About the Burbank Branch

Burbank Branch is directly across the street from Deering High School in the heart of Portland’s vibrant Deering neighborhood. It was founded in 1940 and moved to its present location in a beautiful repurposed family home in 1995. Despite its small size (2,900 square feet), Burbank lends over 123,000 items annually (almost 30% of the PPL system’s circulation). With open hours Tuesdays through Saturdays, Burbank consistently ranks as one of the busiest public library locations in Maine.

Portlanders appreciate Burbank’s friendly atmosphere and family focus. Join us for weekly Lego Club.

See our Holiday Schedule for planned closings.

See upcoming dates »

Love to knit? Bring your current project and join other knitters for conversation and inspiration at Burbank Branch! All are welcome, as are all skill levels.

See upcoming dates »

Technology Tutoring sessions are for all levels of computer users and offer a chance to sit down with a staff member for 30 minutes of free computer assistance. Laptops are available for use and the sessions take place in a quiet area of the library. Whether you’d like help mastering the job search, downloading ebooks and audiobooks, or refreshing your basic computer skills, our half-hour tutoring sessions might be the place to turn. You name the topic and we’ll work together on one of PPL’s laptops, or you can bring your own device.

Here are some examples of tutoring topics that PPL offers through this program:

• Basic Computer Skills
• Basics of the Microsoft Office Suite
• Downloading ebooks or audiobooks via CloudLibrary
• How to use tablets and smartphones
• Navigating the Cloud
• How to place reserves on library items
• Troubleshooting technology issues

Advance registration is required. Please visit the Burbank Branch to register.

See upcoming dates »

Are you over 60, an adult with a disability or a caregiver?

Do you have questions about resources and supports that may be available to you in your community?

A Resource Specialist from Southern Maine Agency on Aging will be available to answer questions, conduct a benefits check, assist with applications and suggest connections to organizations that may be helpful to you.

See upcoming dates »

The Pleasant Avenue site of the original Burbank Branch is pictured at right. This former storefront was renovated to become a library branch, and first opened its doors in September of 1940.

Today, our branch is located in the former Galli family home. Built in 1926, this Federal Style brick residence was unique among homes in Deering Center. It was home to Antonio Galli and his family until purchased by the City of Portland in 1993.

Jane Lord Burbank became Portland Public Library’s Head Librarian in 1925. She worked tirelessly for many years to open a library branch in the Woodfords neighborhood. The Woodfords Branch Library opened less than a year before her death, on September 12, 1940, in the reconditioned Pleasant Street store pictured above. It was later renamed the Jane Lord Burbank Branch Library in honor of its founder. (Click on image to enlarge.)