The library building is free for anyone to use during our open hours. We welcome people to use our spaces to access and enjoy library materials, work, study, meet quietly, or simply spend some time. We ask that everyone in the library adhere to the following rules:
- bring only covered drinks, no food
- use headphones to listen to any device
- keep conversations and phone calls at a low volume and refrain from using speakerphone
- wear footwear at all times
- keep your belongings with you
- respect the space and everyone in it
Although the library does not have any reservable or private rooms, there are several seating areas available for general use, as well as dedicated areas for children and teens to safely enjoy the library. All spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the main level is the only floor that is accessible without use of a staircase. Single-user restrooms are located either one level down (for all ages) or one level up (for youth and families using the children's room); see our Accessibility page for more information on building and collections access.
Work/Study/Quiet Meeting Areas
Lower Level Lounge
The lower level lounge, down one flight of stairs, offers tables and chairs. Power outlets are available near one large table.
Main Level
This floor includes three seating areas and a phone charging station near the public catalog lookup station.
- The reference room offers two armchairs near the newspapers and two small tables with two chairs each.
- The Amesbury room offers an armchair next to a power strip, one small table with chair, and one large table with eight chairs around it. The library occasionally uses this room for programming or archives appointments, at which times it is unavailable as a general seating space.
- The new releases room offers two armchairs with small tables that can be swung into place across the lap or can be left out of the way at the side of the chair.
Second Floor
There is one cafe table with two chairs and access to power outlets at the end of the nonfiction stacks that is available for anyone to use. This level is up one flight of stairs.
Please note that the teen loft, which is up a half-flight from the nonfiction stacks, is the only space in the library that is reserved specifically for teen use. Adults are asked to sit at any of the areas mentioned above instead of in the teen loft.