Library Policies

The Frances Peabody Research Library is a non-lending library; all materials must remain in the library. The public is invited to browse or research topics of interest. Photocopying is done for a fee. Each patron is asked to complete a sign-in sheet and agree to follow these rules:

  1. Researchers are asked to handle all materials with care. Refrain from writing on, or tracing or scanning materials. Files should remain in the order in which they are received.
  2. Oil on the hands transfers to archival materials; therefore it is requested that patrons wash hands or use the white gloves provided while using rare books or photographs not protected by Mylar sleeves.
  3. Please do not re-shelve materials. Materials should be left on the library table.
  4. Existing materials must be kept in their folder or box and order of materials must be maintained.
  5. Responsibility for observance of copyright regulations rests with the patron.
  6. A request permission for publication of materials belonging to GPL will be reviewed by the Library Committee.
  7. Research requests received through the mail, e-mail, or over the telephone will be handled as time and the availability of staff allows. We regret that we cannot perform research; a list of researchers-for-hire is available on request.

Collection Policy
The Frances Wilson Peabody Research Library collects materials that relate to historic preservation, architecture, and local or town history, with an emphasis on the Greater Portland area. Library collections include books, photographs, and graphic materials. In some instances, the Library collects selected rare materials, including books, maps, postcards, historic journals, or particular collections of historic and architectural resources.

Gifts from members and other donors are greatly valued and have contributed to the expansion of the Library collection. All donations will be reviewed by the Library Selection Committee for relevance to the collection. A special bookplate with the donor’s name is placed in all donated publications and archival collections include the title of the donor.

General Subject Boundaries
Residential or commercial building primarily in the Greater Portland area
History of Maine or Maine towns or islands
Maine architecture
Biographies of architects, builders, GPL members
Relevant manuscripts, drawings, and graphic materials of architects, builders, restorers, and GPL members
General references on architectural history
Architectural details
Architectural styles
Views of streets or neighborhoods
Panoramic city views
Preservation history
Resources for paint, wallpaper, ironwork, flooring, fireplaces, chimneys, foundation work
Funding, tax credits
Environmental conservation, landscaping
Historic journals and magazines

Primary Geographic Areas of Interest
City of Portland and Casco Bay Islands
South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough
Westbrook
Falmouth
Cumberland and Chebeague Island
Yarmouth, Freeport
Gorham

Material Types
Books and pamphlets
Maps
Photographs and slides
Postcards and stereoscopic views
Primary documents such as papers and correspondence
Research and scholarly papers
Rare periodicals

Although space requirements prohibit the collection of many artifacts, we reserve the right to accept a limited number at the discretion of the Library Selection Committee.