Kids Book Awards & Recommendations

How do I get a library card for my child? 

A parent or legal guardian may bring a license or other photo ID along with proof of address to obtain a library card. Children must be present at the time of registration. There is no minimum age requirement. The Peabody Institute Library is part of the NOBLE consortium, so you may use the card at any of the NOBLE libraries. You may also return NOBLE items to any library within the consortium.

What can I do with a library card? 

Kids can check out books, video games, pre-loaded tablets, DVDs, audiobooks and more! E-books and items from our Library of Things, like American Girl dolls or board games, are also available to check out. Items circulate for 2 weeks. They can renew up to 5 times, unless there is a hold/reservation on the item. Renewals occur automatically, and you will be notified via e-mail. 

Storytimes, Events and Programs

Check out our event calendar here! All library programs and storytimes are free and open to the public. Note: you may register to save a space, or get a ticket at the Children’s Desk before the start of a program. Click on the event you’d like to attend for details. 

World Languages

We offer materials in a variety of languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. 

Children’s Room and Play Area

The Children’s Room provides ample space to play, explore, read and study. There is a Play Area with toys like a train set and a play kitchen. Books are available for children of all ages, from infants to kids entering 5th grade. 6th graders and above may use the Teen Room. Right outside of the Children’s Room, there is a lovely children’s garden. Adjacent to the garden is Peabody Park, where kids can feed the ducks, enjoy a picnic or read their library books! 

Computers & Printing

Computers with Microsoft Office, internet access, ABC Mouse and other kid-friendly games are available for kids age 11 and younger. Kids can sign on to a computer with their library card or ask for a Guest Pass at the Children’s Desk. Printing is 10 cents per page for black & white or 25 cents for color. 

Parking

Parking is free in the library lot at the Sylvan Street entrance, or use the Peabody Ave entrance to get closer to the entrance to the Children’s Room and Gordon Room entrance. 

Librarians

If you would like some help in finding great books for your child to read, please ask one of the librarians! We love to help. If you’d like to book a school visit or field trip to the library, contact the Head of Children’s Services, Amy Martin, at amartin@noblenet.org

Museum Passes

We offer discount museum passes! To reserve one, you’ll need your library card. Your library card must be in good standing, and you must be age 16 or over. To reserve a pass, click here! Passes are kept at the Circulation Desk on the first floor. If you have questions about your pass, contact the Circulation Department at 978-774-0554. 

Thank you to the Friends of the Library for funding the museum passes!