Enriching our Diverse Community. Advancing Literacy.

Portland Public Library (PPL) offers free access to shared materials and information for all community members. Serving as the City’s cultural center since 1867, PPL is one of Maine’s largest public library systems and the most visited cultural institution in the state. PPL lends over 300,000 books (print and digital), magazines, audio and visual materials, and archival materials, and serves our community through the Downtown Library, three neighborhood branches (Peaks Island, Deering Center, Riverton), and a Bookmobile. Our commitment is to serve everyone, including families, children, and teens; new Americans and those for whom English is not a first language; those who are in transition, those experiencing homelessness, those in need of a safe space to be quiet and read, people learning new skills and researching interests, and those seeking social connection.

The library is a 501(c)3 cultural organization with a staff of 53 FTE and is governed by a Board of Trustees.

OUR MISSION

Portland Public Library fosters learning, discovery, joy, and conversation to enrich our diverse community and advance literacy.

OUR VISION

Portland Public Library serves as the civic and cultural center of our region in which generations of citizens are literate, informed, and engaged.  The Library provides trusted resources and accessible experiences that inspire imagination, curiosity, awareness, and learning.  The Library embraces change and evolves to meet the needs of the community.

OUR VALUES

• Freedom
• Inclusion
• Equity
• Diversity
• Creativity
• Collaboration
• Sustainability