On July 18, the Windham Public Library announced a new partnership with Portland Public Library. We will now be issuing Portland Public Library cards right here at our library.

This is more than just borrowing books from Portland Public Library. The library card opens the door to a wealth of information through a variety of online databases.

Highlights of the new resources include:

• Genealogy information from HeritageQuest and Ancestry Plus.

• Learn-a-Language programs with Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur.

• Thousands of audio books you can download to your MP3 player.

• Auto Repair manuals.

• Learn-a-Test programs you can use from home.

• Business Research from Mergent and other references.

Access to these databases is free to anyone with a valid Portland Public Library card. Windham has begun registering Cumberland County residents and others for the free cards, and most of the resources are available immediately. Although a few of the databases can be accessed only from Portland Public Library, most are available through any Internet connection.

Any resident of Cumberland or York County, is eligible for a Portland Public card. To sign up for one at Windham, simply bring a Maine driver’s license, or two other forms of ID with name and current address. Young people ages 12-18 must show a photo school ID and have a parent or guardian co-sign the form. For more details please stop in at the circulation desk at Windham Public Library, e-mail amcintire@windham.lib.me.us, or call 892-1908.