Haverhill Public Library | Haverhill

Haverhill Public Library serves as the principal public library in Haverhill, Massachusetts, playing a central role in supporting education, literacy, community engagement, and cultural enrichment within the city. Founded in 1875, the library has grown from a modest collection into a comprehensive modern institution that caters to residents of all ages with a broad array of resources, services, and programs.

Historical Background and Mission

The Haverhill Public Library was established thanks to a significant donation from Ezekiel James Madison Hale, a local industrialist and philanthropist. Since its inception, the library's mission has been to provide free and equitable access to information and learning opportunities. The institution emphasizes fostering a culture of reading, lifelong learning, and community connection, aligning its services with the evolving needs of Haverhill’s population.

Collections and Resources

The library’s collection is extensive and diversified, encompassing:

Print Materials: Thousands of books covering fiction, nonfiction, reference works, and specialized genres for adults, teens, and children.

Audiovisual Media: CDs, DVDs, and audiobooks that cater to different tastes and learning styles.

Digital Resources: The library is part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, a network of over 30 regional libraries sharing an integrated catalog. Through this consortium, patrons can request and borrow items from across member libraries, significantly expanding their access to materials.

Online digital offerings include eBooks, downloadable audiobooks, magazines, music, and databases for research, language learning, and career development. These can be accessed remotely with a library card, providing flexible service beyond physical visits.

Specialized Collections

The Haverhill Public Library maintains several specialized collections that serve as valuable local history and genealogical research resources:

John Greenleaf Whittier Collection: Honoring the famous Quaker poet and abolitionist native to the area, this collection contains manuscripts, first editions, and related literature.

Pecker Genealogy & Family History Collection: A comprehensive set of resources for individuals tracing family roots, including census records, vital statistics, and historical documents.

Haverhill Cemetery Records: Detailed archives relating to local burial sites, assisting historians and genealogists in their investigations.

These collections position the library as a cultural repository preserving the city’s heritage.

Services and Community Programs

Children’s Services

The Children’s Department is located on the second floor, designed to serve children from infancy through grade six. It offers:

A broad selection of books tailored to all reading levels and interests, including picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, and bilingual titles.

Storytimes, reading programs, and seasonal events aimed at encouraging early literacy and a love of reading.

Educational toys, multimedia resources, and dedicated spaces for learning and play.

Teen Services

Recognizing the importance of engaging youth, the library offers a dedicated teen area and organizes activities such as:

Book clubs promoting discussion and critical thinking.

Gaming sessions encouraging social interaction and technological literacy.

Volunteer opportunities to foster community involvement and leadership skills.

Adult Services

Adult patrons benefit from various programs, including author talks, lectures, technology workshops, and cultural events. The library also provides access to computers, free Wi-Fi, and assistance with research and job searches.

Cultural and Artistic Contributions

The library building hosts rotating art exhibits featuring local artists, adding an aesthetic dimension to its educational mission. It also manages a permanent collection of fine art, which enriches visitors' experiences.

The Friends of Haverhill Public Library group, active since 1989, supports library initiatives through fundraising, volunteerism, and organizing book sales via the Friends Shop. Proceeds from these efforts help fund programming and facility improvements.

Facilities and Accessibility

The library is housed in a building designed to accommodate diverse user needs, offering:

Comfortable reading and study areas.

Meeting rooms for community gatherings and events.

ADA-compliant access to ensure services are available to patrons with disabilities.

Hours of operation are designed to maximize accessibility, with extended evening hours Monday through Thursday, and weekend hours on Friday and Saturday.

Location and Contact Information

Address: 99 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830

Phone: (978) 373-1586

The library’s central location in downtown Haverhill places it near other civic and cultural landmarks, making it an integral part of the city’s public life.

Summary

The Haverhill Public Library is a dynamic, multifaceted institution that not only offers a vast array of informational resources but also acts as a vibrant community center. Through its specialized collections, educational programming, cultural events, and welcoming spaces, it supports the intellectual and social needs of Haverhill residents. By continuously adapting to technological advances and community demands, the library remains essential to fostering lifelong learning, civic engagement, and cultural enrichment in the city.