Frequently Asked Questions

All library users may get library cards. You will need identification with your current address to register. Common forms of identification include valid licenses, utility bills, and checkbooks. Peabody library cards are valid at all NOBLE Libraries, and can be used to check out library materials such as books, music, and movies, provide access to public computers, and place reservations through the museum pass program.  

More information about getting and using your library card can be found here.

Ask a librarian for an online account PIN! Logging in at http://peabody.noblenet.org/ using your library card  number and PIN, you can:

• Place and manage item holds.
• View and renew items borrowed on your card.
• Pay fines using a credit card.
• Update or change your log-in information, email address, and phone number.
• Manage your account preferences for library notifications, check out history, and more!

 Lending Periods:

• 3 Weeks: Books/Other Materials not on Reserve List, Paperbacks, Books on Audio Tape, Books on CD, Non-Current Magazines, Videos
• 2 Weeks: New Adult Fiction and Non-Fiction Books
• 1 Week: DVDs, Music CDs
• 1 Day: Museum Passes
• Items borrowed from other NOBLE libraries may be checked out for 2 weeks.

Items may be renewed by phone, in person, or online. With the exception of items with hold lists, DVDs and CDs may be renewed once, and all other items may be renewed twice.

If you need to return materials after hours, there are book return bins at each of the three library locations. Items may also be returned at any of the NOBLE libraries.

As of November 1, 2021, the Peabody Institute Library does not charge overdue fees on any Peabody-owned items. Replacement fees for lost or damaged Peabody-owned items will still be charged. Overdue items borrowed from other libraries will be charged according to each library’s policy.

More detailed Circulation Policies may be found here.

Log in to your online account to place holds and renew checked out items, or call the library for assistance. Generally, items may be renewed unless another library patron has requested the item, or there are no renewals remaining for the item.

The Peabody Institute Library provides automatic renewal for Peabody-owned items which are eligible for renewal (e.g. items which have not been requested by another patron, and items for which the patron has not used up their renewals). You will receive an email from us stating the renewal status for these items a few days before the item’s original due date.

Internet usage is free, and provided at all Library computers. Free wifi is available throughout all three Library locations, as well as in the parking lots.

To use the Library wifi, choose “peabody library guest” as the network name, and then use the sign-in page that pops up in your browser. Check the box to agree to our policies. You do not need a password or library card to access our free wifi.

More detailed internet and wifi policies may be found here.

The Main Library has 12 Windows desktop computers in the Public Services Area, 10 Windows gaming computers in the Teen Room and 2 Windows desktop computers, 2 Macbook Pros, 2 Chromebooks and 2 iPads in the Children’s Room.

In the Public Services Area, there is one computer equipped with a large print keyboard and ZoomText Magnifier/Reader for low-vision users, one computer connected to a flatbed scanner, and one computer connected to a microfilm reader.

In the Creativity Lab at the Main Library, 15 laptops equipped with Adobe  Creative Suite are available for Creativity Lab users during Open Labs and scheduled classes.

There is one catalog searching station on each floor of the main library, except the Creativity Lab.

Wireless network is available in all three branches.

You may use a computer using either your library card or a guest pass. All users are granted 3 hours of computer usage per person, per day.

Verizon Wifi Hotspots are available to check out with you library card for 3 weeks. Please contact the library for more information.

Software

All three library locations offer printing and copying services. The Main Library offers scanning services.

Printing & Copying: Black & White $0.15/page, Color $0.30/page. Cash only.

Use of the scanner is free, and available at Computer #4 at the Main Library using a full-color flatbed scanner. Please bring your own memory storage device. 

Unfortunately, faxing services are no longer available.

Most online resources require your library card number to access. Some resources are available only to Peabody residents. For a full list of available resources that are available, please click here.

Detailed Instructions are available to download for the following resources:

• Libby App
• Overdrive for Ereader
• Overdrive for Kindle
• Overdrive for Computer
• Overdrive App
• Hoopla
• kanopy

Free parking is available at the South and West Branches, in dedicated parking lots.

Metered parking at the Main Library is available in the Children’s Library parking lot on Wallis Street, and in spots along Main Street. For more downtown parking options, please refer to this parking map.

The Main Library is conveniently located along the 434, 435, and 465 bus lines.

City of Peabody White Goods Stickers are available at the Main, South and West Branch Libraries. Stickers cost $20, and may be purchased with cash or by check payable to “City of Peabody.” Stickers are non-refundable. For more information, please call the City Clerk’s office at 978-538-5956.

At this time, the Peabody Institute Library is not accepting any donations. Click below for suggestions on where to donate books for now.

Book Donation Brochure.

Home Delivery is available to all Peabody Institute Library cardholders unable to come into a library location, either indefinitely or for a short time—for example, while recovering from surgery. Please contact Public Services Librarian Sharon Janus (janus@noblenet.org) for  more information.