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Can't find what you are looking for? No problem. We have ways!
Simply ask the Reference Desk staff at any PPL branch for assistance, or do it yourself online!


Request a PPL item to pick up at your local branch (free)

Online, in-person or by phone ... Search the Catalog for the item. If your search criteria match more than one item, you will need to double-click on one record to select it. You can request the item be held for you at your chosen pick-up location. Once you are looking at the record for your item, click on the REQUEST button at the top. 

If you request an item that says it is AVAILABLE, staff will retrieve it. If PPL owns it but it is on order or checked out, your request adds your name to the wait list for the next available copy. Either way, we will send you a notice when the item is ready for you to pick up at your chosen location. The fastest way to receive a pick-up notice is via email. You may add your email address to your patron record when you are logged in, or call one of our locations and we will do it for you. Otherwise, notices go via postal mail. Please do not email your requests.

 

Request from another Maine library via MaineCat (free)

Online, in-person, or by phone ... Search the Catalog for the item. If your search criteria match more than one item, you will need to click on one record to select it. If the search results say "your entry would be here," it cannot find a copy in PPL's collection. To automatically search the statewide catalog of Maine libraries, click on "Search MaineCat." (Or search the MaineCat catalog directly.)

Click on "Display Holdings of Maine Info Net Libraries" to see where a copy is available, or simply click REQUEST THIS ITEM, fill in your library card information, and select a pickup location. We will send you a notice when the item is ready to pick up (usually 5-8 days).

 

Request from another library anywhere via interlibrary loan (usually free)

In-person, by phone, or online ... If no items are available from PPL or Maine Info Net (see above), you can request it via interlibrary loan (ILL). Just fill out the ILL request form. We will request the item from another U.S. or Canadian library and send you a notice when the item is ready to pick up (usually 7-21 days). If you need help with ILL requesting, visit or call the Reference Desk at 871-1700, ext. 725.

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5 Monument Square, Portland Maine 04101    207 871-1700    email: reference @ portland.lib.me.us