Emma Andrews Branch Library
Contact Information
77 Purchase StreetNewburyport MA 01950
978-465-4430
Hours
Wednesdays 1:00 – 5:00 pmSaturdays 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Directions
From I95N, take exit 57 and bear right onto Rt. 113 East, Storey Avenue, or from I95S, take exit 57 and bear left onto Rt. 113 East. Storey Avenue merges into High Street. Continue on High Street, take a left onto Marlboro Street. The Branch Library is located on the corner of Purchase Street and Marlboro Street.
History
The Emma Andrews Branch Library is located in a quaint Victorian house at 77 Purchase Street. The Emma Andrews Branch Library is the result of an attempt to establish library services for children in the South End of Newburyport. In 1886 Principal Anna L. Coffin and teacher Emma M. Lander wanted to start a children's library in the Johnson Grammar School. As school libraries were not the norm, the two women proposed a branch library that would reach more of Ward One's children than could be served through the school. The city proposed a branch in 1899, but was not able to fund the effort.
Citizens donated $52 to establish a reading room for Joppa's children. The Misses Lander and Coffin rented 17 Union Street, a house recently vacated by members of the Gun Club. The South End Reading Room Association was formed on January 1, 1900, with Emma Lander acting as secretary. That year the Branch Library circulated 5,023 books to 303 registered borrowers.
For the next five years, the South End Reading Association continued to raise funds. By February 1900, William T. Humphrey's house at 77 Purchase Street was purchased for $3,500. This building was dedicated on July 20, 1905 and still serves as the Branch Library's home
Throughout the years, Mrs. Charles Andrews, nee Emma Lander, remained a stalwart supporter, serving as secretary of the Association and supervisor of the library's staff. She passed away on June 11, 1928, and the Branch was renamed in her honor. It was officially made a branch of the Newburyport Public Library in 1931, and was turned over to the city at that time. Friends and neighbors have continued their support of the Emma Andrew Branch Library through varied activities sponsored by the renamed South End Branch Improvement Association. These activities range from whist parties to sales of baked goods, plants, and books.
Please return all books checked out from the Branch to the Branch Library.
Story Hour
Story hours for 4 and 5 year olds are scheduled regularly on Wednesdays from 1:30–2:15 pm for six– week sessions. Parents provide snacks. Advance sign–up for fall and spring story hours is required. Call the Branch at 978–465–4430 for more information.
Branch Book Sale
The Association conducts an “on–going book sale” in the back room of the Branch, which is designated as “The Book Store.” Paperback and hardcover books are available at very reasonable prices. The Book Store is open during regular Branch hours (Wednesdays 1:00–5:00pm and Saturdays 9:00am – noon).
Events
The Branch holds a number of events each year, including a spring plant sale, a summer book and bake sale, and an ongoing author series. Check the Library Events Calendar for details.
