About
Overview
The Newburyport Public Library offers a full range of services to meet the informational, educational, cultural, and recreational needs of the greater Newburyport community within a renovated and expanded historic 18th century Federalist mansion. The Library is a vital and integral part of the community, providing the public with a fully accessible 21st century facility. Our friendly and professional staff is eager to serve you. Welcome to the Newburyport Public Library!
The Newburyport Public Library is a full member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC), a network of 35 area libraries. Through resource sharing, Newburyport library cardholders have access to over 3 million items owned by member MVLC libraries. Library staff can assist in locating and requesting materials from other Massachusetts libraries as well as out-of-state libraries when needed.
Please Click here to get our Library hours and printable directions
Mission Statement
The Newburyport Public Library is the community's commons, an inclusive gateway to reading, information, self–directed learning, technology resources, culture and activities. The library provides both the opportunity and the location for all who want to read, to learn, or to connect with our community and our cultural heritage. When the Newburyport Public Library promotes and meets the informational, educational and recreational needs of the community, it enhances the role of the library as the most viable place for the community to congregate.
History of NPL
Newburyport was one of the first ten communities in Massachusetts to establish a public library after the passage in 1851 of a general law permitting towns throughout the Commonwealth to establish and maintain public libraries through municipal taxation. The Newburyport Public Library was founded in 1854, and opened to the public in 1855 in what is now the office of the City Treasurer in City Hall. The library opened with 5,688 volumes on its shelves.
In order to provide more space for the expanding library, eight local subscribers purchased the Tracy Mansion on State Street and conveyed the property to the city to be used in perpetuity as a public library. The Library relocated to the Tracy Mansion in 1865 and opened to the public there on January 1, 1866. This historic brick building was built in 1771 for Nathaniel Tracy, a wealthy local merchant and ship owner. Nathaniel Tracy was an ardent patriot and a successful privateer during the Revolutionary War; and George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Aaron Burr, and General Lafayette they all were entertained in the Tracy Mansion. Tracy lost his fortune after the war and was forced to sell his assets, including his home. Before its transition to a public library, the Tracy Mansion was used as a hotel, a bowling saloon, and a dentist office.
In 1870, the first public newspaper reading room in the United States was established by the Newburyport Public Library. A two–story addition, the Simpson Annex, was constructed in 1881, and the Library's exterior and portions of the interior were renovated in the Victorian style during the 1880's.
In 1900, the stacks were opened, allowing patrons to browse and retrieve books independently. The 1920s brought the creation of a separate Reference Department and a Children's Room. The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library organization was founded in 1939 and is an important support to the Library today. The 1968 membership in the state's fledgling regional library system was a precursor to the Library's current membership in the Northeast Massachusetts Regional Library System. Public computers were introduced in 1985 and the Library became an active member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.
The need for a larger and improved facility had been evident for years. After a successful community effort, the Library moved forward with a $6.8m building project to renovate and expand the Tracy Mansion. In October 1999, the Library moved to a temporary location, the Anvil Rock Farm in the industrial park, providing library services during construction. With great anticipation, the newly renovated and expanded facility at 94 State Street reopened on May 6, 2001. The Newburyport Public Library continues in its long and historic tradition of providing a wide range of library services to the community.
The Newburyport Public Library collection contains over 115,000 items.
Collections
- Third floor: Non–Fiction
- Second floor: Fiction, Biography, Adult Graphic Novels, Reference collection, Teen collection
- First floor Reading Room: New Books, Large Print books, Magazines, and Newspapers
- First floor: Paperbacks, DVDs, Audio Books, Music CDs, Audio Language Learning materials, and Children's Room collection
- Lower level: Local History and Genealogy reference items in the Archival Center
A number of passes for free or reduced admission to area museums are available for public use. The Library also offers extensive online resources. Public computers offer access to the Internet, and Wireless Internet access is also available.
Lists of Newburyport media collections, as well as new and popular materials are available on the Library catalog.
Accessibility
The Newburyport Public Library is committed to quality service to all, regardless of age, race, sex, nationality, educational background, physical limitations, or any of the criteria which may be a source of discrimination.
The Library's renovated and expanded (2001) facility at 94 State Street is ADA compliant, and is fully accessible to all users by elevator. However, if a library user cannot or does not wish to travel between levels, library staff will retrieve information or materials from any level.
Physically challenged library users have automated access to the collections of the MVLC libraries through use of a public access online catalog on each level. If a library user cannot operate a computer, library staff will perform necessary functions as needed. Internet access is available on every level.
An assistive technology computer workstation is located in the Technology Center on the third level. This public computer has a large print keyboard, a large screen monitor, and magnifier and screen reader software. Also located on the Library's third level is a SmartView video magnifier (CCTV). Hand held magnifiers are available at the Information Services Desk on the second level and the Technology Center Desk on the third level.
The Library maintains a large audio collection of books on tape, books on CD, Playaways (audio books in MP3 format), and large print books. Additionally, the Library can assist patron requests for books in braille and Talking Books from the Perkins School for the Blind
While patrons may not bring pets or animals into the Library, service and guide dogs are permitted.
The Library has one Nova Mack wheeled walker available for patron use. This walker includes a basket and seat, and is for in–library use to facilitate browsing and gathering library materials. It is located in the library lobby.
Accessible restrooms are located on every level. All levels are accessible by elevator. An automated door opener provides easy access at the main entrance. Designated handicap parking spaces are located next to the Library on State Street and on Harris Street.
Library Value Calculator
Curious how much the services the Library provides you would cost if you had to pay for them directly? To find out, calculate the value of YOUR library use! Learn how using the Chelmsford Library website.
Employment Opportunities
Job postings and employment application forms are available at City Hall, 60 Pleasant Street and online through the City of Newburyport's website: http://nbpt.us. Employment applications are also available at the Library.
Community Information
The Community Information Database is an Information and Referral service that provides individuals with up–to–date and comprehensive information to non–profit services and resources in the area. The database is searchable from your home computer or from public computers in your local library. Keyword, subject, agency name, or the name of a specific event may be searched. The Community Information Database is a great way to get descriptive information about an organization or event. Each record in the database contains the organization name, address, phone number, and a brief description of the event, program, or organization. You can link to the Community Information Database directly or through our online catalog and by clicking on “Community Information” on the toolbar on the top of the page.
If you are currently involved with a social or sports organization or club, a support group, a health service, an educational or religious organization, a youth service or organization, or any other group that may be of community interest and would like to be included in the Community Information Database, please fill out our 
printable form. and return it to:
Newburyport Public Library
Community Information
94 State Street
Newburyport MA 01950
This form may also be used to update your organization's current information. If you have questions about the Community Information Database, please call the Newburyport Public Library at 978–465–4428.
There is no cost to use or be included in the Community Information Database. It is a free service provided by your local public library and the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium.
