Portland Public Library, Portland

Portland Public Library stands as the cultural heartbeat of the city, offering access to knowledge and community engagement since 1867. Originally housed in Portland City Hall, the library evolved with the merger of the Portland Athenaeum in 1876. In 1889, the library officially became the Portland Public Library and opened its doors to the public free of charge, cementing its role as a vital resource for the city. Today, it operates not only from its main location but also from three neighborhood branches: Burbank, Peaks Island, and Riverton.

In 2014, the library underwent a major transformation, blending its Brutalist roots with modern design. The renovation, led by Scott Simons Architects, introduced expansive double-height glass panels, flooding the interior with natural light and creating visual connections to Monument Square.

The library's reimagined space now includes a café, expanded computer stations, a larger children's area, dedicated teen spaces, and an auditorium.

Despite these updates, the building's iconic granite International Style exterior remains unchanged, maintaining its architectural heritage.

As one of Maine’s largest public library systems and the most visited cultural institution in the state, PPL lends over 300,000 items, including books, digital resources, magazines, and audio-visual materials, ensuring that it continues to serve as a dynamic and welcoming space for all.