Need ideas and resources for getting through extended time at home? We’ve curated a selection of resources for you, and we keep adding to it, so check back regularly. Click here to access this page.
Access These Resources from Home
The library provides access to a number of resources you can enjoy from home using your TML card.
The Cloud Library allows you to borrow and read eBooks and eAudiobooks for free. Download the free Cloud Library app and log in with your TML card. The app includes a fully functional reader allowing the user to read ebooks directly in the app, as well as bookmark and save the position of your books across devices. It also includes an Audiobook player, allowing you to download, play and listen to audiobooks offline. NOTE: Your library card not only gives you access to a statewide shared collection, but also additional titles TML purchases that are only available to TML users. Please don’t be put off by long hold wait times that are listed for currently unavailable items–these are extremely inaccurate, and don’t take into account how many copies of a title are available in the system. At most wait times are usually only a week or two. Browse TML’s Cloud Library collection here.
The Kanopy streaming service partners with participating public libraries to bring thoughtful entertainment to your preferred device with no fees and no commercial. Everyone from film scholars to casual viewers will discover remarkable and enriching films on Kanopy. Log in with your TML card and enjoy Kanopy’s diverse catalog with new titles added every month. Each cardholder is allowed 10 downloads per month. PLEASE NOTE: The library pays for each download, so please be conscientious in what and how often you choose to use this service. However, Kanopy has just announced a collection of credit-free movies, which you can access here! For complete information about our Kanopy service, please click here.
The Digital Maine Library provides every resident of Maine with access to online resources that include a collection of full text articles and abstracts from magazines, newspapers, journals and reference. It also provides students, business people, public library patrons, and higher education students and educators the ability to use online learning tools. The Digital Maine Library may be accessed from any public, school or academic library in Maine. Access is also available from your home or business in Maine. Access from out of state is available with a valid Maine library card. Learn more about this resource here.
New!
We are very grateful to TumbleBooks for providing public libraries with free unlimited access to their entire suite of digital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic. TumbleBooks’ databases are easy to use, and feature unlimited access from home! You can read as many books as you want, when you want, and on any device. There are no check-outs, holds, or bulky downloads. Books are available instantly! The collections include books for children, teens, and adults, as well as audiobooks for all ages. Please click here for direct links to all of the TumbleBooks resources–no library card required!
Bird Library
We can’t help but share this live stream of an adorable, library-themed bird feeder some enterprising person in Virginia has set up for everyone’s viewing pleasure!
A Visual History of Impressionism
POSTPONED, NEW DATE TBA
Impressionist artists turned the art world upside down in the mid-1800s. Where did this movement start, and who were the strongest influencers on Impressionist artists? Learn this and more about artists Daubigny, Boudin, Monet, Sisley, and Pissaro from art expert and TML patron Ernest Pevny.
This promises to be an excellent discussion with beautiful slides to match.
Here’s more about our presenter
Ernest Pevny was born in 1936 in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia (now the Slovak Republic). He studied painting with one of the leading artists of his native country, Michal Tillner, while attending medical school. He practiced medicine for over forty years during which time he pursued painting and music. In addition to oil paintings, his other media include watercolors and pencil drawings. His paintings were exhibited in his native country, in Houston, Texas, and the Dutot Museum in Delaware Water Gap, PA. He moved to Maine in 2018 where he enjoys painting the beautiful Maine seashore.
Special prize if you bring us a new poem!
Our new Poematic Machine, located just across from the front desk, dispenses free poems at the turn of a dial. If you bring us a new poem to add to our Poematic machine, you’ll win a special prize! Ask at the front desk for details.
New Movie Streaming Service!
We’re excited to announce that we’re partnering with Kanopy to bring you thousands of new movie titles you can stream to most digital devices. CLICK HERE to find out all the details.
Free Passes to the Maine Historical Society Museum!
We have 4 passes from the Maine Historical Society. Each pass is good for up to 4 adults to go to the museum, plus $5 off Wadsworth-Longfellow house tours. And you get 10% off in the gift shop. The MHS gift shop has lots of great books and posters. Grab a pass and check out the MHS!
New Magazines at TML!
If you’re looking for a fun read, we have a lot of magazines to check out!
Our magazines are located near the fireplace – to your left as you approach the front desk. Current copies don’t check out but you can check out previous copies – or have a seat by the fireplace and enjoy!
An Idea Whose Time Has Come: Cooperative Borrowing with Other Libraries!
We are pleased to announce that, in addition to our existing cooperative arrangement with South Portland Public Library, you may now use your TML card at three other libraries close by: Scarborough Public Library, Walker Memorial Library in Westbrook, and Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham!
FAQs
- Will I need to get a new card at each library?
No, your home library (TML) card will work everywhere. - I forgot my library card; can I still checkout?
You will need to bring your home library (TML) card when visiting other libraries. A photo ID may not be accepted when visiting other libraries. - May I return items borrowed from one library to another?
If possible, return items to the library you borrowed them from. If you can’t, we’ll send them back. - Will I be charged late fees?
Late fees are charged based on your home library’s rules (TML doesn’t charge fees). Please be respectful of other libraries’ materials and return them on time. - Can I place a request while at another library?
No; this arrangement only covers materials on the shelf. Any ILL requests or holds should be made at your home library or online.
Cloud Library Replaces Overdrive
The Thomas Memorial Library has switched to Bibliotheca’s Cloud Library by 3M because it is more user-friendly, gives us access to more titles, and allows school libraries to join in on the fun!
You are now able to sync your ebooks & audiobooks between six devices automatically and can stream audiobooks using wifi instead of downloading. We can also add parental passwords for families. The improvements are endless!
To access this incredible resource, download a “new” app called Cloud Library. Content will remain largely unchanged, but Kindle E ink devices will no longer be supported. The new app is fun and easy to use. You’ll find complete details here!
Local Museum Passes
We have library passes for:
- The Portland Museum of Art featuring American, European, and contemporary art collections.
- The Tate House Museum, a national historic landmark and only pre-Revolutionary war house in Portland, Maine that is open to the public.
- The Portland Observatory, open daily with free guided tours.
- Maine Maritime Museum, with displays and hands-on exhibits that tell the tale of Maine’s maritime history.
- Maine Historical Society. This pass gives you free admission to the MHS museum, plus a discount in the museum store, and discount to tour the Longfellow House.
We also have two State Park Passes you can check out for three days.
Museums and parks are a great way to learn in a new environment. Check them out!