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Community forum: Peaks Island Branch Library and Community Center Renovation Plans

posted: , by Editor
tags: About the Library | Director's Updates | Programs & Events | Adults | Teens | Kids & Families | Seniors | News

Over the past 14 months, Portland Public Library staff have worked with the leadership of the Friends of the Peaks Island Library and with City staff, particularly in the Recreation Department, to develop a new vision for the Library/Community Center. We have discussed various strategies for increasing and enhancing functionality, efficiency, and enjoyment of services. We have incorporated the great energy and ideas from the Community Forum which we held on Peaks in April 2013, have analyzed the current condition of the building, and have begun developing a plan for the Center.

Our goal is to maximize internal space, update necessary systems to meet all codes, resolve ergonomic problems, and – most importantly – create a comfortable and welcoming space for reading, exploration, and learning. At this point, our plan is to begin renovation in Fall of 2015.

Thanks to the generosity of the Friends, we have contracted with architect Dick Reed to develop a preliminary design that captures these ideas. We will pursue this design with the City shortly but would love more community input as we finalize the plans. Please join us for another Community Forum, on Wednesday, September 10 at 7pm. We look forward to your thoughts, reactions, and input. If you cannot attend but have questions or suggestions, please call 871-1700 x759 or send email to librarydirector@portland.lib.me.us

The Peaks Island Library and Community Center is a special part of island life, and we are excited to build its future.


Burbank Branch Renovation Project

posted: , by Editor
tags: About the Library | Director's Updates | Adults | Teens | Kids & Families | Seniors | News

The Burbank facility, created in 1995, is the 6th busiest library location in Maine, operating well beyond the capacity imagined twenty years ago. In order to reflect changes in how our loyal Burbank patrons use the library, to address building infrastructure issues, and to solve long-standing ergonomic challenges for library staff, PPL is undertaking a renovation to reconfigure and update the branch. We are thrilled to have the chance to provide a healthier environment for our staff and an improved experience for those who use and love the Burbank branch.

The renovation will be funded through an allocation of $255,000 from the City’s Capital Improvement Program. Scott Simons, whose firm was responsible for the 2010 Phase I renovation of the Main Library, is the project architect. You can see the current renovation drawings by clicking here for a PDF.

Once the bidding process for the project is completed this fall, the branch will be closed for six to seven months while construction takes place. We expect this closure to begin in November 2014 but look forward to updating you on the specifics and to serving you at our Main Library, Riverton, and Peaks Island locations during the Burbank closure.

And of course, we look forward to celebrating with you when we open a beautifully renovated Burbank branch!

Questions or feedback? Contact us at 871-1700, ext. 759 or librarydirector@portland.lib.me.us


FLASH book sale

posted: , by Editor
tags: About the Library | Director's Updates | Programs & Events | Adults | Teens | Kids & Families | Seniors | Art & Culture | News

Did you miss the Friends of PPL book sale last month? Don’t despair! Portland Public Library is holding a supplemental book sale on Saturday, July 26 from 9 am – noon. We’ll have more than 5,000 items to choose from, all in good condition on a wide variety of topics and many with recent publication dates. This is a great chance to add some variety to your shelves, stock up for a house-bound relative or friend, or freshen up a collection.

100% of the proceeds from the book sale benefit PPL’s collections, programs, and outreach. This is a CASH ONLY sale. Hardcovers will be $1 each, and softcovers 50 cents each. Lovers of old cassette audio books and VCR material, we’ve got some oldie-but-goodie gems in the sale for you, too, at unbeatable prices.

This CASH ONLY sale will take place at PPL’s new off-site collections management facility at 1000 Riverside Street on Saturday, July 26 from 9 am to noon. There is ample parking on site. Our friends at Maine Historical Society will be holding a tag sale that day on site as well, with the sale of donated items benefiting MHS’s education and outreach programs. We know many library fans are also history enthusiasts, so you may find some bonus treasures on Saturday. (Details at https://www.mainehistory.org/programs_events.shtml)

We look forward to seeing you! Questions about the book sale? Contact Emily at 207-871-1700 ext. 759 or levine@portland.lib.me.us

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