The PFL has got to be one of the greatest small-town libraries in the country. Here's why (arranged in geographical order from north to south in the library, first floor first):
1) Children's room: Spacious, clean and well-lit. Lots of kids' books for all ages, in shelving that's appropriately sized for the age group. In addition to stories, a large array of nonfiction books on subjects ranging from wolves to muffin recipes to the ancient funerary terracotta army of Qin Shi Huang. As a special bonus there is a lovely mural by the local artist Dahlov Ipcar (1917-2017).
2) Computers: The world's most patient people, I am sure, explain to confused people over and over again how to do the most simple things (like, in my case, print on the library's printer from my thumb drive). People use the computers to search for jobs or find out about colleges; this library, along with many other similar libraries, provides a tremendous community service.
3) Stacks: The books are in call number order! And there are a lot of them!! Yay!! Also, there are carrels where you can plug in your laptop and use their internet. I should mention here that I like graphic novels, and the PFL is remarkably hip in its acquisitions.
4) Circulation Desk: The librarians are friendly to everyone who comes in. The PFL is connected to the Maine Interlibrary Loan system so if you want a book that's in Rockland or Lewiston or wherever, it shows up a few days later for you at the PFL.
5) Reading room: It's like being in the library room of your own (somewhat understated) manor house. A real architectural oasis.
6) Sagadahoc History Room: So many people who live elsewhere in the US have ancestors from Maine, and they come here to research their families. The staff know everything and treat each question as a significant one.
7) Community room: Well lit, comfortable chairs for a lecture, good sound system, no echo.
I forgot the hallway on the first floor, with bulletin boards that all sorts of community groups use to post their events. Also, the bathrooms are tidy and easy to find.
A wonderful library! read more