MARBLEHEAD — Abbot Public Library reopened Wednesday after its renovation project, which began in January 2023, was completed.
The original reopening was scheduled for June 20, but it was delayed due to a compliance issue with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The library received its certificate of occupancy, allowing full access to the building for public use and the use of the front walkway. A new fully compliant and accessible ramp will be designed and constructed during the next few months.
“I was shocked we had people who were waiting outside for us to open the doors,” Head of Adult Services Wesley Sueker said. “It was nerve-racking but very sweet. People are so excited to come in and check things out.”
Sueker said that people were coming in with bags full of books to return that they had checked out to get through the transition time when the library moved back from its temporary location. The library worked with book-lovers to extend the deadline to return their books until after the library reopened.
Ann Arbo was one of the town’s residents who went to the library on the day of its reopening.
“I was working at home and I haven’t been super productive at home,” Arbo said.
Another resident, Cahill Whittier, said she came to work on her resume.
Arbo remarked that she and Whittier were talking about getting some work done and remembered that the library was reopening, so they wanted to check it out.
Both Arbo and Whittier grew up coming to the library, and Arbo said it looks “updated and refreshed, which it needed.”
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony is expected some time in the fall.
Regular business hours will resume Wednesday, July 10. The hours of service will be:
Monday: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Thursday: 12 – 6 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday: Closed
Reservations for the library’s new small meeting rooms opened on Wednesday and reservations will open for the Marblehead Room and Event Center in early August. Programs are scheduled to resume Monday, July 15.
For more announcements, visit the library’s website at abbotlibrary.org.
