Peabody Institute Library of Danvers
978-774-0554
The public library (not to be confused with the Peabody Institute Library in Peabody or the Peabody Institute in Baltimore) was originally built in the Gothic style at its present location in 1869 with funds provided by local philanthropist George Peabody. However, the building was destroyed by fire in 1890.
The large Georgian Revival style structure was then built in 1892 for the sum of $34,218. The basement was remodeled in 1963 for use as a Children's Room and stacks and then in 1980, a new floor was added to replace the upstairs auditorium and 12,000 feet were added in the basement to create a new Children's Room and to house the new Archival Center.
The library maintains departments for adult services, archives, a children's room, information services and young adults. The George B. Gordon Meeting Room is available for reservation, which can be done online. Outside, the grounds contain Peabody Park to the rear of the library. You can also find the Peabody Institute on Facebook.
- Fax: 978-762-0251
- Hours: Mon - Thu, 9am - 9pm; Fri, noon - 5 pm; Sat, 9am - 5pm; Sun, 1-5pm Archival Center: Mon, 1pm - 7:30pm; Wed - Thu, 9am - noon, 1pm - 5pm; Fri (2nd & 4th of month), 1pm - 5pm; Sat, (1st of month), 9am - noon, 1pm - 5pm
- Handicap Accessible: Ramps leading to all entrances, elevator inside
- Founding Date: 19 Oct 1892
- Parking: Free lot
- Size of collection: 127,749
- Specialties: The Danvers Archival Center has an extensive collection on Salem Village and Danvers from the 17th century on in local records, which include manuscripts, newspapers, photographs and more, along with the Brehaut collection on the Salem Witch Trials.
- Services: Audiobooks, Movies, Music CDs, Research databases, Resources for job seekers
- Internet use policy: Must be a NOBLE Network user and use your library account number
- Programs/classes: Various. Visit the Web site for a complete list.
- Book donation information: Due to lack of space, general book or magazine donations are not accepted, but videos, CDs and audiobooks are. If you feel a particular item to be of value, contact the library director or archivist. Book donations are accepted for the summer Book Sale.
- Wi-Fi: Free
- Private events: Yes
