What is the Library of Things? As you know, the Nevins Library holds a collection of great materials to read, watch, listen to, or study. But now we are expanding our Library of Things – items available for our community to borrow that are considered “non-traditional” in a public library. These are items that maybe you only need to use for a short time and don’t want to purchase yourself, or maybe are some things you’d like to try out first before buying.

Some of the items available to borrow include: a telescope, radon detector, portable CD player, and lawn games like bocce or Giant Jenga. We also have some Caregiver Kits to create a fun activity between a caregiver and a loved one living with dementia. For those of you making home improvements, we have a stud finder and a laser level available to borrow. Are you interested in learning to knit or crochet this winter? Borrow one of our needle or hook kits!

Is there something you think we’re missing? Please let us know! We love suggestions, and are always adding items to the collection.

And of course, if you have any questions – please ask.

Join us for this special program: Reading Frederick Douglass Together in the Context of Modern Slavery. We will honor the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery with a public reading of Frederick Douglass's Fourth of July address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”, followed by several presentations (online & face-to-face) related to the topic of slavery and human trafficking.

We will feature presentations by Matthew McKeon, US History Teacher; Jo Ann Tufo, Historian, Writer, Lecturer and Performer; Terry Fitzpatrick, Director of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking; George Richardson, Photographer & Filmmaker; Lina Lahlou, Outreach Coordinator; Phoebe Wraith, Relations Associate.

Bilingual Program con interpretación en español.

Funding from Mass Humanities has been provided through the National Endowment for the Humanities "A More Perfect Union" program.

The Friends of the Nevins Library will be holding the always-popular fundraiser at Barnes & Noble located on Route 28 in Salem, NH. 

Complete your holiday shopping and help the Friends raise funds to support the library programs you love.

You will need a coupon – available at the Main & Reference Desks at the Library, and on our website at the link below.

Prefer to shop online? That’s okay! You can place your order online that weekend and still benefit the Friends if you use the code on the coupon.

Can you believe the holidays are upon us already? We’re here to help you celebrate with holiday-themed programs in December, including a special Books & Bubble session and our popular “’Twas the Night Before Christmas” storytime featuring a very special guest! (Space is limited for this program, so you’ll want to register soon.) 

In the best spirit of the season, once again we’re sponsoring a Giving Tree to provide Christmas gifts to Merrimack Valley homeless children and teens served by Emmaus, Inc. Through its shelters and housing programs, Emmaus has served thousands of young people since 1985, and on any given night 300 adults and youths call Emmaus home. Please help ensure that these kids have a happy holiday by donating gifts through our Giving Tree – last year our wonderful patrons were able to meet every wish, and we hope to match that success this year! If you’d like to help, just drop by the Children’s Room, choose a paper ornament with a Wish List item to purchase, and put it (unwrapped) under our tree by December 17. Thank you for making some Christmas dreams come true!

We’re also offering our usual array of storytimes, crafting programs, baby & toddler fun, and book groups this December, but we also have few other special opportunities to mention. For example, did you know that your children can read aloud to Murphy the Dog? His visits in November were popular, and he’ll be back on Dec. 5, 10, and 19 – just go to our Events link on the library’s website to learn more and to register. Likewise, check out other special programs this month, including the return of “One Up Games” and fun with “Mad Science!”

Keep an eye on our calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs and special events – there’s always something interesting going on! 

Happy December, Happy Holidays, and Happy Reading!