The Abbot Public Library is temporarily located at the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd., while its Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-dollar renovation. Library hours are the following:
— Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
— Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
— Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
— Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.
— Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Sunday: Closed.
Note: The Children’s Room closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.
Adult book club
The Abbot Public Library invites book enthusiasts to its monthly Adult Book Club, held online via Zoom on Tuesday, Jan. 16, from 10 to 11 a.m. January’s discussion will feature “Tom Lake” by Ann Patchett, with copies available in the library’s Reference Room. Participation requires prior registration, which can be completed at tinyurl.com/Jan-2024-Book-Club.
Open Lab
The Abbot Public Library offers Open Lab for individuals seeking assistance with computers, smartphones and other tech gadgets. The sessions are scheduled every Tuesday in January. 3 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Library staff will be available to provide one-on-one help. Windows laptops will be provided for those who cannot bring their own devices.
Woven coaster workshop
Abbot Public Library is hosting an “Adult Crafternoon” focused on creating woven coasters, scheduled for Friday, Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. This free event is limited to 10 participants. Register in advance at abbotlibrary.org/events.
Craft and Chat
Abbot Public Library is hosting a Community Craft and Chat event on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Bring your own craft projects to work on and share ideas with fellow craft enthusiasts. The program is open to the public, and no registration is required.
Poetry Salon
Poetry lovers are invited to a special session of the Poetry Salon with Claire Keyes, focusing on the works of Carol Seitchik, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. The event will be held in the Program Room and online via Zoom. Seitchik, a visual artist from Beverly, turned to poetry due to health issues and published “The Distance from Odessa” in 2021. Her poems span generations and continents, touching upon themes of family, rebellion and migration. The salon promises a deep dive into contemporary issues through poetry. Online attendees must register in advance at abbotlibrary.org/events, while no registration is required for in-person attendance.
‘Marine Invaders on the Move’ Lecture
Abbot Public Library, in collaboration with Salem Sound Coastwatch, will host a lecture titled “Marine Invaders on the Move” on Wednesday, Jan. 17, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. The event, part of the “Underwater in Salem Sound” Lecture Series for 2024, will be held in the Program Room and online via Zoom. Presented by Barbara Warren, Alison Frye and Lexie Neffinger, the lecture will explore the impact of non-native marine species in Salem Sound, including green crabs, blue crabs, shore crabs and others. The discussion will also address the role of climate change in the spread of these species. Registration is required for both in-person and online attendance at tinyurl.com/SSCW-Jan-2024.
Optimizing Health with Sam Lebicz
Join the Abbot Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 10:30 a.m. for a health-focused presentation by Sam Lebicz, a functional nutrition therapy practitioner. The session, both in-person and online via Zoom, will cover eating habits for better energy and gut health. Register at abbotlibrary.org/events.
Midday Movie Matinee
The Abbot Public Library’s Midday Movie Matinee on Saturday, Jan. 20 at 1 p.m. will feature Kenneth Branagh’s adaptation of an Agatha Christie mystery. For movie details and registration, visit abbotlibrary.org/events or call the library.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Registration for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program with AARP opens on Monday, Jan. 22 from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. at Abbot Public Library. The free tax preparation service, focusing on low to moderate income and elderly taxpayers, starts Feb. 5. Visit abbotlibrary.org/events for details.
Intro to Marblehead town government with Becky Curran Cutting
Join Becky Curran Cutting, Marblehead’s Town Planner, for an introduction to town government on Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. The event, part of a series in partnership with the League of Women Voters, will be held at the Abbot Public Library and online via Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/Government-Jan-2024.
‘Wildlife in Your Neighborhood’
Learn about local wildlife with Dan Proulx, Marblehead Assistant Animal Control Officer, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m. at Abbot Public Library. The event, covering species from mice to coyotes, will be both in-person and online via Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/wildlife-Jan-2024.
Book returns
Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside its main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days.
For updates on the renovations, visit abbotlibrary.org/news/renovation-news.Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/Abbot-News.
Fines no more
Abbot Public Library is now fine-free. Visit abbotlibrary.org/about/general-info to learn more about borrowing materials and to get a library card.
Tech and misc. things
The library offers Book Club Kits, Chromebooks, hotspots and more in its Library of Things. Visit abbotlibrary.org/what-we-offer/library-of-things to learn more.
Need to use a copier?
Abbot Public Library does not charge a fee per page, but it asks that patrons contribute what they wish when copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.
Get your museum on
Visit abbotlibrary.org/what-we-offer/get-a-museum-pass to reserve passes and promo codes for some of the best museums in the greater Boston area.Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Abbot Public Library, the library offers passes and promo codes to:
— Boston Children’s Museum
— Harvard Art Museums
— The House of the Seven Gables
— The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston
— Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
— Museum of Fine Arts
— Museum of Science
— New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code)
— Peabody Essex Museum
— Trustees Go Pass
— Zoo New England
Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/promo code right at the main desk or by calling 781-631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.
