Author: Flor

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 , ,

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

World Language Collection- NEW ADDITIONS!

Posted on by Flor

Did you know you can check out books in Spanish, French, Italian (NEW!), and Portuguese at the Newburyport Public Library?

Visit our World Language Collection on the second floor!

New books are added to our Spanish language collection all the time. French, Italian, and Portuguese language books are on loan from the Boston Public Library and our selection is refreshed every 90 days.

Newly Added: Bilingual books in French/English and Spanish/English!

If you are learning a new language, the library also has a language learning section on the 3rd floor and offers access to Mango Languages- a comprehensive online language learning platform with 70 languages to pick from!

Looking for a different language? Speak with a librarian at the Reference Desk.

Posted in Alerts, programs, ResourcesTagged

The Seed Library Is Now OPEN

Posted on by Flor

Our Seed library has returned for another year! After sending out more than 2000 seed packets last year, we are happy to announce we are back with more options than ever. Visitors will be happy to see the return of some familiar favorites and new options in each category, including celery, rosemary, and snapdragons. In addition, we have also expanded our selection of Massachusetts native seed options so even more gardeners can discover the fantastic benefits of working with native plants.

For those looking to get in on the sharing, we are also accepting community donations of seeds for addition to our own inventory. All seeds accepted will need to be identified and in good condition in order to be added. Check in with staff at the second floor reference desk to learn more about our seed donation guidelines and to drop off your contributions.

We are looking forward to another year of growing together and hope to see you at the Seed Library soon!

Posted in Alerts, ResourcesTagged , ,

The Great Old Book Sale Spring Event is Coming!

Posted on by Flor

Newburyport Public Library
Program Room
94 State Street, Newburyport, MA 01950

Book Sale Donations

Saturday, March 21: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Monday, March 23: 9:30 am-7:30 pm
Tuesday, March 24: 9:30 am-2:30 pm
All donations must be brought in through the front door.

Hardcover, paperback, and audio books only.

No other media, textbooks or magazines will be accepted.

No donations will be accepted after 2:30 pm Tuesday.

Please, 8 box limit.

Friends of the Library Members’ Sale

Wednesday, March 25: 2:00 pm-8:00 pm
FOL Members Only. Membership can be purchased at the library.
Entry numbers are available in the lobby starting at 12:00 pm Wednesday.

General Sale

Thursday, March 26, 9:30 am-7:30 pm
Friday, March 27, 9:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday, March 28, 9:30 am-2:30 pm

Volunteers are always welcome. A volunteer sign-up book can be found in the library lobby or you can sign up online using Signup Genius HERE.

This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Newburyport Public Library. Proceeds will benefit the Newburyport Public Library collections and programs.

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

World Language Collection at NPL

Posted on by Flor

Did you know you can check out books in Spanish, French, and Portuguese at the Newburyport Public Library?

Visit our World Language Collection on the second floor!

New books are added to our Spanish language collection all the time. French and Portuguese language books are on loan from the Boston Public Library and our selection is refreshed every 90 days.

If you are learning a new language, the library also has a language learning section on the 3rd floor and offers access to Mango Languages- a comprehensive online language learning platform with 70 languages to pick from!

Looking for a different language? Speak with a librarian at the Reference Desk.

Posted in Alerts

Join our puzzle race!

Posted on by Flor

Let’s get ready to puzzle!

Gather your team of players (up to four participants per team) and race against time and other teams to complete your jigsaw puzzle.

Each team will receive the same 500 piece puzzle provided by the library and will have 2 hours to complete it. The team that finishes first or completes the most before time runs out will be crowned the winner!

The fastest team will receive a $30 gift card to a local business. 

Date and Time

Monday, January 12th 6-8 PM

Registration

Only one person from each team should register. Both individuals and teams of up to 4 members are allowed to compete. Adults, teens, and families with children aged 9+ are welcome to participate. Register HERE!

Posted in Alerts