Newburyport Public Library to Host Special Exhibition Honoring Native Son and Celebrated Children’s Author David McPhail

Posted on by Admin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Newburyport Public Library to Host Special Exhibition Honoring Native Son and Celebrated Children’s Author David McPhail

Exhibition of the Rachel Coffin Cutter McPhail Collection to Feature More Than 150 Books and a Special Visit from the Author

NEWBURYPORT, MA — The City of Newburyport and the Newburyport Public Library are pleased to announce a special two-day exhibition celebrating the work of Newburyport native and bestselling children’s author and illustrator David McPhail. The Rachel Coffin Cutter McPhail Collection Exhibition will take place on Friday, November 20, and Saturday, November 21, 2026, in the Library’s program Room at 94 State Street.

The exhibition will showcase a remarkable collection of more than 150 books donated by McPhail to the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center (NPLAC) in the fall of 2024. The books were lovingly collected and preserved by his mother, Rachel Coffin Cutter McPhail, who received one of the first copies of each of her son’s published works, often accompanied by a personal inscription and signature.

For decades, Rachel McPhail carefully safeguarded the collection in a special locked bookcase in the family’s Newburyport home. Her dedication to preserving her son’s work ensured that this unique collection would remain intact for future generations to appreciate.

“This is such a wonderful example of the rich history and remarkable people who have called Newburyport home,” said Mayor Sean Reardon. “David McPhail’s books have brought joy to generations of children and families, and it is incredibly special that his mother took such great care in preserving his work right here in Newburyport. This collection is not only a celebration Of David’s extraordinary career but also a beautiful tribute to the love and pride Of a mother for her son. We are grateful to David and his family for sharing this treasure with our community and to our Library staff for bringing this exhibition to life.”

As part of the exhibition, David McPhail will make a special appearance at the Library on Saturday, November 21, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. During his visit, McPhail will read one of his favorite books from the collection and share personal stories and memories about his mother and the history behind the collection.

The exhibition is part of the Newburyport Public Library Archival Center’s ongoing mission to preserve and share the city’s history. It offers residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the work of an accomplished author and illustrator while learning about the personal family connection that made this collection possible.

The City and Library are excited to welcome David McPhail and his family back for this special celebration and encourage residents of all ages to attend.

Event Details

Rachel Coffin Cutter McPhail Collection Exhibition

Location: Newburyport Public Library, Program Room, 94 State Street, Newburyport, MA

Exhibition Hours:

  • Friday, November 20, 2026: p.m.
  • Saturday, November 21, 2026: 10:00 p.m.

Special Author Visit with David McPhail:

  • Saturday, November 21, 2026: p.m.
  • Featuring a book reading and personal stories about his mother and the collection.
  • The public is invited to attend this special celebration of Newburyport history, family, and children’s
  • literature
Posted in Alerts

Thank you!

Posted on by bartlett

And that’s a wrap for our 50th Great Old Book Sale!

The biggest THANK YOU goes to our wonderful community of book lovers, book sellers and everyone else in between. October’s Sale brought in $12,130 – the highest fall book sale revenue since 2012!

All proceeds from the Book Sale goes right back to the library for books, media, our ever popular museum passes, archival materials, library furniture and programming for all ages.

We are grateful to the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library for all of the hard work and dedication that goes into planning and running our biannual book sales.

Mark your calendars for our Spring Book Sale returning March 17-20, 2027!

See you in the Spring!

Posted in Events, Friends of the LibraryTagged , ,

The Great Old Book Sale is back!

Posted on by bartlett

The 50th Great Old Book Sale will take place Wednesday, October 21 through Saturday, October 24 in the Program Room at the Newburyport Public Library. 

This much-anticipated semi-annual event offers thousands of carefully sorted hardcover and paperback books across a wide range of categories, including fiction, nonfiction, history, biography, cookbooks, travel, children’s literature, graphic novels, and more. Proceeds from the sale directly provide supplementary funding for selected library materials, programs, museum passes, and activities. 

Donations of gently used hardcovers, paperbacks, and audiobooks are greatly appreciated.  Please note: magazines, textbooks, music CDs, DVDs, and other non-book media cannot be accepted. 

Donations can be dropped off to the Program Room on the first floor on:

Saturday, October 17th, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM;

Monday, October 19th, 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM; and

Tuesday, October 20th, 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM (no donations will be accepted after 2:30 PM). 

The event kicks off with a special FOL Members’ Sale on Wednesday, October 21st from 2:00 – 8:00 PM. Entry numbers will be distributed in the library lobby starting at 12:00 PM to manage the early rush. Not yet a member? Memberships can be purchased or renewed at the library circulation desk, online at www.newburyportfol.org/membership-2, or in the library lobby on October 21st starting at 12:00 PM.  

The general sale hours are Thursday, October 22nd 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM; Friday, October 23rd, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM; and Saturday, October 24th 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM.  

Community members are invited to volunteer! Help is needed for setup, sorting, and staffing during the sale. Sign up in the library lobby or visit the Events page at www.newburyportfol.org to get involved. Your support makes this beloved community event possible.

Posted in Events, Friends of the Library, programsTagged , ,

Library Card Sign-Up Month!

Posted on by Flor

American Library Association:

“No matter what your tastes are, a library card hits all the right notes!

Check out a classic story or hit shuffle and try something new. Find harmony at your library’s book clubs, movie nights, crafting classes, and author talks. A headphone kind of day? Find your focus in a study room or vibe out in a cozy nook. Compose your future with new skills in your library’s makerspace or check out instruments and tools in the Library of Things. No matter what rhythm you find yourself in, there’s a seat in the front row at the library for you.

This September, B sharp, and sign up for a library card!”

With a Newburyport Public Library card, you have access to all the incredible resources we offer here at the library and at home with a click of the mouse. Don’t have a library card? Getting one is easy!

Library cards are free to Newburyport residents and residents of towns within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) ages 5 and up. A photo ID and proof of residency or property ownership is required for new cards. Other Massachusetts town library cards may also be registered with the NPL.

Children who live in Newburyport or are residents of towns within the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) may obtain library cards once they turn 5 years old. A parent/legal guardian must accompany their child and provide proof of residency. All patron card activity is confidential under state law, even for very young children. Guardians who allow their child to open a Library card should be advised that we are unable to share any information about the child’s account or borrowing history without the child’s permission.

Young adults ages 13 or older may obtain a Library card without a guardian present, but they must show photo ID, or some other proof of residency.

Need access right away, but the library is closed? Sign-up for a Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) eCard and get immediate access to Libby and other digital databases. Any Massachusetts resident who does not already have a card from an MVLC library is eligible for an eCard. Click HERE to fill out the eCard registration form!

Did you lose your card? We’ll be happy to replace it for you.

If you are unable to visit the library due to physical limitations, please contact us for information about Home Delivery services: 978-465-4428.

Posted in Alerts, Resources, ServicesTagged

If This House Could Talk 2026

Posted on by Flor

This year we’re celebrating the 10th anniversary of “If This House Could Talk” – Library Edition! 

The Tracy Mansion (now the Newburyport Public Library) was built in 1771 by Patrick Tracy for his son Nathaniel, a wealthy merchant and ship owner, as a wedding gift. During the Revolutionary War, Nathaniel Tracy’s fleet captured over 120 British vessels, causing an estimated $3 million in losses to Britain’s wartime economy. His financial risk-taking helped supply the Continental Army and support the war effort when the fledgling government lacked sufficient resources. He personally loaned $167,000 to the Revolutionary cause and furnished military supplies at his own expense.

During this time, the Tracy Mansion also hosted key Revolutionary figures, including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the Marquis De Lafayette, and even Benedict Arnold (pre-treason).

Learn more about Nathaniel Tracy by visiting the Newburyport Public Library or the Custom House Maritime Museum!

Learn more about “If This House Could Talk” here. It runs July 25th to August 2nd. If you wish to share information about your home, free poster boards are available on the second floor of the Newburyport Public Library.

Posted in Alerts, Events, programs

Celebrate America 250 at the Library

Posted on by Flor

In honor of the 250th anniversary and nationwide commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Newburyport Public Library is offering a variety of programs focused on the historical period of the American Revolution. Join us at one of our many virtual or in-person programs this summer!

Complete List of America 250 Programs:

Posted in Events, programsTagged , , ,

Summer Reading Challenges for ALL AGES!

Posted on by Flor

Join us for 2026 Summer Reading!

When: June 13–August 15

Events

The Newburyport Public Library is offering tons of fun events for summer! Check out our events calendar for details.

KIDS (Ages 0-12)

Download the Beanstack app or visit newburyportpl.beanstack.org to create an account. If you used Beanstack last year, you should still have an account. We can reset your password for you if you’ve forgotten it.

If you want to log reading for multiple kids at the same time, we recommend using the app instead of a web browser. Please note that in addition to logging days, the app allows you to log minutes and books read. The library does not need this information, so only log that information if you want it for yourself.

Everyone who signs up will be entered for the grand prize: a big lobster roll Squishmallow!

Mark off each day you spend time reading (or listening, or being read to) this summer.

Every time you log ten days (consecutive or non-consecutive), you get to pick a prize from the Library’s prize bucket.

TWEENS & TEENS (Ages 12-18)

Tweens & Teens (Ages 12-18). Download the Beanstack app or visit newburyportpl.beanstack.org to create an account. If you used Beanstack last year, you should still have an account. If you need help logging in, please give the library a call: 978-465-4428.

  • Track minutes that you spend reading or listening to audiobooks to earn raffle tickets. Yes, required summer reading books counts for minutes!
  • Use raffle tickets to enter raffles to earn prizes. This year’s prizes include: gift cards to local businesses, Woobles, books and candy, and mystery prizes!
  • The Newburyport High School’s required summer reading is listed here. 

Adults

Come play BINGO with us and track your reading progress for a chance to win a prize! The first place winner will receive a 6″ Kindle and the second and third place winners will each receive a $30 gift card to Jabberwocky Bookshop! Use the online form to view the BINGO card and submit what you’ve read. Each submission will enter you into the raffle (even if you don’t hit BINGO), but you can only submit one item per category.

You can enter your submissions at any point during the Summer Reading challenge which runs from June 13th – August 15th. Three lucky winners will each win a prize and all winners will be drawn after the conclusion of the program. Participants can win only once.

If you have any questions or would like a physical copy of the BINGO card, please speak with a reference librarian on the second floor.

Link to the online submission form and BINGO card: https://tinyurl.com/NPLSummer26.

Prizes are funded by the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library.

Posted in Events, FunTagged , ,

Take PRIDE in your reading!

Posted on by Admin

“Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day,” but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

In 1994, a coalition of education-based organizations in the United States designated October as LGBT History Month. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months. National Coming Out Day (October 11), as well as the first “March on Washington” in 1979, are commemorated in the LGBTQ community during LGBT History Month.”

Find out more at the Library of Congress by clicking HERE.

See below for some adult title suggestions:

Posted in Fun, Resources

Happy National Library Week!

Posted on by Flor

Find Your Joy at the Newburyport Public Library During National Library Week, April 19–25, 2026.

What brings you joy? Whether it’s cozying up with a new story, learning a new skill, gathering with community or something else, you can find your joy at the library.

National Library Week is a time to celebrate the many ways libraries bring people together, spark imagination, and support lifelong learning. From books and digital resources to connections with community resources and creative programming, libraries are essential to thriving communities.

Whether you’re a longtime patron, a new neighbor, or haven’t visited in a while, now is the perfect time to explore all the library has to offer. Our library provides free study spaces, WiFi, tech help, recurring groups like children’s story times and Maker Monday, ensuring that everyone has access to resources that educate, inspire, and connect.

First celebrated in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association and libraries of all types across the country each April.

Posted in AlertsTagged