About the LibraryThe Peabody Institute Library was established in 1852 through the

vision and generosity of George Peabody, for whom the city was

named. The cornerstone was laid on August 20, 1853 and the origi-

nal 82-foot by 50-foot brick brownstone building was dedicated on

September 29, 1854.

Three years later, with a gift from Eliza Sutton in memory of her

son, the Eben Dale Sutton Reference Room Library was added.

Opened in 1869, the Sutton Room housed the reference collection

until the late 1970’s, when the entire building was expanded and

renovated.

A miniature porcelain portrait of Queen Victoria resides on the first

floor, which she gave to George Peabody in gratitude for his services

to London’s poor. Near the portrait area, there are collections of

other awards and presentations honoring George Peabody.

Today, the library is a city department and is overseen by a board of

twelve elected Trustees.

Board of TrusteesThe Board of Trustees meets the first Monday of each month (except summer

months) at 7:30 p.m. at the library. Public welcome.

Sutton RoomCall for hours to visit the Sutton Room and view the Audition prints. Also, visit Local History Resource

Center (LHRCC) for genealogy and local history resources.

Center for the Study of Human RightsLocated on the third floor of the library, the Center currently includes the offices and

resources of the Holacaust Center, Boston North (978.531.8288). Patrons may access and check out

Holocaust Center materials with a valid library card. Access the materils using the Library catalog.

The Friends of the Peabody Institute LibraryThe friends provide financial support to the library for programs, furnishings, museum

passes, and other items. The friends meet on the first Wednesday of each month (except

summer months) at 7:30 at the South Branch Library. Membership is open to all.

The Peabody Institute Library FoundationThe Peabody Institute Library Foundation focuses on the long term financial in-

terests of the library by funding special programs, materials and large capital

projects. Examples of donations are memorial or named gifts, cash contributions

and planned giving.

Peabody Institute Library

Main Library82 Main Street, Peabody MA 01960

Phone:978.531.3380 *Fax:978.532.1797

Email:pea@noblenet.org

Hours: Monday-Thursday 9-9 *Friday: 9-1

*Saturday:9-5 *Sunday: 1-5

South Branch Library78 Lynn Street, Peabody MA 01960

Phone: 978.531.3380 *Fax:978.531.9113

Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 12-6

Tuesday: 9-9 *Thursday: 12-9 *Saturday 9-2:30

West Branch Library603 Lowell Street, Peabody MA 01960

Phone: 978.535.3354 *Fax: 978.535.0147

Hours: Monday & Wednesday: 12-6

Tuesday: 9-9 *Thursday: 12-9 *Saturday 9-2:30

Other Library NumbersLibrary Director: 978.531.0100, Ext. 16

Assistant. Director: 978.531.0100, Ext. 25

Adult Services: 978.531.0100, Ext. 17

Childrens Services: 978.531.0100, Ext. 29

Collection & ServicesBooks (regular, large print, & audio formats)

Museum Passes

Online Language Learning

Online Test Preparation & Career Resources

Wireless Internet Access

Music CD’s, DVD’s, and VHS

Downloadable Audio Books

Genealogy Collections

& eBooks

Online Databases

Events for all ages

Reference Desk: 978.531.0100, Ext. 24

Cirrculation Desk: 978.531.0100, Ext. 10

Local History: 978.531.0100, Ext. 34

Young Adult Services: 978.531.0100, Ext. 14

Photo taken by Anrea Hurton