All 3 Library locations will be closed from Saturday, May 28th through Monday, May 30th, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday.
About Us
As the public library for the community since George Peabody’s generous donation in 1854, the Peabody Institute Library provides innovative services, resources, programs, and spaces to meet the educational, informational, cultural and creative needs of the community while offering opportunities for lifelong learning for all. Learn more about how we Support Your Story every day by reading our Long Range Plan here.
Peabody’s History
The Peabody Institute Library is the public library serving the City of Peabody. George Peabody, a highly regarded philanthropist, was the founder in 1854.
The main library building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is also the oldest public library in the United States to operate out of the same location.
Main Library
82 Main Street
978-531-0100
The Main Library offers a variety of programs for adults, teens, and children, as well as the Creativity Lab community makerspace. Please see our complete program calendar for details.
South Branch Library
78 Lynn Street
978-531-3380
The South Branch Library offers a variety of programs for children and adults. Please see our complete program calendar for details.
West Branch Library
603 Lowell Street
978-535-3354
The West Branch Library offers a variety of programs for adults and children. Please see our complete program calendar for details.
The Peabody Institute Library is a proud member of the 26-library-strong NOBLE Library Network. To learn more, and to see the other public and academic libraries that your library card gives you access to, visit www.noblenet.org
Library Staff
Cate Merlin, Director
merlin@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x16
Alysa Hayden, Assistant Director
hayden@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x25
Gabriela Toth, Senior Adult Services & Public Programming Librarian
gtoth@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x17
Yunan Guo, Senior Technology Coordinator
guo@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x21
Catherine Badal, Senior Local History Librarian
cbadal@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x28
Allison Bridgewater, Senior Teen Librarian and acting Senior Children’s Librarian
abridgewater@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x35
Amy Titus, Senior South Branch Librarian
atitus@noblenet.org | 978-531-3380 x11
Amory Thomas, Senior West Branch Librarian
athomas@noblenet.org | 978-585-3354 x11
Sharon Janus, Public Services Librarian & Conversation Circles Coordinator
janus@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x38
Mike Ahearn, Creativity Lab Programming Librarian
ahearn@noblenet.org | 978-531-0100 x22
2022 Board of Library Trustees
- Peter T. Bakula
- Stephanie S. Dallaire
- Frances J. Gallugi
- Don McAllister
- Stephanie Najjar
- Kate E. O’Brien
- Thomas J. Pappas, President
- Anne V. Quinn
- Richard C. Shruhan
- Jennifer Smith
-
Ruth D. Titelbaum
- Katrina Vassallo
Trustees Meetings
All Board of Library Trustees Meetings generally take place on the 1st Monday of the month at 6:30pm, in the Main Library Sutton Room. The Trustees do not meet in July or August of every year.
Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend! You may attend in person or via a Zoom webinar, and meetings are also broadcast live by PATV. Meeting agendas, including Zoom webinar access information, are posted on the Thursday before each meeting on the City of Peabody calendar at https://peabody-ma.gov/event%20calendar.html
2022 Meetings:
- Monday, January 10th
- Monday, February 7th
- Monday, March 7th
- Monday, April 4th
- Monday, May 2nd
- Monday, June 6th