General Info

Library Cards:

Abbot Public Library is a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE). There is no minimum age requirement for obtaining a library card and any personal NOBLE library card is accepted at any other NOBLE library. For all details on the process of issuing cards, please see the NOBLE Borrowing Policy for a list of Identification and Proof of Address required.

Borrowing and check-out limits:

All print material
no limit to number of items that can be checked out (with the exception of high-demand children’s and YA material)
14-day loan period
Up to 2 renewals

DVD’s and all other media (Books on CD)
No limit to number of items that can be checked out
14-day loan period
No renewals

Book Club Kits
1 kit may be checked out at a time
5-week loan period
No renewals

Fines for lost or damaged materials:

Abbot Public Library no longer charges fines for overdue material. However, patrons who owe replacement costs for lost or damaged material will not be allowed to check out materials until the fine is paid. A threshold of $50 will block the account until the fine is paid. Any lost item will incur a replacement charge equal to its original costs. Replacement copies of materials will not be accepted.

Note: To pay fines, find your account at https://evergreen.noblenet.org. Enter your library card number and your PIN number. You can pay all charges or you can uncheck items you do not wish to pay, then press the “Pay Selected Charges” button. The screen will refresh to allow you to enter your credit card information. The minimum charge payable is $1.01.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 2022.

It is the policy of the Abbot Public Library to provide as much information to the community as possible. In order to achieve this objective, any information of a community interest may be posted on the section of the bulletin boards labeled Community Interest. All items for posting must be delivered to a customer service desk and should include the date submitted.  Please direct questions concerning what may be placed may be referred to the Library Director. Abbot Public Library does not endorse any of the listings. Old items will be periodically removed from the bulletin board.
(Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, March 2022)

Abbot Public Library will make available a broad range of library materials to provide up-to-date and accurate information and will offer services and programs desired by the Marblehead community.  The Library also acts as the most convenient point of access for the needed materials and information and actively seeks to make community members and organizations aware of library resources and services.  

PURPOSE OF THE COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT POLICY

The purpose of this policy is to guide the Abbot Public Library staff in the selection of materials which best meet the needs of the community as well as to inform the public about the principles upon which selections were made.  Due to the increased volume of published materials and ever-present financial and space limitations, the Library must have guidelines for selection if it is to fulfill its objectives.  Resources available through both NOBLE, our library automated network, as well as through other networks, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and the Internet, have been taken into account in developing this policy.

The American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the Freedom to Read Statement have been endorsed by the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees and are integral parts of this policy.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR MATERIALS SELECTIONS

Ultimate responsibility for materials selection policies lies with the Board of Trustees. The Board delegates to the Director of the Library the authority to select library materials and to develop the various collections.  This authority is shared with other members of the staff; however, because the Director must answer to the Board and the general public for actual selections made, she/he has the authority to select or reject any item contrary to the recommendations of the staff.  The selectors consist of members of the professional staff as well as those people with responsibility for managing a particular collection.  

PRINCIPLES OF SELECTION

The Mission and Vision Statements of the Abbot Public Library states that the Library will provide easy access to the world’s knowledge-informational and cultural.  It also states that it will be a primary point of convergence for ideas and information that foster individual as well as community growth and life-long learning.  Therefore, our goal is to make available a broad range of materials, to provide current and accurate information, and to offer services and programs desired by the Marblehead community.

Materials are provided to satisfy the educational and recreational needs of general library users and to meet general research needs of the community.  The collection comprises the classics and popular and informational works, non-print materials including online materials, and reference materials in the main subject areas.  In addition, some scholarly, technical and specialized materials are purchased when these are judged to benefit the broader needs of the community.

The Library recognizes the importance of materials of permanent value as well as timely materials on current issues.  Emphasis is placed on choosing materials in areas of greatest use and need, whether fiction or nonfiction, with basic materials available in all major subject areas.  Selection will recognize the needs not only of those who use the Library regularly but will also anticipate the needs of non-users and/or future users.  Materials are purchased within budgetary constraints in whatever formats best suit users’ needs.

In serving as a secondary resource for student use, the Library selects those texts and other materials, which will also be useful for the general public.  In addition, consideration is given to the needs of individuals and organizations interested in self-education programs.

In the development of its collection, the Library recognizes that it is impossible for a comparatively small public library to provide a balanced comprehensive collection that is strong enough to meet all community needs.  As a member of an automated resource sharing network and the state supported regional library system, the Library supplements its resources with materials borrowed from other libraries through these larger entities.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Involved in the selection and deselection (see Weeding later in the Policy) of materials are the experience and knowledge of staff members selecting materials, their familiarity with the community and documented needs and demands.  The status of the existing collection, the Library materials budget and resources outside of the Abbot Public Library are also taken into consideration.

Materials are judged on the basis of the work as a whole, not as a part taken out of context.  Reviews in professional journals are used in the selection process and are sought whenever possible.  Bestseller lists, reviews in local media and authors appearing on various television and radio programs are also used in determining purchase.  However, the lack of a review or an unfavorable review shall not be the sole criterion for determining the selection status of a title, which is in demand.  Particular care will be given to attempting to collect as many viewpoints on an issue as possible.  The currency of all material is becoming an important criterion as information changes quickly and writing styles evolve.  This must be considered in any acquisition.

1. Fiction/Nonfiction (General) Books

The criteria for selection of nonfiction are as follows:

1.  Scope and authority of the subject matter.
2. Qualifications of the author/editor in the subject field.
3. Appeal/need in this community, including predicted popularity.
4. Timeliness of material.
5. Relationship to existing collection.
6. Quality of writing (style, readability, etc.).
7. Date of publication.
8. Reputation of publisher.
9. Organization of content (indices, bibliographies, examples, illustrations, etc.).
10. Price.

The criteria for the selection of fiction include:

1.  Appeal (popular or limited) in this community.
2. Quality of writing.
3. Characterization (constructive, full development of characters).
4. Literary merit.
5. Relationship to the collection.
6. Reputation of the publisher.
7. Price.

1. Reference Collection

Reference material is selected with the goal of attempting to satisfy the majority of the informational needs within the community. While the Library cannot be considered a comprehensive research center, significant efforts are made to support the needs of students of all ages who pursue educational advancement, whether formally or informally.  Questions which fall beyond the limits of our collection, are referred to other libraries through various networks and cooperative agreements. The Reference collection includes both print and digital resources including specialized databases available on the library’s website.  

1. Other Print Materials
2. Periodicals

A balanced collection of periodicals (including newspapers and magazines) is maintained as both a current and in-depth supplement to the book collection.  This collection includes titles with popular appeal as well as those more oriented toward scholarly pursuits.  The length of time a particular title is retained is based on appeal, its value to research efforts and storage space.  Microfilm copies, useful primarily for titles with long-term value, will be considered based on the needs of the population and expense of this format of collection.

Criteria for selection include:

1. Appeal and demand.
2. Subject coverage.
3. Accuracy and objectivity of the title’s authors and editors.
4. Accessibility of a title’s contents through indices.
5. Contributions to trends and developments within the field covered.
6. Preservation of a balanced viewpoint within the collection.
7. Subscription price.

2. Paperbacks

Paperbacks selected for the Adult paperback collections serve two main purposes.  First, some paperbacks are added to meet the demand for popular, easily portable, inexpensive reading material.  Second, duplicate copies of popular hardcover titles are purchased to make these titles readily available as they are needed.  A balanced paperback collection is not a primary goal and books are frequently weeded.  These considerations result in a paperback collection that is regularly changing and useful mainly for browsing.

1. Audio-Visual Materials
2. In selecting material to be available on our music streaming services, reviews are used and selection criteria include quality, type of music (in more or less demand by users), reputation of performer, recording label and need in the overall collection.
3. E-audiobooks are chosen with similar criteria as for fiction and nonfiction materials.  This collection is heavily used and covers a wide variety of books.  Adaptability to the audio format is also a criterion, as well as the reputation and appropriateness of the reader.  Abridged and unabridged titles are purchased due to the enjoyment and circulation statistics of both versions.
4. DVDs and other video material available on streaming services are selected primarily to meet informational and entertainment needs.  The criteria for selection within this stated framework include:
5. Appeal in this community.
6. Scope and authority of the subject matter.
7. Qualifications of the performer(s)/instructor(s).
8. Quality of presentation (style, photography, sound fidelity, etc.).
9. Reputation of producer.
10. Price.
11. Children’s Collection

The Children’s Department serves children from birth through their elementary school years.

The same guidelines used to evaluate general fiction and nonfiction books are used when selecting children’s books, with the following criteria also included or particularly emphasized:

1. Quality of illustrations and relationship to story.
2. Language which stimulates the development of a child’s vocabulary and/or is clearly understood.
3. Vocabulary, which is within a child’s reading ability, recognizing wide variations in individual ability.
4. Appealing and durable format.
5. Meeting the need for school-related summer reading materials.

In addition, the Parent and Teacher Collection is a very carefully selected collection which contains materials related to stimulating children’s interest in reading as well as books which may assist parents with their role as parents.

Non-print materials are chosen similarly as those for the adult collections.  

1. Young Adult Collection

A specialized young adult collection exists to meet the unique informational needs and recreational and emotional concerns of this age group, which is approximately from grades seven through twelve.  The young adult population is served by the general collection in many ways as well. The selection criteria are the same as that stated for general books and periodicals.  In fiction, the goals are to provide lighter reading material as well as books which empathize with or stimulate thought about the process of growing up, making choices and becoming one’s own person.  Standard classics for this age group are included as well as materials to meet summer reading program demands.  Often, a title will be purchased only in paperback or duplicated in paperback due to the popularity of this format with this age group.

The separate nonfiction section will not remain static and will include materials on drugs, growing up, coping with school, sex education, life issues, etc. which are appropriate for this age group.  It will also include basic materials that support the school assignments of the population which is served, recognizing that the Library’s adult collection will also be used and that the Library is unlikely to be able to support all school assignments alone.  Our online resources and interlibrary loan become extremely important in serving this age group.

1. Marblehead Room

Local history and genealogical materials relating to Marblehead are particularly sought for the Marblehead Room collection.  Histories, vital records, town reports, pamphlets about Marblehead, books by local authors about Marblehead, and books, maps and atlases about this area are collected.  The local newspaper is digitized and articles are clipped from local newspapers and organized by subject. Some of these items are available to borrow, and some are reserved for in-library use only.

1. Gifts

While most donations of library materials are to the Friends of the Library for their book sale, the Library occasionally accepts gifts of materials which are in usable condition.  This may include books relating to local history or donations from published authors. Items which are moldy, damaged, written in or outdated cannot be accepted.   Before deciding whether or not a book will be added to the collection, it will be reviewed using the criteria for selecting new materials. Factors such as duplication and adequate shelf space will also be considered   If the Library cannot use the donated items, they will be placed in the book sale, which benefits the Friends of the Library;  donated to another institution; or disposed of properly.

Due to the limitations of staff time, staff members cannot make trips outside of the building to evaluate or collect donations.  A statement which reflects the number of items donated may be given to the donor; however, the Library will not place a dollar value on the donation.

WEEDING

Periodic evaluation of the works in the various collections is as important as the acquisition of new materials so that the library collection remains strong, vital and reflective of community needs. Careful, regular and systematic weeding (i.e., the removal of materials from the collection) removes materials which are inaccurate, outdated, unused or in poor condition and which detract from the usefulness and aesthetic appeal of the collection.  Also, works no longer in demand for which there are multiple copies may be weeded.  In addition, works that have had little recent use and are of questionable value may be weeded.  Professional publications may be used as tools to assist the staff in making weeding decisions.  The CREW method: Expanded Guidelines for Collection Evaluation and Weeding for Small and Medium-sized Public Libraries, the Public Library Catalog, the Fiction Catalog and the Children’s Catalog will be consulted during the weeding process.  Various reports which can be created from NOBLE information give us detailed records of the history of the circulation of an item, as well as the date of publication.  Similar guidelines as stated for collecting new materials are followed.

The Library attempts to have copies of all standard and important works consistent with its size and scope.  It does not attempt to replace every copy that is discarded.  For example, if a very old item is discarded due to being worn out, is our only copy and has not circulated in several years, it is possible that the Library might choose to rely on the resources of NOBLE member libraries after checking availability in the database.  Also, it may be that the subject is no longer in demand. Often, the availability of more current materials and/or materials in other formats will be primary considerations.

Areas which will receive prime attention for weeding include those categories where information changes quickly.  These include, but are not limited to, health, medicine, technology, business, employment, the sciences and others.  The Collection Assessment Committee (comprised of department heads) will determine which areas will take first priority on a regular basis.

REQUESTS FOR PURCHASE

The Library welcomes suggestions for additions to the collection and staff members actively solicit recommendations. A suggestion form is available for this purpose.  (Please include your name, telephone number and email address so we can notify you if we purchase it and it is available for you.) A request for purchase does not automatically imply that the purchase will be made. All requests will be evaluated by an appropriate selector using the selection criteria stated previously.  Also, efforts will be made to borrow requested material through appropriate networks following their guidelines if that would result in a more timely delivery of material.  The purchase could still be made.

USE OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

The Library recognizes that many materials are controversial and that any given item may offend some users. Selections will not be made on the basis of any anticipated approval or disapproval but solely on the basis of the principles stated in this collection development policy.

Responsibility for specific choices of material for children rests with their parents or legal guardians. Selection of materials will not be inhibited by the possibility that materials may come into the possession of children. Library materials will not be marked or identified to show approval or disapproval of the contents and no item will be kept unavailable to the general public except for the express purpose of protecting it from injury or theft. The use of rare and/or scholarly items of great value may be controlled to the extent necessary to prevent them from harm, but no further.

RECONSIDERATION OF LIBRARY MATERIALS

The Library asserts its right and responsibility to maintain a collection of materials based on the stated policies included in this document. The library community in general, and the Abbot Public Library in particular, support the concept of intellectual freedom. If a Marblehead resident voices a complaint to a staff member, whether in person or by telephone about a particular work in the collection, the following procedure has been established:

1. The staff member will report the complaint to the Library Director or the Assistant Director/ Head of Public Service as soon as possible. 
2. The Director will respond with a note to the complainant recognizing that not everyone may agree with every choice made. A copy of this collection development policy as well as a Request for Reconsideration of Library Materials should be included. Note that anyone challenging a book must have read the book in full before submitting.  The form should be returned within four weeks or the complaint is considered dropped. The material will stay in the collection until a decision is made to remove it, if that occurs.
3. If the form is returned, the Director will review the selection and respond to the complainant within a reasonable time period, not longer than a few weeks. The response should include the decision and reasons for it, an explanation of the applicable areas of the Collection Development Policy and citations to any authorities consulted in reviewing the work. If the complaint is valid, the Director will acknowledge it and remove the material in question. If the complaint is invalid, the material will stay in the collection.
4. Should the complainant be dissatisfied with the Director’s response, the matter may be appealed to the Board of Trustees, which will be the final authority on the matter.  The Board may consult anyone it chooses, such as legal counsel, the American Library Association, etc. in coming to its decision. The Board will announce its finding at the next convenient Board meeting and within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed three months without further notification to the complainant.
5. Note that only Marblehead Residents may challenge material at Abbot Public Library.

Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, March 2022 and January 2023.

ABBOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

CONFIDENTIALITY POLICY
All employees, volunteers, contractors and governing authorities of member libraries are expected to comply with the Abbot Public Library’s confidentiality policy as outlined below. Any failures to observe this policy must be reported to the Library Director and/or the NOBLE management team.
The Abbot Public Library is a member of the North of Boston Library Exchange, Inc., known as NOBLE. As such, the Library’s representative to NOBLE, normally the Library Director, has voted to support NOBLE’s Confidentiality Policy as a member library of the network, and follow its guidelines in maintaining library patron confidentiality and privacy.

The Abbot Public Library recognizes its responsibilities to its users under the Massachusetts General Laws, Ch. 78, S. 7.

“…That part of the records of a public library which reveals the identity and intellectual pursuits of a person using such library shall not be a public record as defined by clause Twenty-sixth of section seven of chapter four. Library authorities may disclose or exchange information relating to library users for the purposes of inter-library cooperation and coordination, including but not limited to, the purposes of facilitating the sharing of resources among library jurisdictions as authorized by clause (1) of section nineteen E or enforcing the provisions of sections ninety-nine and one hundred of chapter two hundred and sixty-six.”

NOBLE libraries maintain no record of items that have been borrowed and returned unless an overdue charge is outstanding, or if a patron manually opts into keeping a history of their loans on their personal Evergreen account. Access to patron information within the library must be enforced by authorization passwords maintained by NOBLE and library staff. Patron information will only be released to its owner upon presentation of positive identification to access their borrowing record.

NOBLE recognizes and utilizes Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 78, Section 7, which states: “Library authorities may disclose or exchange information relating to library users for the purposes of inter-library cooperation and coordination, including but not limited to, the purposes of facilitating the sharing of resources among library jurisdictions as authorized by clause (1) of section nineteen E or enforcing the provisions of sections ninety-nine and one hundred of chapter two hundred and sixty-six.” Library user information can only be used by the library to contact residents of their own community (public libraries) or persons directly affiliated with their own institution (non-public libraries) for library use only in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Should a library use a contractor for such purposes, the contractor must execute a document in the format provided by NOBLE specifically citing the data will not be retained nor sold or otherwise distributed or disclosed.

Under no circumstances will any information regarding patron information be released to a third party, except as described in these unique instances below:

• No records can be made available to any inquiries, including law enforcement, unless a subpoena or warrant has been served by a court of competent jurisdiction. Records will be made available immediately upon presentation of a valid warrant. Records will be released in response to a subpoena after consultation with legal counsel. Whereas a subpoena or a search warrant under the USA Patriot Act (P.L.107-56) suspends state statutes, confidential patron information will be turned over to federal law enforcement officers if such documents are presented. Library representatives shall not honor requests from federal law enforcement officers unless a subpoena or search warrant is presented pursuant thereto. Only Federal officers can use the Patriot Act to request information.
• Information may be released as minimally necessary to validate patrons using third-party services contracted by a library or NOBLE. All contractors to whom patron data or access to patron data is provided must execute a document in the format provided by NOBLE specifically citing that the patron data will not be retained nor sold or otherwise distributed or disclosed.
• For children in grade six and lower, the Library recognizes that instances may arise when it may be necessary for a parent or legal guardian to be provided with certain information connected to their fiscal responsibility for materials checked out on a child’s card. In these cases, the financially responsible parent or guardian may receive a verbal or printed record of the necessary information. A caregiver who presents a written request from the parent may also obtain this information. (NOBLE Policy:) The records of minors with their own cards are also considered to be private to those persons. Parents or legal guardians who are responsible for a child’s library materials may obtain records pertaining to overdue items.

Approved by the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees January 2023.

In the event of an emergency, the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees authorizes the Library Director to take whatever actions are necessary, including but not limited to closing the facility, to protect the health, safety, welfare and security of patrons and staff, and if possible, to do so in consultation with the Chair of the Trustees.
Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, March 2022. 

The Trustees and the Library Director will support the Friends to the best of their ability. This support may include technical assistance or providing space (subject to availability) for meetings, special events and book sales. Every effort will be made to assist the Friends in appropriate ways.

The Trustees will appoint a Trustee to serve as a liaison to the Friends. The Trustee liaison and/or the Library Director will attend all General Meetings and meetings of the Friends’ Executive Board so that information can flow freely between the two organizations. The Trustee liaison and/or Library Director provide technical assistance on library policy and professional resources for the Friends. The Trustees should receive a copy of the minutes of Friends group meetings.

Fundraising by the Friends is done with the knowledge of the Trustees and in coordination with the Library Director. Cooperative projects for the benefit of the Library are encouraged, provided no such project compromises the Trustees’ statutory responsibility for Library policy and management. Friends supplement what cannot be provided by the library budget with funds, materials, equipment and services. Friends decide how to spend their money after conferring with the Library Director and the Trustees to determine what might be needed.

Any public relations work by the Friends on behalf of the Library should be coordinated with the Library Director or designee, who may share ideas, offer suggestions and assist in an advisory capacity throughout the duration of the PR program.

Contributions by the Friends will be suitably acknowledged by the Trustees.

Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, November 2022.

In support of a proud tradition of public and private support that can be traced from its beginnings in the late 1870s with a founding gift from Benjamin Abbot, the Trustees and Director of the Abbot Public Library appreciate donations to the Library. A gift to the Library is a gift to all of the citizens of Marblehead. The following options are available: 

Monetary Contributions

A. Abbot Public Library Foundation

The mission of the Abbot Public Library Foundation is to serve as the primary fund-raising arm of the Library by soliciting and acquiring gifts, grants, endowments, bequests, memorial and tribute gifts,and pledges from individuals and organizations for capital improvements and programs at the Library. The overall goal is to enrich, not replace traditional tax-based support for the Library. One immediate goal is to provide additional support toward the costs of the current renovation project. The organization is committed to incorporating and upholding the values of collaboration, innovation, service and inclusion in all aspects of their work. The Abbot Public Library Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.

All donors of $5,000 or more will be listed in one of the Recognition Society plaques located near the main library entrance at 235 Pleasant Street. 

1. $5,000-$24,999 – The Gregory O. Lyon Society
   Honoring a citizen of Marblehead who provided the seed funding for the establishment of the current library site. 
2. $25,000-$99,999 – The James J. H. Gregory Society
   Named for the “Seed King” of Marblehead who in 1877 convinced the Town to establish a Library in Abbot Hall
   
3. $100,000 and above – The Benjamin Abbot Society
   Recognizing one of Marblehead’s most illustrious benefactors who provided the funds to build Abbot Hall. The “free” public library, which was originally housed in Abbot Hall, was named in his honor.
   

B. The Friends of Abbot Public Library

This nonprofit organization works to further community awareness and use of the Library. Monies raised support library programs and purchase material for patron use.  They operate very successful book sales and have their own guidelines for donations. Annual memberships are available and additional gifts are always welcome. 

C. The Second Century Fund 

The Board of Trustees gratefully acknowledges the contributions of the Second Century Fund, a permanent endowment fund that is dedicated to supporting the Library, providing resources that ensure excellence in collections, materials, and access. The fund generates income to supplement, not to replace, public support provided by the Town of Marblehead, ensuring that the Library’s collections meet outstanding levels of breadth and currency that best serves its citizens. All donations are tax deductible. 

Direct Contributions of  Books and Other Materials

A. Books and other Library Materials

While most donations of library materials are to the Friends of the Library for their book sale, the Library occasionally accepts gifts of materials which are in usable condition. This may include books relating to local history or donations from published authors. Items which are moldy, damaged, written in or outdated cannot be accepted.   

Before the Library Administration team decides whether or not a book will be added to the collection, it will be reviewed using the criteria for selecting new materials as stated in the Collection Development Policy. Factors such as duplication and adequate shelf space will also be considered. If the Library cannot use the donated items, they will be placed in the book sale, which benefits the Friends of the Library, donated to another institution; or disposed of properly.

Due to the limitations of staff time, staff members cannot make trips outside of the building to evaluate or collect donations. A statement which reflects the number of items donated may be given to the donor; however, the Library will not place a dollar value on the donation.

B. Other Gifts

Works of art, paintings, personal property, personal archives, equipment, etc. may be offered to the Library.  The decision as to whether or not to accept them is made by the Library Director and/or the Board of Trustees.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 1999.  Amended October 2002 and January 2023.  

The Abbot Public Library promotes access to information, ideas, and commentary from around the globe, via use of the public Internet. Internet access is unfiltered. Parents should be aware that oversight of a child’s access to the Internet is the sole responsibility of the parent or legal guardian. Library staff encourage caregivers to talk with their children about the safe use of Internet resources and the importance of maintaining the privacy of personal information.

Rules for Internet Use on Abbot Public Library’s devices:
1. Users must log in with a valid library card to use an Internet workstation, or, at the discretion of staff, with a Guest Pass.
2. Library staff may implement time limits or other procedures to ensure fair access.
3. It is prohibited to:
• use the library’s equipment for any illegal purpose.
• view graphic pornography.
• damage or alter the configurations of library equipment or software, or to attempt to bypass security or gain access to network resources without authorization.
• willfully exploit the shared nature of library equipment to access data or accounts belonging to others.
• interfere with the comfort, security, or privacy of other library patrons.
• attempt unauthorized access to any wired or wireless network belonging to the Town of Marblehead, other than the public wireless Internet service offered by the Library.
Users are encouraged to take advantage of the Internet and to exercise good judgment and discretion in their use of it. Failure to observe the above rules may result in the revocation of Internet use privileges, and/or other sanctions imposed by the Abbot Public Library or law enforcement.
For more information, please reference the North of Boston Library Exchange (NOBLE) Internet Policy.
Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, April 2022.

Room Rental

Abbot Public Library offers space in its large Meeting Room during public service hours for use by non-profit groups and organizations for meetings that are educational, cultural or civic in nature.

The lower level Meeting Room accommodates 100 chairs and has an audiovisual system, a movable podium and a wall-mounted projection screen. Kitchen facilities are available. The room rental fee is $25.

To make a reservation, please complete a meeting room reservation form and send to mar@noblenet.org or drop off at the library. All reservations must be approved by the Director. Requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to the following procedures and guidelines. Library programs and events have priority for Meeting Room use.

The Marblehead Room and Secret Garden are available on request at the discretion of the Director. Fees to be determined.

Procedures and Guidelines:

Groups associated with the Library, such as the Friends of the Library, the Board of Trustees, etc. may use the Meeting and/or Conference Room at no charge.
Official Town Departments and Committees may use the Rooms at no charge.
Groups which are co-sponsoring a program with the Library will not pay a fee.
For all other nonprofits and individuals, there is a rental fee of $25 for 3 hours. Checks for fees are to be made payable to the Town of Marblehead.
All programs, meetings, etc. must be free of charge and open to the general public.
Meetings must adjourn a minimum of 15 minutes before the Library’s closing time.
No admission fees may be charged or donations solicited, with the exception of the Friends of the Library and the Second Century Fund. No donations of money or other property may be solicited or collected from the audience. No promotions or sales of services, products, merchandise, materials or other items are allowed.
Commercial entities or professional practitioners may rent a library meeting room to provide an educational program open to the general public, related to their field of expertise. In such a case, an educational opportunity offered by an expert provides benefit to the public and visibility to the presenter. During such a program, no attempt may be made to sell a specific product or service offered by the entity or practitioner or any other commercial interest, at the time of the program or in the future. Therefore, the individual or entity offering the program is asked not to hand out business cards or brochures promoting any business, product or service and not to request personal information (names, addresses, phone numbers, etc.) from the program participants, either as part of a pre-registration process or during the program itself.
Authors and entertainers presenting Library-sponsored programs are permitted to sell books, CDs and DVDs as applicable, but an arrangement with a local bookstore is preferred.
Any material advertising a program to be held in the Meeting Room must make it clear that the Abbot Public Library is not a sponsor. All publicity material must be submitted for approval prior to distribution. The Library will not supply any materials for meetings.
There is no charge for the use of kitchen facilities. Light refreshments may be served, but groups may not prepare food on Library property. Groups are responsible for cleanup and for the cost of replacing any lost or damaged equipment.
The library is not responsible for theft of or damage to property brought into a Library meeting room.
At this time, the Library’s meeting room is not available for birthday and anniversary parties, weddings, memorials, or other personal celebrations.
Rooms are not available for tutoring purposes. However, we ask that all tutors who use our library spaces check in with us when they arrive before setting up. Tutors should note that other patrons are also free to use the areas at the same time.

Additional

No group or organization may use the Abbot Public Library art/ logo in promoting or advertising their meeting without the Library’s permission.
No group or organization may list the address of the Library as its mailing address.
If there is any damage to any room or equipment that necessitates professional cleaning or repairs, the meeting applicant will be held responsible for all associated costs.
Cancellations should be made at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. Attendance may not exceed the meeting room’s capacity. Library meeting rooms may NOT be used for:
Commercial purposes, solicitation of business, or non-Abbot Public Library fundraising
Political campaigning on behalf of, or in opposition to, any candidate for elected public office
Any illegal or potentially hazardous activity
Approved by Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees: August 2021

Abbot Public Library volunteers supplement the efforts of paid Library staff to provide quality Library services and programs. Volunteering at Abbot Public Library also serves as a method for area residents to become familiar with the Library and creates opportunities for individuals to serve the community. Volunteers are liaisons to the community and, by their contribution, are advocates for quality library service. Policy specifics are:

1. Volunteers perform tasks for the Abbot Public Library without wages, benefits, or compensation of any kind. They are service volunteers who do work for the Library and function in ways similar to staff but do not replace staff.

2. Volunteers are recognized by the public as representatives of the Library and shall be guided by the same work and behavior codes as employees. They work with the status similar to “at-will” employees. Volunteers agree that the Library may at any time and for any reason decide to terminate the relationship or change the assignment.

3. Youth 13 and up may serve as volunteers with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

4. Volunteers are bound by Abbot Public Library’s Policies as well as the rules for privacy and confidentiality in accordance with the Library’s standard policies, adherence to NOBLE policy and the American Library Association Bill of Rights and Freedom to Read Statement.

5. All volunteer tasks must aid the Library in achieving its goals and objectives as specified in the Strategic Plan and be consistent with the purpose and intent of the volunteer program. Volunteer talents, experience and interests will be considered.

6. Volunteers shall work under the supervision of a Library staff member.

7. Volunteers are expected to contribute positively to a work environment that is free from unwelcome overtures, advances or coercion by or to any volunteer, employee, or member of the public using Library facilities or attending a Library program.

8. Volunteers will be asked to sign an agreement which specifies expectations and guidelines.

Reviewed and approved by the Board of Trustees, November 2022.

Purpose and Mission 

Abbot Public Library’s mission is to serve as a vibrant hub of education, community and culture for the Town of Marblehead. It will continue to be a free, inclusive and safe gathering place for all where the pursuit of knowledge, literacy and continuing education is actively encouraged and supported.

With this in consideration, Abbot Public Library maintains a Facebook and Instagram page to better serve our community by providing social media outlets for patrons to find information about the library’s programs, services, and resources. Our Social Media sites aim to serve as a means of communication between the library and library users as well as the general public.

Please understand that, while our page is available at all times, to best utilize staff resources we are only able to monitor the site regularly during normal business hours. For questions about your library account, registering for programs, and other services with which you need direct staff assistance, please contact the library at 781-631-1481. 

This policy is adopted in addition to Abbot Public Library’s Internet Use Policy.

Posting Guidelines

Please be advised that Abbot Public Library’s Social Media is a moderated discussion, not a public forum. With that in mind, APL reserves the right to remove postings that we deem to be inappropriate. Inappropriate content includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Content of a graphic nature.
• The use of vulgar language.
• Any post that discriminates against a person or a group because of race, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, socioeconomic status, or religion. 
• Commercial advertisements or any kind of solicitation, including those political in nature.
• Comments not relevant to the topic being discussed or to the APL in general.
• Personal attacks on other users, the library, or the library staff.
• Endorsements and/or inciting of illegal activity.
• Infringements of copyright or trademark.
• Renewal requests, museum pass requests, and hold requests. These should be done in person, over the phone, or via our email.

Consequences

Any post, comment, or message that fails to comply with Abbot Public Library’s policy as outlined above will be removed. Serious and repeat offenders may be banned from Abbot Public Library’s social media sites.

Disclaimer

Patrons sign up for and use Social Media sites at their own risk, and Abbot Public Library is not responsible for damages resulting from use of the sites. For your privacy and protection please remember that anything you post on APL’s page can and will be seen by others, not just library staff, and are considered to be public record. Do not post anything pertaining to your library account, including your card number, pin number, or contact information. 

Content posted by third parties on Abbot Public Library’s Social Media does not reflect the views or positions of the library, its staff, its volunteers, the Board of Trustees, or the Friends of Abbot Public Library. 

Please also be aware that the social media sites used by Abbot Public Library have their own privacy policies and Terms of Use. 

Approved by the Board of Trustees, April 2023