Portland Public Library

🐢🪿🐦🐈‍⬛🐁🐾 🦜 🐓National Pet Month is celebrated to promote responsible pet ownership, to support animal welfare organizations, and to raise awareness of the benefits of pet ownership. This week’s booklist includes titles for every age, providing information and stories on a wide variety of pets!

https://ppl-dirigo.na5.iiivega.com/library-list/list/0fab88af-043e-46ee-acbf-3ea0245c057b

🍩☕🐾 Community building starts with coming together in welcoming spaces, sharing open conversations, and enjoying delicious treats!

A huge thank you to Tonys Donuts Maine for providing hand-crafted donuts to help sweeten our Coffee with a Cop series with the Portland Maine Police Department — and of course, everyone’s favorite comfort dog, PPD.Archie! Learn more: https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/coffee-cop-10882

"A HUGE thanks to everyone who came out to Johnson Hall Opera House to celebrate our 2026 Maine Literary Award finalists and winners!! 💫 What an inspiring night! ⭐Please join us in celebrating this year's winners. We can't wait to share more pictures with you next week. Congratulations!!!" - Maine Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance

✨✨ "SILLY STEVE" WEIGLE RETIRES

It is with joy and deep appreciation that we announce the retirement of “Silly Steve” Weigle, who concluded an extraordinary career at the Portland Public Library on May 30. For nearly 25 years — including 14 years at the wheel of our beloved Bookmobile — Steve has been a pillar of our community, sharing his creativity, dedication, and humor with colleagues and patrons alike. Through the programs, services, and connections he helped build across the city, he leaves a lasting impact on the communities he served. 

As Bookmobile Manager, Steve was instrumental in launching the program, from selecting the vehicle to coordinating its inaugural schedule and bringing library services into neighborhoods throughout Portland. His vision and commitment helped make the Bookmobile not just a service, but a cherished community presence. 

Steve’s final week behind the wheel was filled with heartfelt moments as patrons stopped by with warm wishes for the future. The outpouring of appreciation for everyone’s favorite “Silly Steve” was a testament to the kindness and joy he brought to every stop along the way.

Please join us in celebrating Steve’s remarkable career and wishing him all the best in retirement. We are deeply grateful for his many contributions, his unwavering good humor, and the countless small moments that made the library a welcoming place for so many.

How has the Bookmobile been a part of your life? Please share a memory!

https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=IzM2CU7XJ0u8BHK8kKgACt4_HCZubtdAjVJf_1JYY5FUNThESjY1MkM1UjVJWUg5TFJETzA1WlZXRyQlQCN0PWcu

✨ JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

This national celebration highlights the diverse and rich experiences of the Jewish community in the United States. Our team of list-makers have compiled books from the collections uplifting the voices of Jewish authors, and their perspectives and stories.

https://ppl-dirigo.na5.iiivega.com/library-list/list/d0ca8281-1e40-48fd-b368-80a33b24ed27?_gl=1*1yeyicy*_ga*MjE3NTM1Mjk3LjE3NzY4ODA1NzM.*_ga_GC2R3F8MQ1*czE3NzkyMDAwMzAkbzI3JGcxJHQxNzc5MjAwMDM0JGo1NiRsMCRoMTAwNzUwNDQ1NQ..*_ga_JJWN4N9D3X*czE3NzkyMDAwMzAkbzI3JGcxJHQxNzc5MjAwMDM0JGo1NiRsMCRoMA..

🗳️ Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Ranked Choice Voting mock election! Vanessa Diaz Gaumond from the Maine Department of the Secretary of Stateled attendees through the voting process and answered thoughtful questions throughout the event.

Be sure to check out our Library Highlight post to learn more about Maine’s primaries and elections! https://www.portlandlibrary.org/adult-services/maines-primaries-and-elections/

🍃🗒️🖊️ Join Cordelia Hill for Nature Journaling with an introduction to a seasonal theme, followed by a guided warm-up activity and dedicated time for reflection and journaling. Materials are included and beginners are welcome!

Learn more: https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/nature-journaling-11318

🐝🌻🦋 Making Habitat at Home

In this presentation, in partnership with Momentum Conservation and Wild Seed Project, Tyler Refsland will explore the fundamentals of creating habitat at home using native plants.

Learn more: https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/sustainability-series-draft-7986

Teens are invited to create custom block prints while learning about the Hashi-Maine Aomori Student Art Exchange at Aomori Printmaking Workshop with Friends of Aomori!

Learn more: https://portlandme.librarycalendar.com/event/aomori-printmaking-workshop-11481