The newly renovated Abbot Public Library opened its doors to eager patrons on Wednesday, marking the near end of a $10 million renovation project that began in October 2022. Residents young and old explored the modernized space, expressing enthusiasm for its expanded facilities and improved amenities — like enclosed workspaces that patrons can reserve and a podcast record studio.
John Squires, a longtime Marblehead resident and former school administrator, was among the first visitors.
“It’s absolutely spectacular,” said Squires as he read a newspaper. “It’s beautiful, comfortable, cool and just expansive. It’s much bigger.”
Squires, who frequently visits to read newspapers and conduct research, anticipate using the new facilities regularly.
“It’s also a place to come in, get a book and just read it,” he added, highlighting the library’s appeal as a cool refuge during hot summer days.
Rebecca Decatur, who brought the kid she nannies for, Grey, to explore the children’s room, was impressed by the improvements.
“It’s beautiful, more than I expected. It’s just gorgeous,” Decatur said. “It offers something that we really needed.”
Decatur, a Marblehead native, noted the significant changes since her youth.
“Having been here as a teenager with card catalogs and just seeing how it’s such a nice place thats changed so much — to just go in and relax on a hot day,” she said. She plans to take advantage of the library’s new features, including story times for children in the fall and spring.
Tucked in a corner on the first floor, recent college graduates Cahill Whittier and Anna Arbo changed their work plans to visit the library on opening day.
Whittier was particularly excited about the new study rooms. “When I first saw those when we walked in, I was really excited,” he said. “I would always go to a corner study [in college], so I’ll be coming here a lot.”
Arbo, a University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate pursuing a master’s in public health, appreciated the bright light throughout.
Library staff member Pam Shorr, working behind the circulation desk, observed the positive reactions from patrons throughout the day.
“It’s wonderful. It’s beautiful, it’s open,” Shorr said. “They keep saying it smells new and nice. The air feels great in the heat.” She emphasized the hard work done behind the scenes to prepare the full space for the public.
Executive Director Kimberly Grad described the reopening as “a nice reunion” between staff and patrons.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, especially given the cool temperatures,” Grad noted. She mentioned that while most services have resumed, some features are still in progress.
“We’re still getting our self-checkout system set up, the sound booth will be set up and the makerspace will be available soon,” Grad explained.
The renovation project includes a redesigned main floor, accessible courtyard and event center. However, the library’s reopening was delayed from its original June 20 date due to accessibility issues with the front entrance ramp.
The July 8 APL trustees
A temporary variance allows for operations to resume while work continues on the front walkway, with full compliance expected by Dec. 1.
At a July 8 meeting, Library Trustee Chair Gary Amberik provided an update on the accessibility issue. The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board granted a variance allowing the library to open with the existing front entrance to bring it into full compliance. Amberik explained that the library has submitted plans to modify the front entrance to meet accessibility standards.
The trustees discussed the financial implications of the necessary modifications. While the exact cost is not yet known, they are exploring options to fund the work.
Grad also reported on the success of the recent Literary Festival, which served as a soft opening for the library. The library has resumed its regular business hours:
— Monday: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
— Tuesday: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
— Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
— Thursday: noon-6 p.m.
— Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
— Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
— Sunday: Closed
People with mobility concerns can use the lower entrance, which provides Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access. The library began accepting returns at outdoor book bins on July 8.
