Nevins Memorial Library, Methuen, Massachusetts
Going home for the holidays is a journey most of us take, and Rachael was no exception. She visited family for Thanksgiving in her hometown, Methuen. Visiting also meant taking a quick trip to the library. The Nevins Memorial Library is not only where she got her first library card, but it is also where she held her first job. She was a page while she was a high school student. Now, twenty years later, she stopped by to check out her old stomping grounds.
The Nevins Memorial Library building itself is stunning. The architectural style is Romaneque and it cuts a striking figure against the horizon. Touring the grounds, we noticed an extensive story walk and benches that would provide a fantastic use of the outdoor space in warmer weather. We, however, made our way quickly inside to escape the current cold.
The main lobby was in a state of preparation for Christmas. A couple of open boxes with Christmas decorations sat in chairs near a beautiful Christmas tree. Once we admired the tree, we continued with our explorations. First, we chatted with the library worker at the desk. She was someone that was on staff when Rachael worked there! It was nice seeing her again and we also learned that we had just arrived after a First Amendment auditor visit. We were told the same policy that was relayed to the auditors. We were welcome to film, but to respect the privacy of the patrons on public computers. Once that bit of business was sorted, we were able to talk about all things libraries with the staff members. A conversation we always enjoy!
The layout of the library has not changed much in the twenty years since Rachael worked there. The first floor houses new materials, fiction, young adult, large print, Library of Things, and audiovisual materials. The second floor is where you’ll find nonfiction materials and the public computers. The basement floor is where you can find materials for younger readers. What really makes the Nevins Memorial Library shine is the use of community spaces.
The reading room with the barrel roof is beautifully lit with the green banker lamps and the sun shining through the stained-glass windows. The community room on the second floor is spacious and can accommodate high attendance for various programming. The leather chairs by the fireplace look incredibly inviting for people to read or chat together. Lastly, the garden patio just outside the children’s room is darling in its layout. Wherever you look, it’s evident that the library is set up in a way to invite the patron to spend as much time as they’d like there. From study carrels, to soft seating, to play areas, the Nevins Memorial Library is successfully serving as a third space to its community!
Altogether, our visit to the Nevins Memorial Library felt like the perfect blend of nostalgia and appreciation for a library that clearly remains committed to serving its patrons well. From the familiar layout to the thoughtfully designed community spaces, it’s clear that this library remains a welcoming place for people to gather, learn, and spend time. Whether you’re stopping in to check out materials, attend a program, or simply sit and enjoy the space, the Nevins Memorial Library truly shines as a place where the community can connect, relax, and belong, and we’re glad we had the chance to visit it again.