Libraries in Southern Maine (Portland, Gray: loans, houses, movies)

[Moxie]

I am wondering how extensive the libraries in Southern Maine are. I am fortunate to be in a metropolitan area where most books I'd like to read are available in the local libraries. We also have an extensive video/DVD/CD collection to borrow. I am assuming that when you need to hunker down in winter weather up there that there would be a good selection at the library. Is that so? Are most library systems by the town or county or region? We are looking to move to areas around Portland. Are you able to borrow from different library systems?

[Boomerang]

You can start your search here
Maine State Library: SMLD Home (http://www.maine.gov/msl/smld/index.htm - broken link)

FMI you can contact Portland Public
Location: Portland Public Library
Address: 5 Monument Square, Portland, ME 04101
Telephone: (207) 871-1766, 1-800-649-7696
Office Email:
SMLD@portland.lib.me.us

[moughie]

USM ( University of Southern Maine) in Portland has a fantastic library in an old warehouse building visible from 295.
The 5th floor houses an extensive old map collection. Check the USM website to see about hours and privileges! Welcome to the University of Southern Maine
When we lived in Gray, Maine, our small library was quite good about interlibrary loans and movies checkouts. It also had a terrific children's section! The Portland downtown library on Congress Ave is terrific, with a very helpful reference staff.

Good luck!

[Moxie]

Thanks, good to hear about a smaller town like Gray having inter library loans. I'm not one of these I want everything I have just in Maine people, but with 4 kids and 1 income we try to be thrifty and we love the library! I haven't been to a video store in 10 years.