If you’ve been by the Library recently, you’ve probably noticed an exciting addition to our beautiful grounds – we’ve recently erected a large tent! The library staff is already planning an exciting menu of outdoor programs for the coming months, but we are happy to announce that our tent is also available to the community to reserve. Click HERE to view our guidelines, check availability, and make a reservation request right online! You can also simply call the library or ask a staff member to help you with a reservation. When the tent is not reserved, it will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.    

The Ipswich Public Library is pleased to announce the launch of our new Library of Things collection! A “Library of Things” is a collection of non-traditional items that provides library cardholders access to a variety of items, many of which might be used infrequently.  Beyond being a fun collection of interesting items, the Library of Things movement reinforces a shared community vision of reducing consumption and the potential for wasted resources. The Library’s new collection includes over forty kits that library users can check out and take home. Some highlights include: A sewing machine with introductory books Night vision goggles Outdoor games such as bocce and corn hole Household tool kits Electronic equipment such as a mini projector, cassette to mp3 converter, and Roku stick (pre-loaded with content) Too many more Things to mention here! For additional information and a complete list of items, please visit www.ipswichlibrary.org/library-of-things/ or call 978-356-6648 x3015.   This collection was generously funded in part by the Ipswich Public Works Department through a grant from MassDEP!

The changing season marks several new beginnings we are excited to tell you about! Beginning Monday, September 21, you can browse parts of the collection and use our public computers by appointment. Online booking is live now! These appointment-based services will allow us to safely manage capacity limits and protocols for cleaning and disinfecting. Click HERE to read about how the new system works, and book right online, or call us to reserve a time to visit. We will keep offering our Library Takeout service for those who prefer to “grab and go!” For a refresher on how this service works, click HERE. Another way you can get help from home is through our new Online Chat Service! When you visit our website you will see a new “Ask Us” button that you can click to chat live with one of our librarians (more information available HERE). We know that families have a long list of issues to navigate and skills to learn this fall as plans and expectations shift constantly. To help you keep track of it all, we’ve been working on this Family Resource Guide – an extensive compilation of library materials, educational guides, and other resources as your family manages both this school year and the years ahead. It contains tools and tutorials for remote learning technology that we’ve compiled with input from the Ipswich Public Schools, and a wealth of information about other services and issues your family may be juggling right now. Last, but most certainly not least, we’re expanding our program menu in a variety of ways! For families, we have on-demand versions of our storytimes, updated every week! School-age book groups are resuming outdoors and online, and many of your long-time favorite events will return this fall in online form (keep an eye on our calendar)! Also make sure to ask us about take-home crafts next time you’re in. For adults, many book groups are moving their discussions online, and Cookbook Club has resumed with an outdoor meet-up. The ever-popular Armchair Traveler will be back (in Zoom form!), and we’re introducing a new monthly wine webinar you won’t want to miss. Many more exciting offerings will be coming your way, so definitely check our event calendar often and follow us on social media for updates. And don’t forget about these great ongoing services that are still available: Printing Services and Tax Forms You can […]