We’ve added quick links to our catalog! Now when you’re browsing the catalog you have the option to see what has been recently added to our collection. Just opt for the NEW books link you’re interested in.

We’ve partnered with CREW for Climate Preparedness Week. The theme this Year is “Social Resilience is Climate Resilience” and CREW has a week of virtual events planned from September 24 through 30. 

Here’s a sampling of scheduled events:

Sept. 24 at 1 PM Resilient Agriculture: Climate Impacts on Our Foods Systems and How We Can Respond
Sept. 29 at 6:30 PM How Repair Events Can Transform Our Throwaway Culture
Sept. 30 at 6:30 PM The Linked Fight for Racial Justice and Climate Justice 

Find the full schedule on the CREW website.

Need to print, scan or copy? Just email your document to bev@noblenet.org or drop it off during Front Door Service hours. Please include your first and last name, your phone or email, and instructions (e.g. 5 copies, scan to name@email.com). A librarian will contact you when it’s ready. Free up to 10 pages. For Farms branch service please email bef@noblenet.org.

Welcome to our Virtual Art Exhibit. Since our buildings are closed we invite you to enjoy this virtual exhibit space.

Paintings by Ron Pruett

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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.