I absolutely adore libraries and this one didn't disappoint. It is pretty small...about four rooms…read moretotal but what to expect for an island library that is only open 3-4 days a week. They have new releases books which I was pleasantly surprised about and they have tons of information about the history of Orr's Island and Maine in general. In their Maine Room, they have a few pictures featuring KKK members, who are a big part of Maine history, and they have lots of explanations which I thought was helpful. Libraries are a place that documents history and gives us information and I think this little library does a fantastic job of both things. Oh and if you are visiting or have a summer house on the island, you can get a library card pretty easily. You just need your name and your island address plus you address for when you leave. It's pretty easy, peasy pie!

Since moving to the L/A area, the LPL has been #1 on my list of places I must see. I love the LPL,…read moreand the new updates are lovely. The exposed brick and modern trim give the library a unique feel. More of a rustic / imperfect vibe than the clean lines / white walled library I'm used to going to (Curtis Memorial Library in Brunswick). Rather than feeling closed in with few windows and a million fluorescent lights, the natural light that is allowed in to the building through the many large windows gives the library life. This most certainly allows for the library to have a welcoming feeling to the general public. The selection of books is spectacular. Everything is laid out in a sensible order, and is always full and well-tagged. The audiobooks on the other hand, have a much narrower selection. I commute 2.5 hours each day to my job in Farmington, so audiobooks have become a staple to my drives. I've been able to find 2 of the books that I'd like to have on audiobooks, but have had use Inter-Library Loan for others; most notably A Song of Ice and Fire series by George R. R. Martin. This is not necessarily a *bad* thing, just more of an inconvenience than anything. I love libraries, and the LPL is a great one. Also: am I the only one who internally sings the Arthur song "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card" when I walk into a library? :)

No one has reviewed LPL? Geez, Mainers! Get on the Yelp bandwagon - people need to know how amazing…read morethis place is! No longer the dingy, crumbling cave of my childhood, the Lewiston Public Library has apparently expanded twice since my departure from L/A in 2001. My mom asked me to take some of her books back while I was visiting, and I was not only impressed by the new additions to the building, but also received excellent customer service (if that's what you can call it) from Jane, the librarian, who definitely needs to be commended beyond this review. First of all, the expansion of the library is beautiful - it's all exposed brick, modern black trim, and tons of natural light from huge windows (unlike the old building, which is made of beautiful old granite stone, but very dingy and dark inside). The layout is also beautiful and welcoming - the rows of books when you walk in are well-organized and well-tagged. Overall, it's a very inviting experience. Now, Jane. My mom had taken out this very popular book (The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lack), which apparently got recalled - much to Momma's chagrin because the wasn't finished reading it. In order to finish the book, my mom had to go in (I ended up doing so, as her proxy), return the book, and put herself back on the waitlist. Even though this was sort of disappointing because my mom was so gripped with the book that she was constantly reading passages out loud to everyone who would listen, Jane made the process so much easier and more pleasant. Exasperated after having up the phone, my mom told me, "Well, at least it was Jane, she's the best one there." I went in to regulate (haha) the situation on my mom's behalf and lo and behold, Jane was sweeter than pie. I talked with her about the new additions to the library as she checked the books back in, said that she remembered my mom, and quickly and pleasantly put her back on the waitlist for dear ol' Henrietta. I wanted to hug Jane, but instead I walked into a cart of books on my way out, I was so pleased with the experience (also, lol, I have a penchant for walking into thigh-level objects and often have bruises all over me because of this). I went to LPL all the time as a kid. My whole family are avid readers and we used to probably go once a week. However, I can only imagine how just absolutely beautiful the experience is for kids (and adults) now in this modern, beautiful, inviting space. And given the amazing experience with my new favourite librarian, Jane, I'd be here constantly if I lived in Lewiston. Bravo, LPL!

This is our local library in Lisbon! They have a great selection of books, and are connection to…read morethe maine state and national book systems. So pretty much any book you want or desire you can get. If your in the area come and check out our library l, the folks who work here are so nice, kind, and helpful!

Very noisy! You'd confuse this with a local hangout and not a library. Most of the chattering is…read morefrom the staff!! Any need for a quiet space for work, study, etc., AVOID this place. Go to the Brunswick (Curtis) Library, Lewiston or Auburn Library. For what a Library is supposed to be, any of these locations is worth the drive!

If you live near the Riverton school, this is a very convenient satellite location for the library…read more Sometimes, I don't want to deal with the hassle of driving into downtown and finding a parking space. I'll head to the Riverton location which has a ton of books with a big selection of choices. I like that I can get my books delivered to this location if they don't have it. That way I can walk over and pick them up whenever they are available. My only quibble with this site is the weird hours that aren't very convenient sometimes. I know it's a satellite location but still I would like them to have more regular hours. I like that they are open on Saturday but I wish it was for longer. Thursdays are convenient because they stay open until 8pm so if you work late, there is time to get there and browse.

I have been coming to this branch for about 20 yrs. It is one of my favorite spots in the whole…read morewide world! I have a love for books and reading and this location is wonderful! The staff is always friendly and helpful. They are great when it comes to a new recommendation or helping you hunt down a book from another branch. They have a storyline for young ones. Today I was unable to find an author I was looking for and the librarian was quick to find who I was looking for and make the request from the Main branch in downtown Portland they will reach out when it arrives and I can hopefully start it this weekend!

The Bailey Island Library Hall is a small intimate hall that is perfect for hosting small weddings,…read morereceptions, parties, gatherings, and events. This is kitty corner from the Johnson Field Preserve. There is a tent in the back that can seat large groups for meals. Inside the hall is a large room suitable for dancing. There is a stage that will easily accommodate a speaker, band, or DJ. Also in the hall is a kitchen where food can be prepared and drinks served. Be aware that there is no air conditioning in this building. There is only one bathroom and if you hold a large party there I suggest planning for arrangements well ahead of time. There is an upstairs area that was closed off to the public. There is a historical significance to the building but I could find to signs or plaques describing this significance. This can be a great venue as long as the party fits the size of the building.

What the heck is a map library? Is it a library full of maps?! YES!…read more For a map geek like me, the fact that this place exists just makes me happy. After all, I did make maps for a living for several years and maps are just cool...especially old ones! Today I learned the Osher Map Library has the second largest collection of maps in the U.S. (U.S. Library of Congress is number 1). I was walking by the library, so I decided to step in for a few minutes to check it out. They have a nice collection of old, rare, and restored globes when you enter the library. The staff let me take a peek a booklet which depicted the process of restoring and digitalizing old globes. Pretty neat stuff. Next, I was taken to the current exhibit hall to see their current display (Masterpieces at USM: Celebrating Five Centuries of Rare Maps and Globes). This is a great display of the beauty and history of cartography. The exhibit starts with the first modern map (1475) and from there you will see maps from around the world from the 15th to 19th centuries. It's amazing to look at these maps. It'll only take 15-20 minutes to go through the exhibit hall. If you do stop by, make sure to pay special attention to the drawings that surround the maps. Imagine trying to draw a giraffe if you have never even seen a picture of one! Unfortunately I had to take a phone call halfway through the visit, so I felt bad as the really nice woman working there had to wait for me as I simultaneously held a conversation on the phone and went through the exhibit. Five stars for her patience, giving me a quick tour, answering my questions, and some free map cards!

I purchased a combo ticket with the Historical Society Museum and Wadsworth House. The house was…read moreworth it. The docent was very amiable and informative. He was able to answer every question put forth. The rooms were well maintained and very interesting. Loved seeing the antiques.

Why do I love the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Monument? 1. He…read morealways has the most seasonally appropriate flowers and other flora decorating his base (well done, City of Portland). Oh, and for winter, the trees in his little park are a-glow with color (some years it's blue and green lights; some it's purple and red... why does this make me happy sigh?). And now some poetry: "The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." 2. He is home to some serious Congress St. characters.. Some more poetry, say I: "If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility." 3. He dresses up for Christmas. I don't know of any other statue that dresses up for Christmas, do you? Annually, ole H. W. Longfellow pulls out his knitted scarf and beautifully decorated gifts, and tackles the season head-on. Good on him for getting his shopping done so early each year. One more poetry-bit for old times sake: "I heard the bells on Christmas Day/Their old, familiar carols play,/And wild and sweet/The words repeat/Of peace on earth, good-will to men!" (It's a really cool statue, okay?)