and impressive building with an art gallery, used book store and fantastic local history room. Just about everything you could ask for in a library.
The inside is just stunning with lovely staircases, lots of beautiful windows for natural lights and huge plants everywhere. Whoever did the decorating for this library sure did a thoughtful and great job.
Of course it has excellent free wifi and lots of cozy and private places to relax and spread out. You can even rent out telescopes or play video games with a library card. Just walking around this library looking at the fine architecture is a treat.
Downstairs is a little art gallery with changing exhibits and a pleasant little used book store. There is impressive art all over the library with an emphasis on the nautical history of Portland.
Upstairs is the Portland Room with a great collection of old and historic books, models and information. I was trying to dig up some old material from over 40 years ago and the sweet librarian working in the room was very patient and helpful and helped me find the info I was looking for.
The only negative about this library is the parking. There usually isn’t any and you have to take your chances on the street and perhaps do a bit of walking. It is worth the effort because this is one of the most aesthetically beautiful, historically useful and just plain wonderful city libraries I have been to.

Impressive gallery space, large library with a lot of light. I only popped in to see an art show but judging by the numerous amount of people inside, I would say this place is a success.

i’ll start by saying that i’ve never actually checked anything out from this library. but i’ve spent a bit of time here, so i’ll speak to that experience.
the library has free wi-​fi, which was a tremendous help while i was settling into my apartment, before i had internet service hooked up. the wi-​fi is great– you can use it in the lobby (which tends to be crowded, distracting, and at least a little bit smelly), or at more tucked away spots in the library. it’s really great that there is a public lobby, but as you can probably tell, i would suggest the more private locations. or your car! if you park outside the library on Elm Street, right next to the building, you can do your quick interneting without even going inside the library, i’m fairly sure at any time of day.
speaking of parking, tho– it’s a bad situation. think it through ahead of time, or just walk if you can. and if you’re not bringing your own computer, i hear there can be quite a wait for the public access ones. and if you’ve never tried to use the public computers before, be sure to get your name on the list and secure the login information. the staff are all super friendly, tho, and will help you get set up if you don’t already have an account.