Visit the Children’s Room

The Newburyport Public Library Children’s Room provides materials and programs for children and families from birth through sixth grade. We also provide assistance to teachers, caregivers, and others working with children. Services include drop-in and regular programs for various ages, school vacation programs, and Summer Reading programs. We have also gathered several resources for use by families at home.

The Children’s Room contains picture books, board books, beginning readers, early chapter books, fiction books, non-fiction books, audio books in CD and Playaway formats, and DVDs. The Children’s Room also provides public computers with Internet access and word processing software.

Library Cards

Children who live in Newburyport may obtain library cards once they have turned five years old. A parent/legal guardian must accompany their child and provide proof of residency. Young adults ages 13 or older may obtain a Library card without a guardian present, but they must show photo ID or, if they do not have photo ID, some other proof of residency. Residents of towns outside Newburyport must obtain library cards from their hometown library.

All patron card activity is confidential under state law, even for very young children. Guardians who allow their child to open a Library card should be advised that we are unable to share any information about the child’s account or borrowing history without the child’s permission. 

Find additional library card information here.


School Visits and Tours

What We Can Offer

The Library can host tours of the Children’s Room or Teen Space. Given adequate notice, we can provide research instruction and/or tips for using our online catalog. We offer read-alouds of 2-3 picture books upon request. We do not offer full story times for class visits.

How to arrange a visit

The library must consider staffing constraints, available space, and other programs before accommodating class visits. Requests must be made at least 48 hours in advance. To arrange a visit, contact Allison Privitera, Head of Children’s & Teen Services, at (978-465-4428 x 4) at least 48 hours before you hope to visit, even if you are not seeking a tour or other engagement from staff.

Please remind students of the following expectations prior to every visit:

  • Teachers, please check in with library staff upon arrival. We will advise you about where students should leave their personal effects that day so that they don’t create tripping hazards. Students should be mindful at all times that there are patrons in the building trying to work, access materials, and enjoy a pleasant and calm environment.
  • Books in the library are organized in a very specific way. Students should not attempt to reshelve a book if they don’t know exactly where it goes.
  • Students should bring their physical library cards with them to the Library. We have the capability to look up accounts (provided it is the student’s own card and not that of a caregiver), but this can be very time-consuming. The physical card eliminates that issue.

Safe Child Policy

Children 8 years old and younger must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/caregiver/other responsible adult over the age of 14. At the discretion of a responsible adult, a child 9 years old or older may be left unattended for the period of time needed to select materials, complete a homework assignment, or attend a program. The child must know how to reach the responsible adult. See policy for details.