Services & Information
Services
Collection
The library's collection includes adult fiction and nonfiction; a parenting section; board books; picture books; early readers (for those children learning to read); first chapter books; graphic novels; kids’ and young adult fiction and nonfiction; DVD’s; and audiobooks.
Search and reserve library items online by clicking the link to the library's online catalog on the left.
We also provide board games and puzzles for patrons to check out.
cloudLibrary Downloads
Download free eBooks and eAudiobooks at cloudLibrary by bibliotheca. Your Library Card ID is the number on your library card. Your Password/PIN is either something you set when you first logged in, or the phone number you provided when you signed up for a library card. It seems that a bunch of different formats work for your phone number, but if you're having trouble, try this format: "207-929-1234".
Another method is to visit https://hollis.biblionix.com/catalog/, log in there in the top right with these same credentials, and then click the bibliotheca cloudLibrary link under the orange Electronic Resources section. If you see the message "Sorry, access to electronic resources is suspended until issues are resolved. Please see My Account for details.", then you must ask the Hollis Center Public Library director to renew or unblock your library card before cloudLibrary will work for you.
Contact information is available at: Hours, Directions, Contact
Cool Information
The library is a geocaching spot!
Geocaching is using a GPS to locate specific containers, called geocaches, at certain coordinates worldwide! Find the container to sign the logbook within, and take an item from the geocache.
Visit the library and become a sleuth to find the hidden geocache!
The library is also a Pokémon Go stop, also known as a Pokéstop!
Download the Pokémon Go application on your phone to locate and capture virtual Pokémon. Visit the library to get rewards!
Toddler Story Time *outside weather permitting*
Join us for Toddler Story Time every Monday from 10-10:30am, where we listen to stories, sing songs, and participate in lots of movement. Shakers, bells, bubbles, and puppets may also make an appearance!
Click this link to participate: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84529001950
During special occasions, we may serve snacks. If your child has food allergies, please let Caroline, the Library Director, know in advance so she may plan accordingly.
Many story time participants play with LEGOs, blocks, and other toys we have in the youth room after story time.
Check out the website "Get Ready to Read!" for some excellent early literacy resources! Find the link here: http://getreadytoread.org/.
Book Group for Adults *in person; also on Zoom for members' comfort and convenience*
Join us from 3-4pm on the first Monday of every month (except in unforeseen circumstances) for book discussions.
November 1: Night of Miracles by Elizabeth Berg
Click this link to participate: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/85383999446
December 6th: The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall
Click this link to participate: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/84521375510
STEAM Homeschool Program for ages 6 and up *canceled until further notice*
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Join us from 11-noon every Friday (except in unforeseen circumstances) to learn about a STEAM concept. There will be different activities every week.
Tech Help Saturday *July 31, 2021 from 1-3pm*
Visit the Library on from 1-3pm on the last Saturday of every month (except in unforeseen circumstances) to get free help on any tech questions you have from the Library's experienced technology volunteer.
These sessions are drop-in and do not require registration.
Other Programs
February Reading Program (“February Flurry”): A reading program for all ages during the week of February vacation. Participants receive raffle tickets for reading and attending programs during the week. Participants can try to win one or more of several different raffle items, and raffle tickets are drawn at the end of the week.
February Patron Appreciation Week: In cooperation with local libraries (Salmon Falls Library, West Buxton Public Library, Berry Memorial Library and Waterboro Public Library), sweet treats and Valentines crafts are provided during the week leading up to Valentine's Day.
Summer Reading Program: A collaborative summer reading program for all ages conducted with four other local libraries - Salmon Falls Library, West Buxton Public Library, Berry Memorial Library and Waterboro Public Library. Several collaborative programs occur throughout the summer. At Hollis Center Public Library, participants receive raffle tickets for reading, writing book reviews, attending programs, volunteering at the library*, and participating in community service*. Participants can try to win one or more raffle items in 3 different raffles throughout the program.
*Not in summers 2020 or 2021 due to COVID-19
Funds for the summer reading program are graciously provided by the Narragansett Number One Foundation. This nonprofit corporation donates to other nonprofit 501(c)(3) public organizations in Buxton and the surrounding areas. For more information, visit http://www.nnof.org/.
Facebook
Check out the library's Facebook page for upcoming events and the most current information at https://www.facebook.com/holliscenterpubliclibrary/
Technology
Technology for public use
4 Windows desktop computers
Color and black and white printing
WiFi access to the internet both inside and outside the library
Outgoing fax services
Scanning services
Ancestry
Search for your ancestors using ancestry.com's library edition by ProQuest. This must be used in the library only; there is no remote access.*
*Note: Due to COVID-19, remote access is granted until December 31, 2021 by visiting this url: https://libraries.maine.edu/mainedatabases/authmaine.asp?db=ancestry
Information
All library materials are borrowed for two weeks, and can be renewed up to two times (for a total of six weeks). Items may be renewed in person, by calling the library during open hours, or through email. All library materials are renewable unless the materials have been reserved by another patron.
Any amount of library materials within reason may be checked out, except for DVDs, which are limited to 4 per family.
Library materials can also be requested from Portland Public Library and other libraries through interlibrary loan.
Mission Statement
The Hollis Center Public Library provides materials and services to help community residents obtain information to meet their educational, personal and technological needs. The Library serves as an educational and recreational resource for all residents of the town.
Ways You Can Help
Donate
The library accepts donations of books (any type except encyclopedias and dictionaries), magazines, DVDs, and audiobooks that are not stained, ripped, falling apart, or otherwise in poor condition. The library will add donations to its collection whenever possible, and reserves the right to add donations to its book sale or Amazon online sale if not added to the collection.
Hollis Center Public Library is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All monetary donations are tax deductible. We have an online donation form, or checks can be made out to "Hollis Center Library Association, Inc."
The library also collects used printer cartridges and cell phones for the Buxton/Hollis Garden Club. The money raised supports the Horticultural scholarship for a Bonny Eagle High School Senior.
Volunteer
Do you like books and organizing?
Become a volunteer at Hollis Center Public Library!
Volunteers are essential in helping the Library provide the best services and materials to the community.
Help out for an hour once a week, an hour once a month, or even just a half hour every couple of months. Any amount of time is most appreciated!
Thanks for thinking about volunteering! Meet Caroline, the Library Director, to discuss interests and availability. Join our dedicated group of volunteers to do one or more of the following tasks:
Train to work behind the desk, checking books in and out.
Process newly acquired books.
Shelve returned books.
Check the shelves to make sure items are in alphabetical order and facing the right direction.
Keep the library clean, tidy, and safe, inside and out.
Weed the collection so we have more space for new items.
Other projects.
Suggest a New Program or Item
We welcome suggestions for programs and requests for new library materials! Stop by, call us, or send us an email with your thoughts.
Amazon Smile
Support the library by shopping on Amazon at smile.amazon.com and choosing "Hollis Center Library Association" as your favorite charity.
Staff
Library Director
Caroline Nickerson
Board of Trustees members
Angela Mackie, Chairperson
Kathleen Kendrick
Heidi Lynch
Paul Nickerson
Janet Gilmore
Hollis Center Library Association officers
Heather Sullivan, President
Meredith Fuller, Vice President
Angela Mackie, Co-Treasurer
Kathleen Kendrick, Co-Treasurer