We're now LIVE on Minerva!

Expect a bit of an adjustment. We'll do our best to walk you through the finer details of using the catalog to search for materials and to place items on hold. We ask that you please be patient. The system is new to us, and it's new to just about every PML cardholder. There will be lots of questions. We're going to do our best to answer all of them.

Statewide Borrowing

Minerva is a borrowing consortium of more than 60 libraries. Now you'll be able to borrow items from libraries across the state*, and you'll be able to do that right from your library account. (*Please note that statewide borrowing is temporarily suspended at the state level. We are hopeful that the system will be back up and running soon).

Always bring your library card to the library.

Always bring your library card to the library to check out materials. Doing so will ensure that your items are checked out to you and not to someone who happens to have the same name, somewhere else in the state.

Checkout periods

The checkout period for most materials is 3 weeks. Exceptions have been made for Library of Things items.

Reciprocal Borrowing

You can now use your PML library card at select libraries in Maine. You must have your PML library card with you in order to participate in the reciprocal borrowing program. Materials checked out at another library must be returned to the library from which they were borrowed.

A note about Library of Things items: Library of Things items are not borrowable through Minerva or through the Reciprocal Borrowing Program.

Be sure to get a new library card.

If you haven't gotten a new library card (pictured here on this page), you will need to do so before you can check out materials at the library. Your old PML library card will no longer work. Visit our website to get started with registering for a new library card.

Your privacy is our priority.

We are polishing our practices with a focus on Maine law, which mandates that anyone who has a library card has the right to privacy of their information regardless of their age. Please note that an individual’s library account will be treated in a confidential manner in accordance with state law.

Library cards can only be used by the individual registered for that card.

- Cards should be presented at the time of checkout.
- Adults may request that their card be used to borrow materials for them by a named adult friend or relative. Please let the circulation staff know who has permission to borrow items on your behalf, so that we can make a note on your account.

The materials you have checked out are private.

- PML will only discuss title and account information with the cardholder on the account.
- Library accounts will remain accessible online for patrons who need to access their account information.

FAQs for Families with Children Under 12:

How can I find out what is on my child’s card?

By law, staff can only discuss what is currently checked out on the child’s account with the child. This means that we may call and ask to speak with your child. We can share the number of items and their due dates with a parent/guardian. Account information is available online with valid login credentials. The library is also able to mail the child a letter that details account information.

Who is responsible for the books on my child’s card?

By signing the registration card, you will be responsible for the materials your child borrows with their card. It’s important to let your child know that the books will need to be returned on time and in good condition.

How old does my child need to be to get a library card?

That is up to you and your child. If you feel that your child is not ready for his/her own card, you can always check items out for your child on your own card. Getting a library card is a big responsibility. Part of that responsibility is talking with the librarian about the items they have checked out.

What if my child loses or damages an item? How am I going to know what it is?

In that instance, parents or legal guardians are entitled to information relating to the use of a minor’s card, as this is deemed essential to the library’s operation. We’ll share the titles of items and what steps we can take to replace the items with an in-kind item or to cover the cost of the item.

How will I know when my children’s items are due?

We will provide you with a due date reminder slip, and we will disclose the due dates of items as well as the number of items checked out.

How does my child get a new library card?

Everyone will fill out a new registration form online or in person. A parent/guardian must accompany children under 12 to get a card, and must show either their own library card or a photo ID. If your child already has a card, this is an opportunity to decide if they would like to continue having a card.

When can my child get a new library card?

PML will be issuing new cards, beginning January 23 – 27. After January 27, library staff will be issuing new cards at the circulation desk as you come in to borrow items.

What happens if my child does not get a new card?

By this summer, any account that has not transitioned to a new library card will be removed.

Additional Information for Teens, 12 – 17

By law, staff can only discuss what is currently checked out on the teen’s account with the teen.

When registering for a library card, teens may register without a parent present. They must present a valid ID in the form of a school ID or school schedule.

PLEASE NOTE: A parent/guardian signature is required for registration. If a teen completes the application without a parent-guardian present, PML staff will contact parents via mail.

Refer to the FAQs for Families with Children Under 12 for additional information.