By Katherine Decker, Head of Circulation
Next week, April 6 – April 12, we will celebrate National Library Week. As stated on the American Library Association website, National Library Week “is a celebration of highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities.” National Library Week was first celebrated in 1958 and had a theme of “Wake Up and Read.” To celebrate this year’s theme “Drawn to the Library,” we wanted to highlight some of our many library services that draw patrons to the Lynnfield Library.
Additionally, we would like to once again thank everyone who provided responses to the questions “what do you love about the library” and “why do you love the Library” during Love Your Library Month in February. Here are just a few of the many wonderful responses we received.
“A fun place to hangout”
“Because I always find something to read”
“Lynnfield Library is a calm & peaceful place”
“Because it’s so fun – I love to play”
“I love making crafts at the library”
“Because it is a safe space to have endless adventures”
“I like the staff here”
Books and More
We offer many, many books for all ages. Fiction and nonfiction, regular and large print, graphic novels and travel books. In addition to the books, we also have a large selection of movies, TV series and educational programs on DVD, music CDs, audiobooks, and our Library of Things. In Fiscal Year 2024, our community checked out 121,594 items! 16,377 of these items were obtained through inter-library loan.
Library of Things
The Library of Things is a collection of non-traditional library items, such as board games, puzzles, Chromebook Kits, crafting supplies, exploration kits, hotspots, memory kits, Nintendo Switch Lites, Tonies, video games, and so much more. Check out our Library of Things webpage or stop by the Library to see what we offer.
eBooks, aAudiobooks & eMagazines
In addition to the many physical materials, patrons can also download free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines through hoopla and Libby. For those unfamiliar with either resource, information and instructions for specific devices is available online through our Library Services tab as well as in printed brochures located in the building.
Museum Pass Program
Our Museum Pass Program allows patrons to reserve passes that reduce admission fees to local museums & attractions. Included in the list of passes is Boston Children’s Museum, House of Seven Gables, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Museum of Science, New England Aquarium, Peabody Essex Museum and Zoo New England. In FY24, there were a total of 750 passes checked out to patrons, which saved Lynnfield residents an estimated $15,000.
Programs & Events
Our Library offers fun and educational events and programs for all ages, from Story Time for young children, to crafts for teens, to lectures for adults. Our virtual yoga classes on Thursdays have been a big hit. In Fiscal Year 2024, we had 7,466 people attend 396 programs.
Newspapers & Magazines
The Library provides access to a wide variety of newspapers and magazines on topics like local news, business, gardening, home design, & popular culture. Newspapers must be read in the Library, but issues of magazines may be checked out.
Study and Reading Spaces
We have several tables and chairs throughout the library available for studying and reading. Whether you’re studying alone or working with others, there’s space for you.
Foreign Language Resources
Our collection includes resources to help you learn new languages for travel or advance study. The Library carries books, CDs, foreign films and children’s books in a number of languages. Reading, listening, and viewing materials in other languages can be ordered upon request.
Genealogy Tools & Resources
Visit our Local History & Genealogy collection in the Marcia Wiswall Lindberg Room, located on the first floor, to research your family tree or local history. On most Wednesday mornings, you can stop by and talk with a volunteer from the Essex Society of Genealogists (ESOG). We also have in Library access to Ancestry.com and FamilySearch, as well as in Library and home access to various other genealogy databases. Check out our Local History Genealogy page for more information.
Online Research Databases
In addition to the Genealogy databases, the Library offers access to many specialized online resources that you can access remotely 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from your home, school or office. Search for scholarly articles, read back issues of the Boston Globe, peruse Magill’s Medical Encyclopedia, and more.
Technology EquipmentThe Library has wireless internet, computers, printers (both color and black & white), scanners, and a photocopier. Charging cables are available for in-Library use. We also have a microfilm machine as well as our back issues of The Lynnfield Advocate, The Village Press, the Lynnfield Weekly News, and the Lynnfield Villager in microfilm format.