Lewiston Public Library

Since moving to the L/​A area, the LPL has been #1 on my list of places I must see. I love the LPL, and 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? :)

I didn’t expect such a modern, clean, resourceful library when I visited the Lewiston Public Library… but that is what I got!
While the modern design is refreshing and attractive, it does feel kind of out of place stepping in from the older, mill-​era feel of the Lisbon Street. Also, I do think seating could be a *bit* comfier. However, the selection of reading material is by far the best for the area.
I technically have an Auburn library card, but thanks to some clever L/​A decision makers my card works here as well! Thankfully, considering the Lewiston Public Library has a much larger (read, better) selection than my local library.
Whether you are looking for a fun book to read, or resources for your latest school paper… check out (hah, get it… check out. like a book. ahem) the Lewiston Public Library (don’t forget to stop at one of the many Lisbon Street café options as well!).

Great resource, but not without its flaws.
Lots of books, lots of movies, lots of space, and a separate soundproofed kids’ room on the 3^rd floor.
Free WiFi, but it’s weak and unreliable.
Like many public libraries, you’ll get the 15-​minute cycle of increasing chatter from a group of kids, followed by «This is a library. If you don’t quiet down, you’ll need to move to the kids’ room, or leave.» from a chaperone, parent, or occasionally employee. Then quiet… then increasing chatter.
Watch out, a few areas have a funky smell — not old-​book funky, but dirty-​carpet funky. Don’t get it on you.
Similarly, the insufficiently-​numerous bathrooms are often fine — and occasionally awful.

No one has reviewed LPL? Geez, Mainers! Get on the Unilocal bandwagon — people need to know how amazing this 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!