The Children’s Library is being freshened up!
The Downtown Children’s Library will be closed while new carpeting is installed until October 29.
Thank you for your patience during this time. We look forward to welcoming you back into our space on Monday, October 28!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Children’s desk be staffed?
Yes! A staff member will be available at the Children’s Library desk to answer your questions in-person and by phone.
Will the Children’s Library Bathrooms be open?
Yes! The bathrooms for kids and teens will remain open during regular hours.
Will the Children’s Library have some material accessible for browsing?
Yes! You can browse the displays of new and popular materials and recently returned items.
Will Children’s Library staff be able to retrieve materials for me during this time?
Yes, but with limits. We are happy to retrieve available items for you if you know the title you are looking for and it is accessible to us. We can look up items to confirm they are available. Please note, during this time we are unable to retrieve large volumes of items based on subject or read-alike requests.
Alternative Services During Children’s Closure:
- Visit one of our branch libraries or the Bookmobile
- Use My PPL to place items on hold for pickup at any location*
- Try our recommendation service, Your Next Great Read, Jr., for personalized reading suggestions
- Download free ebooks and audiobooks from cloudLibrary or Comics Plus. Visit our Digital Library page for more information.
- Child care centers with current accounts can continue to call or email for tote pickup.
- Children’s staff will continue to be available by email (childrens@portlib.org) and phone (207-771-2707)
*Hold pickup is not instantaneous and depending on the progress of the installation, it may take up to 72 hours before we can reach requested items. We will notify you by email when your holds are ready for pickup.