Effective February 1, 2020 the Beverly Public Library will eliminate overdue fines for materials borrowed at the main library, Farms branch, and the Bookmobile, and waive any previous overdue fines. The library will continue to issue due date reminders as well as overdue notifications and borrowers still need to return their books in a timely manner. Borrowing privileges will be suspended if an item is not returned within 6 weeks after the due date. The library will still charge for lost or damaged materials.

Why get rid of overdue fines?

• The elimination of overdue fines is a growing trend among many libraries in the United States, including many local libraries such as Danvers, Hamilton-Wenham, Andover, Reading, Wakefield, and Newburyport. Both large and small libraries recognize that eliminating fines removes barriers to access for everyone in the community.
• Libraries see an increase in usage when fines are eliminated. That’s what we want, more people using the library!
• The Beverly Public Library is committed to equal access, overdue fines disproportionately affect low income families and those on fixed incomes. Eliminating overdue fines will remove economic barriers and promote equal access. 
• There is no evidence that fines result in more timely returns. Research shows that when fines are eliminated, library circulation and return rates increase.
• Beverly patrons check out thousands of eBooks and digital audiobooks per year. There are no fines for digital materials, which creates inequality between those who borrow physical materials and those who borrow digital materials. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When does fine free begin?
Saturday, February 1, 2020.

Will overdue fines be waived on ALL materials?
Yes.

How does the library get people to return borrowed materials without charging fines?
We will continue to issue due date reminders as well as overdue notifications. Borrowers still need to return their items in a timely manner. If an item is not returned within 6 weeks after the due date, borrowing privileges will be suspended. The library will still charge for lost or damaged materials.

I don’t mind paying fines, how can I help the library?
We encourage donations to the Friends of the Beverly Public Library.

Will I be charged overdue fines for items owned by other NOBLE libraries?
Materials that are checked out and returned to the Beverly Public Library, Farms branch, and Bookmobile will not accrue fines, regardless of where the material came from within NOBLE.

Adult Handicraft has been CANCELLED until further notice. We will continue to update our website and social media as things change.

Adult Handicraft Group
Sohier Room, Main Library

Crafters, please join us for our drop-in handicraft group! Adult handicraft group meets the second Saturday of each month. Open to all who enjoy handwork or fiber arts. Bring your project, meet other crafters, and share ideas. No instruction provided. Ages 16+ welcome. Questions? Contact Ona at ridenour@noblenet.org.

Upcoming groups, Saturdays from 1 – 3:30 PM
March 14 – CANCELLED
April 11 – CANCELLED

Library programs and events are CANCELLED until further notice. We will continue to update our website and social media as things change.

Wednesday, March 25 at 7 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library

We are excited to partner with Historic Beverly for a talk with local author Hester Fox, author of The Widow of Pale Harbor, The Witch of Willow Hall, and the forthcoming The Orphan of Cemetery Hill. Hester will be discussing her works, her writing process, local inspirations, and the publishing process for those looking to get into the industry. Free and open to all. Questions? Contact Ona at ridenour@noblenet.org

Energy Portraits: What is moving through you? by Carla Orr
Sohier Room, Main Library

Artist’s Reception, Tuesday, February 18 from 7-8:30 PM

In February and March, the main library is hosting an exhibit by Carla Orr. Carla taps into others’ energy and draws it out, creating energy portraits. She believes that there are many different ways for people to connect to themselves and to heal, and encourages all to explore their creative center. Some portraits on display will include the sitters’ description of their energy portrait experience. Orr resides in Beverly and offers arts and healing workshops at the Ladies Entrance Holistic Art Studio. Come meet Carla at our Artist’s Reception on Tuesday, February 18 from 7-8:30 PM. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours and when meetings or library programs are not in progress.

Introduction to 3D Printing
Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 PM

Interested in 3D printing? Please join us! This class includes the basics of working with a 3D printer, how to use MakerBot Print software, and simple design using Tinkercad. Open for teens and adults. Questions? Contact Lisa Ryan at ryan@noblenet.org or 978-922-6062, ext. 2120. 

Beverly Film Society Presents: Parasite
Friday, February 21 at 1 PM
Sohier Room, Main Library

Winner of this year’s Golden Globe award for Best Foreign Language Film, Parasite tracks a down-at-the-heels Korean family as it latches onto a much wealthier family–and grimly proceeds to replace them by any means necessary. A one-of-a-kind hybrid of horror, satire, and class-warfare!

Free and open to adults. Free popcorn! Sponsored by the Friends of the Beverly Public Library. Questions? Contact Matthew at martens@noblenet.org.