Thursday, Oct. 16
Intermediate English Conversation Circle
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/9/2025 – 12/18/2025
Time: Thursday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, stop by the Public Service Desk at the Main Library, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Sutton Room Drop In
2-4 p.m.
Sutton Room, Main Library
Stop by the historic Sutton Room to browse current issues of genealogy magazines, see the Audubon prints now on display, or learn how to use the archives.
Learn more about our collection at peabodylibrary.org/localhistory
4th Grade Book Buddies
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Community Room, South Branch
4th Grade Book Buddies will meet at the South Branch Library on the third Thursday of every month! Kids will read a different chapter book or graphic novel each month and meet to do activities and discuss the book together. This program is open to all students in the 4th grade. Space is limited and registration is required. Registering your child for the first meeting will automatically register them for all meetings throughout the end of the school year. Please email Amy at atitus@noblenet.org with any questions.
**4th graders must bring their library card with them so they can check out the book each month. Please make sure you register your child for a library card so they can participate. You can register for a library card by visiting any of the three Library locations with your child and providing a photo ID and proof of residence. Children 12 and under must have a parent or guardian permission and signature.
Kids: Halloween Bingo
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Are you ready for the spooky season of Halloween? Miss Meeghan is, and they invite children aged 4 and up for a game of Halloween-themed bingo! Participants have the chance to win fun Halloween prize packs and books to keep. Registration is required.
Teen Study Group
3:30-5 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Need help with homework? Want some space to get organized? Meet with our Senior Teen Librarian and get some help! For Teens Grades 6-12.
Registration is preferred.
TACO Thursday – West Branch
4-5 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Earn community service hours by participating in Teen Advisory and Community Organization, or as we like to call it, TACO!
Each Thursday, teens can come to the teen room at the West Branch Library and help better the Peabody Institute Library. Teen volunteers will will be given tasks that help the library in some way. As compensation, teens receive one hour of community service hours, and free food the first Thursday of the month.
Please fill out a Teen Volunteer Application at the start of this program if this is your first meeting. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. If you have questions, please email Teen Librarian Amory at AThomas@noblenet.org, or call the West Branch Library at 978-535-3354.
Beginner English Conversation Circle
5-6 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/9/2025 – 12/18/2025
Time: Thursdays 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, stop by the Public Service Desk at the Main Library, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Drop In Crafts in the Children’s Room
5:30-7 p.m.
Children’s Library, Main Library
Come to the Children’s room for a different craft each week! Supplies provided! No registration needed. Open to children ages 4 and up.
Survival, resilience, and the lasting effects of the Holocaust: An author panel with Boston 3G
6-8 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Survival, resilience, and the lasting effects of the Holocaust: An author panel with Boston 3G
Local authors Tammy Bottner and Julie Brill, both children and grandchildren of Holocaust survivors, will join our librarian for a book talk, signing, and discussion about hidden children, sacrifices made for survival, intergenerational trauma, and how these stories still resonate today.
Tammy Bottner is the author of “Among the Reeds: The True Story of How a Family Survived the Holocaust,” and Julie Brill is the author of “Hidden in Plain Sight: A Family Memoir and the Untold Story of the Holocaust in Serbia.” Library copies of the books will be on hand, and the authors will also be signing and selling their books.
Presented by the Peabody Institute Library, Boston 3G, and Living Links.
Intermediate English Conversation Circle
6-7 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/9/2025 – 12/18/2025
Time: Thursday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, stop by the Public Service Desk at the Main Library, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Friday, Oct. 17
South and West branch are closed.
Saturday, Oct. 18
From Page to Stage! A Theater Program at the West Branch Library
10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Join us for a fun 4 weeks of theater! All experience levels are welcome! The program will culminate in a short performance for parents in the last week where students can show off what they have learned. Ages 4th-6th grade. The program runs on September 6th, 20th, October 4th, 18th.
Registration is required.
Caregivers of babies are welcome to drop in and join us in the Tech Lab every other Saturday from 11AM – 12PM with their little ones for a Baby Group! Practice tummy time, play with toys, explore textures and colors, and meet other caregivers.
Registration is not required, but preferred.
Teen Craft & Yap
2-3:30 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Do you like coding, robots, or LEGOs? Kids and teens in grades 4 through 8 can come learn how to build and program LEGO Robots from Wolfpack Machina of the Waring School in Beverly, MA! LEGO Robots are a great way to learn the basics of coding in a fun, hands-on way. Wolfpack has been working with local schools and other institutions for more than 5 years to teach introductory robotics to students of many ages. Wolfpack Machina is one of the top high school robotics teams in Massachusetts and has competed at the FTC World Championships for three out of the past four years. They are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you! Registration is required.
Kids and Teens: LEGO Robotics Workshop
2-3:30 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Do you like coding, robots, or LEGOs? Kids and teens in grades 4 through 8 can come learn how to build and program LEGO Robots from Wolfpack Machina of the Waring School in Beverly, MA! LEGO Robots are a great way to learn the basics of coding in a fun, hands-on way. Wolfpack has been working with local schools and other institutions for more than 5 years to teach introductory robotics to students of many ages. Wolfpack Machina is one of the top high school robotics teams in Massachusetts and has competed at the FTC World Championships for three out of the past four years. They are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with you! Registration is required.
Sunday, Oct. 19
South and West branch are closed.
Monday, Oct. 20
Preschool Storytime
10-10:45 a.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Preschool age children will have a blast at Miss Patty’s Storytime! Come listen to some stories, dance, and sing along with us. These programs help children gain early literacy and social skills while also preparing them for a school environment. Children will receive a take-home craft at the end of the program.
Registration is required due to space limitations.
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, contact Justin Liberti at 978-531-0100, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Adult Yoga with Kirsty Yetter
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Adult beginner-friendly yoga for all levels is back at the Peabody Library! Join instructor Kirsty for a low-key drop-in yoga class once a week that is appropriate for all levels, whether you’re a seasoned yoga practitioner or never done yoga before. Kirsty will lead you through exercises that will help you connect your mind with your body and feel refreshed for the rest of the day.
Please register for each class so we have a head count. Yoga mats and bolsters are provided, but feel free to bring your own.
Kids: Homeschool Hangout
1-2 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Homeschooling and wanting to connect with other homeschool families in the area? Come to our homeschool hangout in the Tech Lab! Open to children 12 and under and their caregivers. Each meeting there will be games, crafts, and toys available, but this is intended to be unstructured time for kids and families to socialize. No registration required.
Creativity Lab – Open Lab
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Have a personal project you’re working on, or one you want to start? Stop by the Lower Level any time during this session to use any of the tools available at the Creativity Lab! We have tools for 3D printing, sewing, sound recording, laser cutting, woodworking, computer programming, vinyl cutting, jewelry making, graphic design, electronics, and more. A librarian will be available to help you learn any unfamiliar tools!
Although Open Labs are one on one, groups are allowed to attend under one registration.
For more information, please call the Main Library at 978-531-0100, or email our Creativity Lab Librarian Justin at jallain@noblenet.org.
Adult Yoga with Jacqui Orphanos at the West Branch
2-3 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Join yoga instructor Jacqui Orphanos for a relaxing all-levels yoga class. This gentle flow class will focus on breathwork, gentle stretching, functional movement and balance. Participants will be encouraged to move at their own pace & modifications will be offered. Class will close with a relaxing savasana with sound bowls, Reiki assists & optional essential oils. Beginners are welcome!
Mats and Yoga Straps will be provided. Participants should wear comfortable, easy to move in clothing & bring a water bottle.
This program is free and open to the public. For ages 18+. Registration is required as space is limited. Please visit us online or at the Public Service Desk or call the West Branch Library at 978-535-3354 for more info.
Citizenship Study Group
2-3 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
This study group will cover the information you need to become a US Citizen, such as American history, how our government works, and the important symbols of our nation. We will practice speaking and writing to help you pass the oral and written parts of the Citizenship interview.
There is a free class, and all of the study materials will be provided to you. To find out more information and to sign up, call 978-531-0100, x119 or email efinnegan@noblenet.org. You can join the class anytime!
InkWell Art Class – High School
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
InkWell is a free youth arts program exploring a variety of 2d and 3d media. Art classes will run weekly from 3:30 to 5:30. No experience necessary! All materials provided! Bringing in sketchbooks encouraged!
Although groups are free, we do ask for a commitment to the program. This means weekly attendance (we do understand if you have to miss a group every once in a while, though) and getting to the program on time. Last class will be December 17th, in which each class will be celebrated with an end of the year art show, inviting the families to see all the artwork they’ve been doing.
All classes will be taught by local artist educator Bruce Orr. Bruce is an Art Teacher, Art Therapist, muralist, illustrator, puppeteer, builder from recycled materials and all around arts advocate. He created the “Garden City” installation in the downtown Beverly Family Dollar, painted many local murals, including the Carlton School, and was Senior Art Therapist at Raw Art Works for 13 years before founding InkWell. With over 25 years experience, Bruce is a strong believer in the arts as a catalyst for growth, healing and change.
Teen: VanGhosts Card Painting
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Get in the Halloween spirit by painting ghosts into the background different VanGogh paintings! For Teens Grades 6-12, registration is required.
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, contact Justin Liberti at 978-531-0100, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
PIL Fall Concert Series: Hungrytown
7-8:30 p.m.
Sutton Room, Main Library
Experience the unique musical fusion of Hungrytown, the artistic collaboration of Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson. With Hall’s timeless songwriting and Anderson’s masterful instrumental arrangements, their music blends traditional folk with rich harmonies and intricate instrumentation. Don’t miss this captivating performance!
https://hungrytown.net/
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Toddler Storytime (South Branch Library)
10-10:30 a.m.
Community Room, South Branch
Join Amy and her puppet animal friends for storytime, which will include books, songs, and movement! This program is open for parents and caregivers with children ages 18 months to 4 years.
Registration is required due to space limitations. Register at peabodylibrary.org.
Children’s Yoga
10-11 a.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Ready for some morning movement and relaxation? Miss Katia hosts a fun yoga session for children every Tuesday morning. Wear comfy clothes, bring a yoga mat if you have one, and a water bottle to stay hydrated. Like all of our Library programs, this event is free and open to the public. Non-Peabody residents are welcome.
Registration is required due to space limitations. Register at peabodylibrary.org.
Toddler Art: Masking Tape Mummy
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Children, ages 2-5 (and their caregivers) are invited to the West Branch Library for a simple Halloween craft. Using paper, masking tape, and googly eyes, children can make a cute mummy to celebrate this spooky (and fun) time of year.
Beginner English Conversation Circle
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/6/2025 – 12/15/2025
Time: Tuesdays 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, stop by the Public Service Desk at the Main Library, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Learn to use Ancestry.com
2-3 p.m.
Public Computers, Main Library
Learn how to use the Ancestry online database to explore your family’s history. A librarian will help you search genealogical records, including census records, birth, death, and marriage records. Bring in family names and any locations or dates that you know to start your search. You can continue your Ancestry research at home for free using your library card! Sessions are by appointment only and registration is required. Register at peabodylibrary.org.
Kids: Pumpkin Painting
3:30-4:15 p.m.
Children’s Library Main Library
Happy Fall! Children aged 3 and up can embrace the season by painting pumpkins with Miss Meeghan in the Children’s Library. The pumpkins are not real pumpkins, meaning you can use them as decorations for years to come – they will never rot! Will you paint a spooky face or a beautiful landscape? The choice is yours! Registration is required. Registration is full, but you can add your name to the wait list online.
Creativity Lab – Open Lab
6-8 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Have a personal project you’re working on, or one you want to start? Stop by the Lower Level any time during this session to use any of the tools available at the Creativity Lab! We have tools for 3D printing, sewing, sound recording, laser cutting, woodworking, computer programming, vinyl cutting, jewelry making, graphic design, electronics, and more. A librarian will be available to help you learn any unfamiliar tools!
Although Open Labs are one on one, groups are allowed to attend under one registration.
For more information, please call the Main Library at 978-531-0100, or email our Creativity Lab Librarian Justin at jallain@noblenet.org.
Intermediate English Conversation Circle
6-7 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/7/2025 – 12/16/2025
Time: Wednesday 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, contact Justin Liberti at 978-531-0100, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Monthly Meditation with Jesselynn Barber
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Our meditation series continues with instructor Jesselyn Barber. Jess will lead patrons through monthly themed meditations, offering a chance to slow down and relax at the library.
Please dress comfortably and bring a yoga mat, water, and anything else you may desire for comfort and relaxation.
Jesselynn Barber is a Certified Hypnotherapist & Reiki Master who believes that everything starts with our mindset. We live in a society where we are overstimulated and overscheduled. It is important to practice self-care of the mind as well as the body through meditation and relaxation. Her goal is to bring peace and healing to others by teaching them how to manage their stress, anxiety, negative thinking, and thought patterns through meditation.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Creativity Lab – Open Lab
9:30-10:30 a.m. and 12-12:30 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Have a personal project you’re working on, or one you want to start? Stop by the Lower Level any time during this session to use any of the tools available at the Creativity Lab! We have tools for 3D printing, sewing, sound recording, laser cutting, woodworking, computer programming, vinyl cutting, jewelry making, graphic design, electronics, and more. A librarian will be available to help you learn any unfamiliar tools!
Although Open Labs are one on one, groups are allowed to attend under one registration.
For more information, please call the Main Library at 978-531-0100, or email our Creativity Lab Librarian Justin at jallain@noblenet.org.
The Short Stories of Chekhov and Hawthorne
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sutton Room, Main Library
Join Professor Theo Theoharis in October 2025 to discuss short stories of Checkhov and Hawthorne.
The class will read the following stories, in the order listed below:
1. Hawthorne – “My Kinsmen, Major Molineaux” (Contained in the Hawthorne story collection you can check out from the library)
2. Hawthorne – “The Artist” (Contained in the Hawthorne story collection you can check out from the library)
3. Chekhov – “Enemies” (This is a printout we can hand you at the Main Library PSD)
4. Chekhov – “The Lady with the Dog” (Also a printout).
If you would like to purchase your own copies of the stories, Theo recommends the following collections:
Nathaniel Hawthorne, Young Goodman Brown and other Tales, Publisher: Oxford, (in the series Oxford World Classics) ISBN# 978-0-1995-5515-4
Anton Chekhov, The Essential Tales of Chekhov, edited by Richard Ford, Publisher, Ecco, ISBN # 978-0-0609-5656-1
You can also potentially find the stories to read on your computer or other device at https://archive.org/details/texts – just search for the story titles.
Please register starting on September 2.
Intermediate English Conversation Circle
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/8/2025 – 12/17/2025
Time: Wednesday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library, 82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
Conversation Circles provide weekly opportunities for non-native English speakers to practice speaking English in an informal setting. Increase your vocabulary and improve your pronunciation. Feel more comfortable when you are shopping, ordering food, finding a job or an apartment, and talking about hobbies or current events.
A brief interview will match language learners with others at the same skill level. To find out more and join a Circle, stop by the Public Service Desk at the Main Library, or send an email to peabodyELL@noblenet.org.
Drop In Tech Help
1-2:30 p.m.
Public Computers, Main Library
Join us in the Main Reading Room every at the Peabody Institute Library every Wednesday from 1-2:30 for tech help with: basic computer skills, laptops and computers, tablets, e-readers, smart phones, library databases and apps, word processing software, and more. Come prepared by bringing any devices you want help working with, login or account information you may need, and any specific questions you have. Chromebooks are available to practice on if you can not bring in your own device. No registration required.
InkWell Workshop: Ugly Doll-Palooza!
3:30-5:30 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
InkWell is a free youth arts program exploring a variety of 2d and 3d media. Art classes will run weekly from 3:30 to 5:30. No experience necessary! All materials provided!
Build a stuffed animal from fabric, buttons and much more! Learn to sew from the masters and create a lovable stuffed companion! No experience necessary. All materials included, but feel free to bring your own materials if you are inspired.
After School LEGOs
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Community Room, South Branch
Join us at the South Branch Library for After School LEGOs! Build your LEGO creations and they will be displayed in the Library for everyone to see! For kids ages 5 -12.
Kids: Pajama Storytime
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Come join Miss Meeghan in the Tech Lab for a storytime to end your day! Children aged 4 and up and their caregivers can listen to new stories, sing songs, and have a sweet treat. Feel free to wear some comfy pajamas and bring your favorite stuffed animal for this fun nighttime activity!
Registration is required. Please note any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Spooky Paint Nite (for adults 18+)
6:30-8 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Join librarian Olivia, who will walk you through making a spooky-themed painting just in time for Halloween! All supplied are included, plus something fun to sip as well! Registration is full. To add your name to the wait list, visit the website.
