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Readers & Writers

The Library is your partner to explore, research, and share the love of reading and writing. We love recommending what to read next, what’s popular and what’s lesser known, and to spread the word about what’s going on in the library and in the community for readers and writers.

 

Elizabeth holds two books about cats for #PPL2x2Tuesday

What happens on PPL’s 2×2 Tuesday? Poetry meets poetry, art meets art, mysteries meet mysteries, gardens meet gardens, how to make amazing pizza meets how to make amazing pizza, and more! On 2×2 Tuesday, we’ll highlight two books from two authors on one scintillating subject for your reading enjoyment.

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Man reads in the library

The seventh annual Reading Challenge is here! 24 books in 12 months: will you accept the challenge?

 

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woman taking photo with books

Are you unsure of what to read next? Our Reader’s Advisory staff is here to help! We’re ready to put our professional book-matching skills to work for adults, teens, and children.

 

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Do you like to write? Join Creative Writing for Kids in Grades 3, 4, & 5

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Spider webs surround the words "Scary Story Writing Contest"

2024 will mark Portland Public Library’s Second Annual Scary Story Writing Contest! Time to get scary and enter for a chance to win a prize and showcase your story on our website. We want to be extra scared this Halloween, so send us your most bone-chilling story!

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This is a writing group that meets each Saturday morning! This is for anyone who likes to write or would like to start. All skill levels, beginners to experienced, are welcome.

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Join us every other Thursday at noon in Congress Square Park for Blurb Club, the book club where you might just find your new favorite book!

 

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shelf of books with the non-spine side facing outward

Not sure what to read next? Explore our librarian-crafted book lists for new releases, older favorites, and books in-between!

 

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Whether you’re selling your epic novel or creating a book of family recipes, we’ve got what you need to get started!

 

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The Portland Poet Laureate is an honorary position given every three years to a poet who resides in the Greater Portland area and wishes to connect our shared community to the wonderful world of poetry. Portland’s current and seventh poet laureate is Maya Williams.

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Up Next at the Library:
Jul18
Blurb Club @ Congress Sq. Park12:00pm - 1:00pm
Blurb Club @ Congress Sq. Park
Jul19
Creative Writing for Kids @ Peaks (Grades 3–5)3:15pm - 4:00pm
Peaks Island Branch
Jul20
Writing Group for Adults @ Peaks9:00am - 9:45am
Peaks Island Branch
From the PPL blog:
Explore new titles in 2024!
Learn how to explore new titles that have just arrived or are on order at the library.   More »
All Friends Are Necessary: June Staff Picks
Our June 2024 Staff Picks blog post. Read to discover new books and booklists at the library!   More »
Roof Gardens and Backyard Birds: May Staff Picks
In our May Staff Picks, we share what we're reading and looking forward to this spring.   More »
Contact the Librarian
Rebecca Starr   Email »
Literature & Language Librarian
207-871-1700 x728
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