MaineCat delivery services are back! We appreciate your patience as libraries across the state transition to this new delivery provider.
Please be patient as our new delivery service gets accustomed to Maine’s libraries and roads. Please limit your items to three requests at a time and expect delays as we resume this popular service! We appreciate your patience.
Items requested through the MaineCat environment circulate around the state through a complex delivery service which is funded through Maine State Library. The vendor contract for this service is subject to a competitive bidding process as part of State Procurement Laws and procedures because it uses public funds from the state level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated October 7, 2024
When will MaineCat services be available?
MaineCat requesting resumed starting September 3rd. Please request no more that three items at once.
When can I start requesting MaineCat items again?
You can request MaineCat items now. As the new delivery system across Maine is phased in, the Maine State Library is asking that everyone limit themselves to three requests at a time to avoid overwhelming the system. We appreciate your patience during this transition.
What has changed about interlibrary loan/MaineCat services?
The suspension of MaineCat requesting and delivery was the result of a competitive bidding process. The new delivery company will be updating routes, schedules, and timelines. We expect that delivery may move more slowly for a little while. Again, we appreciate your patience.
What about items I can’t request in MaineCat?
Please explore our Interlibrary Loan service options or fill out an ILL Borrowing Request form. Please provide as much information as possible.
What are my options for accessing materials if MaineCat is down?
Please continue to borrow items from Portland Public Library’s catalog. These items will remain available for pickup at all PPL locations. Delivery between PPL branches will not be interrupted.
Request a curated reading list of items that are available at PPL. Fill out a Your Next Great Read form, giving us as much information as you can about your interests, and we will hook you up with some new ideas!
Explore the items in PPL’s Digital Library. Here you will find digital books, audiobooks, magazines, newspapers, comics, movies, and TV shows that don’t show up in the catalog.
Visit another library in Maine and check out their books in person with your PPL card. Through the Maine Reciprocal Borrowing Program, you can use your PPL library card to borrow books from any of the participating libraries in Maine. Please note that you will have to make another trip to return your items to the lending library.