Mission Statement
The main reading room of the Rowley Public Library houses new books, periodicals, fiction, non-fiction, media, and reference resources.
Materials
Gardens
Local History
Services
Inter-Library loan
Computers
Photocopier/Fax Machine
Meeting Rooms
Book Club
Gallery & Display Case
Circulation
Home Delivery
Amazon Affiliate Program
Volunteer Opportunities
Staff & Trustee Contacts
Mission Statement
The mission of the Rowley Public Library is to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life for all people in the community by providing a welcoming community center where people of all ages and walks of life can come together for social, cultural and educational experiences, and by providing informational and recreational resources for community members’ enlightenment and enjoyment.
Materials
The Rowley Public Library collects recreational and educational materials in all formats including books, large type books, audiobooks, DVDs and videocassettes, music CDs, CD-ROMs, magazines and newspapers. The library purchases materials that appeal to all ages and interests and endeavors to present all points of view on current and historical issues, as prescribed by the American Library Association Library Bill of Rights.
Garden
This section is coming soon!
Local History
The Local History collection contains materials relating to the early settlers of Rowley and Essex County. Materials may not be removed from the Local History room except for photocopying. Requests for assistance with genealogical research are accepted in person, by phone or mail, or by emailing. Annual Town Reports are available from 1846 to the present. Town Reports from 1920 to the present have been organized into a database and are searchable by name, department, subject, or Massachusetts General Law, where applicable.
Services
Inter-Library loan
If the Rowley Public Library does not own a requested item it will make every effort to obtain it via Inter-Library Loan. This may take from one to four weeks depending on the availability of the item in cooperating library systems. Patrons will be notified by phone when their items arrive and will have one week to pick them up. Inter-Library Loan materials circulate for two weeks and may not be renewed. If the Library owns a requested item that is currently checked out, patrons may place their names on a reserve queue, and library staff will notify them when the item becomes available. The Library also accepts suggestions for materials to be added to the collection.
Computers
There are 14 public computer workstations, 9 in the reference area, 1 in the Young Adult section, and 4 in the Children’s Room. All have Internet access and MS office productivity software and are networked to a black and white laser printer. Parents are expected to monitor their children’s Internet use. The Library also offers wireless Internet access for those with wifi-equipped laptop computers. The Library’s catalog may be accessed from any desktop, and there is a dedicated Public Access Catalog (PAC) workstation in the reference area. Library staff members are happy to help in the search for Library resources and materials. They are not able to provide in-depth technical support for computer programs, applications, or usage.
Photocopier/Fax machine
Photocopies are available for a suggested donation of 10 cents per page. A fax machine is available for public use. The suggested donation is $1 per page. The number to receive a fax is 978-948-2266. Be sure to have the sender put your name and phone number on the cover page so that we may notify you.
Meeting rooms
Community organizations are encouraged to make use of the Library’s meeting rooms. Preference is given to cultural, literary and artistic groups; school, service and social welfare organizations; clubs and organizations concerned with civic improvement; governmental meetings; and local businesses or industries sponsoring informational or educational meetings. No for-profit use will be allowed.

The large meeting room will seat 65 people and has 10 tables. Presentation aids, such as a podium, easel, overhead projector, LCD projector, DVD and VHS player, screen and microphones are available. There is a small kitchen for preparation of refreshments. The Salt Marsh room seats 8 and has a white board. There is also a quiet study room that may be used when the library is open. Please refer to the Meeting Room Use Policy for more information. To reserve a room please fill out our Application Form.
Book Club
The Friends of the Library sponsor a moderated book club that meets on the first Thursday of every month, September through June, at 6:30 pm, in the community room. Current book titles...
Gallery & Display Case
The Rowley Public Library welcomes exhibits and displays of interest, information, and enlightenment to the community. Examples include art, handiwork, historical material, nature study, hobbies and collections. Contact or call 978-948-2850 to schedule an exhibit in the gallery space or lobby display case.
Circulation
Loan periods are three weeks for books and audiobooks; two weeks for inter-library loan (ILL) materials, music CDs, and CD-ROMs; and one week for videos, DVDs, and periodicals. Reference books are for use in the library only. Library materials may be renewed if there is not a waiting list for the title.
Home Delivery
If a resident finds it difficult to access the Library building for any reason, the Library staff will make every effort to provide Library materials at your convenience. Please call the Library to make arrangements for home delivery.
Amazon Affiliate Program
When you use this link to search Amazon.com for all of your back to school shopping, you will be supporting your local public library. The Friends of the Library are participating in the Amazon Associates program, for every purchase you make using this link, the Friends will receive a percentage of the price as a referral fee. These funds will go directly to support programs at the Rowley Public Library. The Friends finance the summer reading program every summer, as well as museum passes, free computer classes for seniors, yoga for both children and adults, and other cultural and civic events throughout the year. Thank you for your support!
Volunteer Opportunities
The Library has many avenues for community members to share their time and talents. Volunteers are employed to lead or assist with programs, process and maintain the collection, help the Friends of the Library with fundraising and other events, and carry out gardening and groundskeeping tasks, among other, unlimited possibilities. Young people are encouraged to volunteer at the library to complete their community service hours requirements. Help is especially needed during the summer reading program. If you are interested in volunteering, please submit this application or download pdf version of application.
Staff & Trustee contacts
Library Director Pamela Jacobson director@rowleylibrary.org
Associate for Youth Services Xenda Laramie kids@rowleylibrary.org
Scott Accomando saccomando@verizon.net
Aldene Gordon akgordon36@aol.com
Nina E. Gynan
Adrienne Mavragis witch44ma@comcast.net
Janet Peabody Vice-chair jbpeabody@comcast.net
Joseph Perry Chairman josper2@verizon.net
Peter Rooney pjr_337@yahoo.com
David Masher dmasher@Inversion.com
Erin Skillman eskillman@fdic.gov


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