Bangor Public Library

🏢 Bangor Public Library · Bangor, Maine

Bangor Public Library

Bangor Public Library — founded in 1830 and housed since 1913 in a landmark building on Harlow Street — is one of Maine's great public libraries, home to 520,000 items, a Stephen King connection, and a wing built with the author's own gift.

📞 +1207-947-8336🌐 bangorpubliclibrary.org🧭 Get directions
🕑 Hours & visit📖 About⭐ Highlights📚 Services📍 Nearby❓ FAQ

🕑 Library Hours

Monday 10am–8pm
Tuesday 10am–8pm
Wednesday 10am–8pm
Thursday 10am–8pm
Friday 10am–5pm
Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday Closed

Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.

📍 Location, Contact & Directions

Address: 145 HARLOW STREET, BANGOR, ME 04401

Phone: +1207-947-8336

Website: bangorpubliclibrary.org

Plus Code: 87PHR63H+J7 (BANGOR, ME)

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👋 Use the Library Online

&🔍Search the BPL catalog →&🌐Library website & card info →&📚cloudLibrary eBooks & audiobooks →

📖 About Bangor Public Library

Bangor Public Library traces its roots to 1830, when the Bangor Mechanic Association established the city's first book collection. The current Harlow Street building, designed by Boston's Peabody and Stearns, opened in 1913 — rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1911 destroyed the original structure, with staff salvaging 29 books from the ashes. A 1997 wing addition, funded by Stephen and Tabitha King, was designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects; a glass atrium added in 2014 by Scott Simons Architects completed the modern campus. The library's 520,000-item collection includes a genealogy and local history room, the Bangor History digital archive, and a Library of Things stocked with equipment and maker kits. The couch on which Vice President Hannibal Hamlin died in 1891 remains on display. Stephen King cited the library in his short story 'The Library Policeman,' inspired by his son's fear of returning overdue books here.

⭐ What makes this library special

  • Founded 1830 — one of Maine's oldest public libraries, rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1911
  • Stephen & Tabitha King–funded 1997 wing designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects
  • 520,000 items including genealogy collections, local history, and the Bangor History digital archive
  • Library of Things: borrow equipment, electronics, and maker kits alongside books
  • Museum & park passes, test proctoring, and tax preparation info among 20+ community services

📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card

Bangor cardholders — and all Maine residents — can read, stream, and research free through these digital collections:

&📚 cloudLibraryBorrow eBooks, audiobooks, and streaming content on any device with your Bangor library card.
&📊 Online Research DatabasesAcademic, news, health, and business databases available free with a Maine library card.
&📰 Digital Newspapers & MagazinesAccess current and archival newspapers and magazines through the library's digital portal.
&🏭 Bangor History Digital CollectionDigitized photographs, documents, and records documenting Bangor's local history at bangorhistory.org.

📚 Services

  • Book & media lending (520,000 items)
  • Library of Things (equipment, electronics, maker kits)
  • Museum & park passes
  • Genealogy & local history collections
  • Meeting room rentals
  • Technology assistance
  • Test proctoring
  • Tax preparation information
  • Arts & crafts supply swaps
  • Interlibrary loan (URSUS statewide catalog)

🎸 Programs

  • Book groups & Book Bingo
  • Art exhibits by local artists
  • Children's department programming
  • Teen department events
  • 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading initiative
  • Annual author book fair & literary festival
  • Arts & crafts supply swaps

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Who can get a free Bangor Public Library card?

Library cards are free for all Maine residents. Bring a valid photo ID showing your current Maine address to the library at 145 Harlow Street. Non-residents may apply for a card with a fee — contact the library at (207) 947-8336 for current non-resident card options.

What is the Stephen King connection to Bangor Public Library?

Stephen King and his wife Tabitha King funded the library's 1997 wing addition, designed by architect Robert A.M. Stern. King's short story 'The Library Policeman' (in Four Past Midnight, 1990) was inspired by his son Owen's fear of returning overdue books to this very library.

What can I borrow from the Library of Things at Bangor Public Library?

The Library of Things collection includes electronics, maker kits, and various equipment available for checkout alongside books and media. Items and availability change — check with the library or browse the online catalog for current loan options.

Does Bangor Public Library offer museum passes?

Yes. The library offers passes to local museums and parks that cardholders can borrow for discounted or free admission. Availability varies; contact the library at (207) 947-8336 or check the website for the current pass inventory and reservation process.

🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.

📜 This library has genealogy & local-history resources. See how library family-history research works and find other libraries with genealogy collections genealogy libraries by state.

🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.

📅 This library has meeting & community rooms. See how library meeting rooms work — booking, policies and fees — and find other libraries with meeting or community rooms meeting rooms by state.

✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.

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