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SMLD's ARRC - Area Reference and Resource Center and Interlibrary Loan
The Portland Public Library is the Area Reference & Resource Center (ARRC) for the Southern Maine Library District. The ARRC is funded by legislative appropriations and county services.
Provides Three Services for SMLD Member Libraries
- Interlibrary Loan - SMLD
member libraries may request books and photocopies
of periodical articles through the PPL website,
by FAX, phone or OCLC. Please do not use
email. Online
forms are available. Tel: 871-1735. FAX
871-1715.
- See the PPL website for further information about interlibrary loan requests, mailing costs, renewals, the "search" feature, and other details.
- Backup Reference - SMLD
member libraries may call, write, FAX or
visit the PPL Reference Department for assistance
in answering patron queries after local resources
have been exhausted. The staff includes generalists
as well as subject specialists in government
documents, serials, local and Maine history,
and AV.
- Method of contact: E-mail: reference@portland.lib.me.us, Tel: 871-1725, Fax: 871-1715.
- Further information: Suzanne E. Thompson, Department Head, Reference and Information Services, E-mail: thompson@portland.lib.me.us, Tel: 871-1700, ext. 729.
- Requests for information will be handled on a first-come basis.
- Free Borrowers' Cards - Contact the Circulation Department at the Main Library at (207) 871-1700 x730 or any branch for further information. Free library cards are available to:
- Residents of the Southern Maine Library District including Cumberland, York, and the following Oxford County towns: Brownfield, Denmark, Fryeburg, Lovell (5 years of age & up)
- Full-time students attending schools in these counties
- Individuals listed as property taxpayers in Portland
- Individuals working in Portland
- Note: Others may purchase a card ($20 per year).
- Apply for a card at the Circulation Desk or at any branch. Show photo identification with your current name and address (or two non-photo IDs), complete the application, and sign the responsibility statement. You can use your card immediately.
- Posters and bookmarks promoting the free borrower's card are available from the SMLD Office for member libraries
