Peabody Institute Library

Elite '08

83

182

Kathy S.

Beverly, MA

This is probably the most beautiful library, at least from the exterior, in the area, and likely has the largest collections as well. It is that beautiful white mansion right on Mill Pond. . .not bad! Inside is fine, with lots of windows and nice old fashioned detail - looking a little worn and smells like. . books. Like a library should.

No that this is the most important feature of the library. Room after interesting room, large and reasonably wide ranging reference section- and lots of desks for studying and laptop use.

There is a new, large, extensively stocked children's area downstairs.

And. . wifi! Yippeeee. As it is an old building, electrical outlets can be hard to find - but the reference librarian has extension cords if need be.

Also part of the NOBLE network. . .so Beverly cards work here.

Great place -

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4

52

Mike B.

Brooklyn, NY

I really did take that estimable old library for granted.  

I suppose Wikipedia has taken a bloom off 'business' at public libraries, but the collection at the Peabody Institute remains really wide-ranging, with historical and illustrated stuff you don't find online.

And the place is gorgeous.

I always liked the place (even in the 'old days' before all the renovations) but I had no idea how special and unusual it was until I saw the rest of America.  And its history is so intertwined with the whole of Essex County.

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Elite '08

32

67

Elaine C.

Danvers, MA

We are so lucky to have such a beautiful library in our town.  It is a gorgeous building in a really nice setting on Mill Pond.  In the summer, bands perform on the gazebo with the pond as their backdrop.  Some of the bands are really good, while others, well.....  It is still an entertaining time with face painting, ice cream for sale, and kids dancing and running around.  Anyway, the library is great and has a nice selection of books.  I am addicted to Noblenet.org, where you can order any book from member libraries.  It is the greatest innovation.

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