Since moving to the L/A area, the LPL has been #1 on my list of places I must see. I love the LPL,…read moreand the new updates are lovely. The exposed brick and modern trim give the library a unique feel. More of a rustic / imperfect vibe than the clean lines / white walled library I'm used to going to (Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick). Rather than feeling closed in with few windows and a million fluorescent lights, the natural light that is allowed in to the building through the many large windows gives the library life. This most certainly allows for the library to have a welcoming feeling to the general public. The selection of books is spectacular. Everything is laid out in a sensible order, and is always full and well-tagged. The audiobooks on the other hand, have a much narrower selection. I commute 2.5 hours each day to my job in Farmington, so audiobooks have become a staple to my drives. I've been able to find 2 of the books that I'd like to have on audiobooks, but have had use Inter-Library Loan for others; most notably A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. This is not necessarily a *bad* thing, just more of an inconvenience than anything. I love libraries, and the LPL is a great one. Also: am I the only one who internally sings the Arthur song "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card" when I walk into a library? :)

No one has reviewed LPL? Geez, Mainers! Get on the Yelp bandwagon - people need to know how amazing…read morethis place is! No longer the dingy, crumbling cave of my childhood, the Lewiston Public Library has apparently expanded twice since my departure from L/A in 2001. My mom asked me to take some of her books back while I was visiting, and I was not only impressed by the new additions to the building, but also received excellent customer service (if that's what you can call it) from Jane, the librarian, who definitely needs to be commended beyond this review. First of all, the expansion of the library is beautiful - it's all exposed brick, modern black trim, and tons of natural light from huge windows (unlike the old building, which is made of beautiful old granite stone, but very dingy and dark inside). The layout is also beautiful and welcoming - the rows of books when you walk in are well-organized and well-tagged. Overall, it's a very inviting experience. Now, Jane. My mom had taken out this very popular book (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack), which apparently got recalled - much to Momma's chagrin because the wasn't finished reading it. In order to finish the book, my mom had to go in (I ended up doing so, as her proxy), return the book, and put herself back on the waitlist. Even though this was sort of disappointing because my mom was so gripped with the book that she was constantly reading passages out loud to everyone who would listen, Jane made the process so much easier and more pleasant. Exasperated after having up the phone, my mom told me, "Well, at least it was Jane, she's the best one there." I went in to regulate (haha) the situation on my mom's behalf and lo and behold, Jane was sweeter than pie. I talked with her about the new additions to the library as she checked the books back in, said that she remembered my mom, and quickly and pleasantly put her back on the waitlist for dear ol' Henrietta. I wanted to hug Jane, but instead I walked into a cart of books on my way out, I was so pleased with the experience (also, lol, I have a penchant for walking into thigh-level objects and often have bruises all over me because of this). I went to LPL all the time as a kid. My whole family are avid readers and we used to probably go once a week. However, I can only imagine how just absolutely beautiful the experience is for kids (and adults) now in this modern, beautiful, inviting space. And given the amazing experience with my new favourite librarian, Jane, I'd be here constantly if I lived in Lewiston. Bravo, LPL!

We went to Curtis Memorial Library for the Robert McCloskey exhibit which was awesome but the…read morelibrary also has so much more to offer. The McCloskey exhibit runs through October and many of his original sketches are on display. The books are available to compare the original artwork to what is in the books. The display is well laid out and you follow circles on the floor to see the entire exhibit. There is a scavenger hurt kids can complete for a prize. One of the librarians told us there have been visitors from every state and several countries. The library itself is very clean and bright. There are kids and teens sections as well as several meeting and study rooms. In addition to books, you can also check out kitchen gadgets, and other items. The library has a new book mobile. The Curtis Memorial Library is a wonderful addition to the Brunswick community.

I think this is the best public library I've ever seen. It was doing a Robert McCloskey exhibit,…read moreand we drove up from Portland to see it. Not only was the McCloskey exhibit excellently and playfully presented, the library was exceptionally well organized. This is what most impressed me, though: in their non-fiction collection the books are organized within the Dewey decimal system like most libraries, but the Curtis staff use the space to highlight the most significant and interesting books within those sections. Plus, they have puzzles and games for loan. Brunswick is a cute town, and their library is a gem.

A long way…read more The website for the library said the Topsham Library has come a long way since it was just a thought in the heads of some forward looking people back in the early 19th century. And they are definitely correct. The new library was opened in 2004 and is a wonderful design, both aesthetical pleasant to look at as well as very pragmatic and useful. Lots of natural light and cozy places to sit and a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. The kids department is really cool with all kinds of fun things for the local delinquents to play with and learn from and there are all kinds of programs and events held at the library, The Topsham Library certainly has come a long way. But now they have a nice, new library that will serve the town well into the future.

Nice new, modern library!…read more From the website: "We've come a long way since the Topsham Social Library was formed in 1803. We've taken great leaps since community spirited citizens gave birth to the Topsham Public library 1941. Since then, we have been the beneficiaries of many. Today, located in our new 13,000 square foot facility at 25 Foreside Road in Topsham, the Topsham library serves the community as a place to read, to learn, and to meet for all ages and interests."

An amazing public library! They offer a vast selection of traditional paper/hardcover books as…read morewell as great digital media. The Library underwent a significant addition a decade ago, and they have done an amazing job up-keeping the facility.

The staff. The events. The inventory. YES! I am so happy that as a Minot resident, my family and I…read moreget to use the services of APL. It's truly one of our favorite places to be. From story times to reading challenges, craft activities and other events in between, everything is incredible. The selections are top notch ranging from your traditional hardcover and softcover books in every genre, an entire kids section, media like DVDs and audio books, to board games. You can also rent out state park passes and grab a pass to get 50% off tickets to the children's museum in Portland. They also work with a local animal rescue and foster cats and who need to be adopted. Oh and it has its own parking lot which is always a win! We love it here so please be sure to help keep our libraries funded and head on over to support APL!

Intimate, elegant and cozy space. Came here for a string quartet performance. Loved the exterior…read more The interior was even more impressive.

Books ships and…read morehistory The first Bath library was started back in 1847 when John and George Patten got a bunch of books together and started storing them in any available space for public use. Finally in 1891, Galen Moses donated 10,000 dollars to construct a building to house the growing collections of books and a wonderful building was built. Like most old libraries the original building proved to be to small so additions were added in 1961 and then again in 1988. Now the library is large and modern but with lots of old fashion charm. All kinds of great art and ship models are scattered around the library and great views of the Kennebec River can be seen from the lawn and top floor. A fantastic children's room and genealogy area makes this library a great place to do research of have fun. Bath has a great library that serves the present but doesn't lose sight of the past. A wonderful and very practical library that will continue to serve the community for decades to come.

Great library. Quaint And quiet. The librarians are friendly and they will help you with all your…read morebook questions. I also like the separation of the children's section from the rest of the library. Keep on reading!

A window to the…read moreworld The Freeport Community Library is a new facility that was completed in 1997 and still has that squeaky clean look to it. A sprawling building that is the home to many events and programs. Even though many parts of the library look very new, it still has a very comfortable and homey feel to it. Lots of nice chairs, furniture and huge windows in places to let in natural light. The library has a great genealogy and local history room, free wifi and all the things necessary to do some serious research of just sit and read a book or magazine. A Window to the World, is the library's motto, and it certain is appropriate. A wonderful library where people can seek the past or look forward into the future.

Quilts gardens and…read morepoets The first Yarmouth library was started around 1890 and located in an old Baptist Church in the center of town. This soon proved to be inadequate but fortunately the town had a wonderful man named Joseph Merrill whose dream was to provide a real library for Yarmouth. He hired the well known Boston architect, A.W. Longfellow, the nephew of the famous poet, to construct a permanent library that the town would be proud of. The stunning new library was dedicated and opened in 1905. The wonderful library was renovated in 1988 and greatly enlarged but it retained the lovely feel and ambiance of the original structure. The library today is a wonderful place. Huge windows and stunning wood staircases with graceful carvings and designs.. A garden area outside was added in 1990 that just adds to the charm. Lots of old libraries in New England have quilts adorning the walls but the Yarmouth Library has some really beautiful ones, including one quilt that tells the history of the town and another that is actually a map. The librarians and people in this library were gracious, helpful and just plain nice. You could tell that they were proud of there library and wanted to share it. A wonderful library to visit and appreciate even if you aren't interested in the books.

Very beautiful building on the outside. Inside is impressive also. Printing was easy: self install…read morewith IP address, and print straight from your own computer. Only 10c/BW copy. Very fast internet, comfy tables, lamps and quiet areas. Staff is tech- savvy and helpful. For an out of towner with choice, go here rather than Freeport.

Skidompha Public Library in Damariscotta offers books, archives, and community programs, with a…read morehistory room, cozy reading spaces, and a mission to inspire learning and connection for all ages.

Amazing knowledgeable and helpful staff! Beautiful library…read morewith a great catalog! This however, is a LIBRARY not a COFFEE SHOP!!! Hard to read, study or focus when realtors are striking deals on their phones and zoom calls fill the air with barking chatter. What next, a guitarist singing "its five o'clock somewhere"?

Quilts telescopes and…read moreGreeks The Boothbay Library is located in a beautiful building that was once a Greek Revival private home that was constructed in the 1840s. the building was purchased for the library in around 1923 and has had lots of renovations over the years. The largest was in 2014 when the size of the library was almost doubled. The library is charming and quaint inside, especially in the original section. Lovely expose beams and a very cool and homey atmosphere inside. Even thought the library has certain grown it still isn't very large but managed to include a very fun children room and a cool area upstairs where the local quilting club produces amazing quilts for local charities. There are also Lego clubs and a whole lot of other activities for young and old alike. Right behind the library is a fantastic used book store that helps supports the library. Lots of books are just strewn about on the cool porch and inside the building and it's great fun digging around to see what you can find. The Boothbay Library has a nice collection off local history, old historic books and some best sellers. And it even has a cool telescope that patrons can check out. Certainly not the largest library around but one of the most charming and interesting.

I visit Boothbay Harbor with my family at least twice a year (my parents have a house there), and…read morevisiting the library is always the top item on my list of things to do. Why? The library porch. Actually, it's the porch on the building next to the library itself. It has a large selection of hardcover and paperback books available for sale to support the library - and they cost ten cents per book. At that price, I can try all sorts of books that I might never have dreamed of picking up otherwise - and some of them always turn out to be surprisingly good. There's also always the chance of finding buried treasure. In fact, I almost ALWAYS make one or two real finds. This summer, I found a hardcover copy of "The Bridge of Birds" in excellent condition; a simply wonderful book, and a fabulous bargain. The porch works on the honor system. You pick out your books and put the money through a slot in the (always-locked) side door. I always put in some extra cash, if I have any, to support the library. As far as I know, the porch is always open all hours, every day of the week; there isn't any way to actually *close* it, after all (I imagine that they don't leave the books out during the winter, though). There are usually some plastic grocery bags hung on one of the shelves for your books. The rest of the building is a regular used book shop. It also supports the library, and is run by volunteers. Prices used to be a little bit on the high side, but they've come way down; most books are $0.50 - $1. The selection is large and quite good. Between the porch and the shop, I recently picked up over 30 books for under $15. The space in the shop is a bit cramped, but I've seen worse. Look for the children's nook; lots of good stuff there. And now, the library itself: it's a typical small New England library, packed with books and character. There's wifi internet access (the previous librarian arranged that, I believe; she was a real treasure), as well as several computers that can be used for internet access. You need to sign up in advance for half-hour increments of computer use. The children's room is particularly nice. There are a lot of books packed into a relatively small and cosy space, as well as toys, videos, a comfy couch that's very good for quietly reading books aloud to children, and an odd barn-setting on one wall that almost seems to be a sort of staging area for plays (or just to play with). It's a very popular destination for my seven-year-old son whenever we visit Boothbay Harbor.

Library is equipped with free WiFi, friendly staff and has large collection of books on different…read morecategories. It has got a spacious room to read books of your interest. It always fascinates me reading about the Space and beyond.! This library has few cool books related to Space and Technology. Definitely a good place to visit and give some exercise to the brain.

A very relaxing…read morelibrary The very first thing that you notice when you walk into the South Portland Library is that it's comfortable, pleasant and relaxing. Nothing harsh or authoritarian about this library. Everything looks soft and inviting, from the large windows that give lots of natural light to the plants and art that grace the walls. Lots of space inside, nothing is cramped or crowded, very easy to find a spot to spread out and read a book or do some research. Side rooms for when you wish to talk or quiet areas when you want to be alone with your own thoughts. Of course it has computers and Wi-Fi as well as a nice selection of periodicals and other library necessaries. The librarians were friendly and helpful and you could tell that they enjoyed their jobs of helping people. South Portland isn't the largest, most historic or cutest library in Maine. It is one of the most relaxing, friendliest and useful.