Thursday, Dec. 11
Baby Storytime
10-10:30 a.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
For parents and caregivers with children ages 0 – 18 months.
You’re never too young for storytime! Join Miss Meeghan for stories, songs, and sensory play that helps babies develop language, social, and motor skills.
Registration is required due to space limitations.
Toddler Storytime
11-11:30 a.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
For parents and caregivers with children ages 18 months – 3 years.
Miss Meeghan will guide toddlers and their parents and caregivers through stories, songs, and lots of movement that help build important social and early literacy skills.
Registration is required due to space limitations.
Intermediate English Conversation Circle
11 a.m.-noon
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.
Questions or requests? Email Local History Librarian Catherine at cbadal@noblenet.org
Learn more about our collection at peabodylibrary.org/localhistory
Social Workers Drop In
2-4 p.m.
Public Computers, Main Library
Between 2:00PM-4:00PM on Thursdays social workers from the Division of Social Services will be having open hours at the table in front of the Assistant Director’s office at the Main Library. No need to register.
5th Grade Book Buddies
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Community Room, South Branch
5th Grade Book Buddies will meet at the South Branch Library on the second 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 5th 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.
**5th 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.
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, Amory, and get some help! Amory has experience working in Middle and High schools, and is able to help you through any subject, such as Algebra, English, and French. For Teens Grades 6-12.
Registration is required.
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.
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.
Teen Fashion Club
6-7 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Do you find yourself always checking your outfits before you leave for school? This club might be perfect for you. Visit the Creativity Lab to design outfits, make custom pieces, and get inspired! Use the machines, materials, and mannequins to create your own custom clothing, jewerly, or accesories.
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, Dec. 12
West and South Branch are closed
Saturday, Dec. 13
Baby Group
11 a.m.-noon
Tech Lab, Main Library
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.
Snow Dough, at the West Branch
11 a.m.-noon
Community Room, West Branch
Children ages 3 and up (and their caregivers) are invited to the West Branch Library for a morning of fun, playing with snow dough. After the program children will be able to take the dough home with them. This program is free and open to the public, however registration is required as space is limited.
Teen Craft & Yap
1-3 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Join us in the Teen Room for our monthly Craft & Yap!!!
Pick up a new craft (such as sewing, crochet, painting, etc.) or bring a craft with you! The Teen Room has a fully operational 3D printer, button maker, and sewing machine!
Chat with other crafty teens, and our crafty (and very chatty) Teen Librarian!
Kids: National Cocoa Day Party
3-4 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Escape the cold December weather with Miss Meeghan on National Cocoa Day! Children aged 4 and up can create a hot cocoa-themed craft, listen to Miss Meeghan read stories about this delicious treat, and even drink some hot chocolate! Registration is required.
Sunday, Dec. 14
West and South Branch are closed
Monday, Dec. 15
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.
Toddler Sensory Bin Play – at the West Branch
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Children ages 18months-5 years (and their caregivers) are invited to join us at the West Branch Library for a soothing morning of sensory play. With bins full of scoops and containers, children can explore and play. Sensory bins allow children to explore objects and develop sensory skills through tactile play. They promote the development of crucial skills for a child’s development including fine motor skills, as well as a sense of volume and space.
This program is free and open to the public, however registration is required as space is limited.
Beginner English Conversation Circle
11 a.m.-noon
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/6/2025 – 12/15/2025
Time: Mondays 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, 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
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+. Please visit us online or at the Public Service Desk or call the West Branch Library at 978-535-3354 for more info.
Registration is required due to space limitations. Register at peabodylibrary.org.
Citizenship Study Group
2-3 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
When: 9/15/2025 – 12/15/2025
Time: Mondays 2:00 PM –3:00 PM
Location: 3rd Floor Conference Room
Peabody Institute Library
82 Main Street, Peabody, MA, 01960
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 Studio Art Class
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.
Family Mystery BINGO!
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Community Room, South Branch
Kids ages 5-12 and their caregivers are welcome to join us at the South Branch Library for Family Mystery BINGO! Winners can choose either a book to keep or a grab bag of mystery prizes! Registration is required.
Beginner English Conversation Circle
6-7 p.m.
3rd Floor Conference Room, Main Library
Fall Session: 10/6/2025 – 12/15/2025
Time: Mondays 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 16
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 Storytime (South Branch Library)
10-10:30 a.m.
Community Room, South Branch Library
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.
Woodland Ornament Painting
11 a.m.-noon
Community Room, West Branch
Do you have an interest in painting but don’t know where to begin? Come to the West Branch where we will be painting woodland creatures on wooden ornaments. This simple craft will make a beautiful addition to your winter decor.
This program is free and open to the public. For ages 13+. 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.
Death Cafe – Virtual
noon-1:30 p.m.
Online, Main Library
At a Death Cafe people, often strangers, gather to eat cake, drink tea and discuss death.
Please join other adults for Death Cafe – an afternoon of open, lively, and insightful discussion about death. This program will be offered over Zoom and pre-registration is required.
Please register here and the Zoom link will be sent to you in the confirmation email.
While not a support group nor a venue for bereavement, a Death Cafe seeks to provide an unscripted, non-judgmental platform for those wishing to explore the many facets of this often taboo subject.
Come with an open mind, a healthy curiosity, and a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and questions with other like-minded individuals.
This event will be facilitated by Richard Davis a long standing hospice volunteer who has led over 100 on site and virtual Death Cafes.
https://deathcafe.com/
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.
Library Clothing Drive: Drop Off Hours
3-6 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Help us get ready for or Clothing Drive on Saturday, December 27th!
DROP OFF every Tuesday from 3-6PM in December in the Teen Room – gently used, good condition clothes only.
We will NOT accept clothing that has:
- stains
- holes that need mending
- dusty / dirty / smelly clothes
- fabric that is too worn for wear, pilled, or frayed
- Used socks and underwear
Then join us again on Saturday, December 27th to find some new (to you) clothes!
This event is run by our Teen volunteer group, TACO. Any clothing that is not pickup up on Sat., Dec. 27th will be donated to St. John’s the Baptist Churchv
TACO – Main Library
4-5 p.m.
Teen Room, Main Library
Each Tuesday, teens can come to the teen room at the Main Library and help better the Peabody Institute Library. Teen volunteers will will be given tasks that help the library and / or your community in some way. As compensation, teens receive one hour of community service hours, and a free food the first Tuesday of the month.
Please fill out a Teen Volunteer Application at the start of this program if this is your first time participating. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. If you have questions, please email Senior Teen Librarian Amory at AThomas@noblenet.org
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, Dec. 17
Creativity Lab – Open Lab
9:30-10:30 a.m. and noon-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.
Drop in Tech Help
1:30-2:30 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.v
The Readers Book Group
1:30-2:30 p.m.
Community Room, South Branch
The Readers is a volunteer-led book group that meets at the South Branch Library on the third Wednesday of every month. Each month, a different novel will be discussed. Registering for this event will automatically register you for each meeting for the calendar year.
For December, we will be discussing “The Witches of Eastwick” by John Updike. You can place a hold on this book yourself with your NOBLE account, or you can call the South Branch Library at 978-531-3380.
Rescheduled Holidays Wrapping Party
2-4 p.m.
Community Room, West Branch
Need to get some wrapping done? Join us at the West Branch for a cozy afternoon of wrapping presents for the upcoming holidays. We have long tables and a big room to lay all of your presents out to make sure your gifts are wrapped neatly. We’ll have cookies and beverages available as well as festive music. Wrapping paper, tape, and scissors will be provided but feel free to bring your own!
This program is free and open to the public. For ages 14+. Registration is not required but it is recommended so we can expect how many supplies we should buy.
InkWell Art Class – Weekly Art Project
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.
Kids: Movie Night
6-8 p.m.
Tech Lab, Main Library
Children of all ages are invited to embrace the cold with Frozen (© Walt Disney Pictures)! Watch a princess try to bring back summer from her sister’s winter, with help from friends like a snowman and a reindeer. Snacks and water will be provided. Registration is required.
Make a winter window greeting card with Olivia
6:30-8 p.m.
Creativity Lab, Main Library
Come join us for some winter fun, and make a card with a window looking into a festive scene! A selection of both different traditional winter holiday decorations (including those for Christmas, Kwanzaa, and Hanukkah) as well as nondenominational winter decorations will be available to choose from.
This program is free and open to the public, however registration is required as space is limited.
