MARBLEHEAD — This month, the recently renovated Abbot Public Library is celebrating its new amenities and Library Card Sign-Up Month by offering services and activities for all ages.
“We remain grateful for the vast amount of infrastructure work that was accomplished during the $10 million renovation,” Library Director Kimberly Grad said. “This included new heating and cooling, lighting, fire safety, and security systems.”
Though the majority of the work is complete, the library’s walls will soon be covered with art to signify its values, as the application portal for the Carten Gallery will open later this fall.
“Today’s libraries are vibrant community centers offering much more than just books,” Grad said. “At Abbot Public Library, you’ll find diverse programs, job-search assistance, readers’ advisory, book clubs, author talks, story times, STEAM programs for children and teens, and more.”
Sept. 9 will mark the start of the library’s monthly events with a DIY Mini Library activity at 9:30 a.m. Patrons will have the opportunity to pick up a grab-and-go kit with materials to make a miniature version of Abbot Public Library, including its own miniature library card.
On the morning of Sept. 10 from 10 to 11 a.m., the Adult Fiction Book Club will host an in-person discussion of “The Dutch House” by Ann Patchett, with no registration required. Later that afternoon from 1 to 3 p.m., the Friends of Abbot Public Library will sponsor a monthly Adult Crafternoon event, in which patrons can make a sashiko-embroidered tea mat in the Events Center, with registration available online.
Patrons can register online to attend the library’s brand-new book club in the Marblehead Room on Sept. 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. Later that evening at 6 p.m., a six-week genealogy course will start. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Marblehead Cultural Council and although it is currently full, patrons can still get on a waitlist.
Those who are unable to attend the Adult Fiction Book Club meeting in person can join a virtual discussion on Zoom on Sept. 17 at 10 a.m., with registration available online. Later that day, there will be a Community Craft and Chat in the library’s Fireplace Room at 2 p.m., when crafters will be able to bring personal crafts to create and share with others while enjoying some light refreshments.
For more resources, information, and events, visit www.abbotlibrary.org.