Scarborough Public Library, Scarborough, Maine

While traipsing through the forests of Mighty Maine, we stumbled across the lovely hamlet of Scarborough. Located south of the metropolis of Portland, the town is a shoulder community. We are using this term to describe a place that is between urban and rural, but that doesn’t feel quite like a suburb. Driving around, it’s a nice place.

The Scarborough Public Library is located within walking distance of the schools, which is always awesome. Pulling into the ample parking lot and checking out the grounds, we saw several cool things. These included a Little Free Library, solar charging, lots of plantings, a little vegetable garden, and poop bags. We got the sense that this library had a strong focus on the community, and we weren’t wrong!

Now we described Scarborough as a hamlet, but it’s a thriving town of 26,000. The library was built in 1989. It’s a pretty typical open-plan library of that era. It was built with expansion in mind, and judging by the look of things, an expansion would probably be a good idea. The library is packed, but not in a way that feels overwhelming or oppressive.

One of the first things we noticed was a public phone. Not a pay phone, just a regular phone that people can use if they need to make a call. Why more libraries don’t offer this simple service is beyond us. It’s not like a phone line incurs high costs, and having them in public spaces can discourage most unsavory activities. Yes, mobile phones are ubiquitous - but they are not universal.

There were also lockers and cubbies intended for kids to store their backpacks. The library is a CSA pickup location. AND there are bikes people can borrow. How cool is that? All of these things really demonstrate that the Scarborough Public Library is aware of and meeting the needs of the people it serves. Right on!

As you enter the library, there’s a large set of bulletin boards to your right. That’s also where you’ll find the library’s bikes. There’s also a large meeting room, complete with computers for classes and programs. To your left is the circulation desk.

Step in further, and you find the stacks before you. It’s a large collection, with an especially large selection of audiobooks and DVDs. Two study rooms are here, too. To the left are public computers, a conference room, and work spaces. During this visit, this area was in heavy use. There’s also a bust of Mark Twain, which dons various hats and accessories depending on the season.

In this main adult section of the library, is where you’ll find reference materials, public puzzles, and a chess board just waiting for players. We liked the old-style lighting fixtures, the abundant natural light, and all of the plants. It all creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

To the right is the youth services area. It’s large, fun, and - during our visit - busy. The town’s middle-schoolers were there for a game of book bingo. The youth services staff had read and were presenting a slew of books for summertime reading. The staff and the kids were all happy and enthusiastic.

When the program was over, we chatted with Deanna, the manager of youth services. She was able to provide details on the town, the relationship with the schools, and librarianship in Maine. It was interesting and really helpful.

As we were preparing to leave, we looked at this bright and bustling library. We spotted things we hadn't noticed at first glance - loads of art supplies and activities, as well as a seed library. All of the elements of the library came together to make the Scarborough Public Library a lovely place to spend some time!