About the Burbank Branch

Burbank Branch is directly across the street from Deering High School in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Deering neighborhood. It was founded in 1940 and moved to its present location in a beautiful repurposed family home in 1995. Despite its small size (2,900 square feet), Burbank lends over 250,000 items annually (over 1/4th of the PPL system’s circulation). With open hours Tuesdays through Saturdays, Burbank consistently ranks as one of the busiest public library locations in Maine.

Portlanders appreciate Burbank’s friendly atmosphere and family focus. Join us for weekly story times and Lego Club.

See our Holiday Schedule for planned closings.

The Staff Art Show at the Burbank Branch celebrates the creative work of Portland Public Library staff. Come see what PPL staff across all locations are working on when they aren’t at the library—from photography and sculpture, to mending and upcycling.

The Pleasant Avenue site of the original Burbank Branch is pictured at right. This former storefront was renovated to become a library branch, and first opened its doors in September of 1940.

Today, our branch is located in the former Galli family home. Built in 1926, this Federal Style brick residence was unique among homes in Deering Center. It was home to Antonio Galli and his family until purchased by the City of Portland in 1993.

Jane Lord Burbank became Portland Public Library’s Head Librarian in 1925. She worked tirelessly for many years to open a library branch in the Woodfords neighborhood. The Woodfords Branch Library opened less than a year before her death, on September 12, 1940, in the reconditioned Pleasant Street store pictured above. It was later renamed the Jane Lord Burbank Branch Library in honor of its founder. (Click on image to enlarge.)