Marblehead Abbot Public Library Faces 'Drastic' Service Cuts Amid Budget Crisis

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Five years after Marblehead voters approved a tax override to fund a nearly $10 million renovation project for the Abbot Public Library, the historic library is facing "profound" and "drastic" service reductions and possible decertification if a proposed tax override fails.

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The library announced its strategic plan on Wednesday, based on the non-override balanced budget that the Select Board approved, which includes reducing operating hours to three days a week, eliminating the equivalent of more than eight full-time positions, and likely decertification, which would no longer allow Marblehead residents to use their library cards in neighboring communities.

"The library is facing the largest budget cut in its 150-year history, which will have a profound effect on our staff and operations," said Gary Amberik, Chair of the Library Board of Trustees. "Despite these challenges, we are fully committed to keeping the library open and providing as many of our services that our patrons rely on as possible."

Those services will, however, be greatly reduced with hours constricting from 52 per week to 24 — including no evening or Saturday hours.

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Nearly half of staff hours will be eliminated, with the equivalent of 8.25 full-time positions gone and 8.74 FTE positions retained.

Officials said Abbot would potentially become one of only a handful of decertified public libraries in the state, meaning residents' library cards would no longer be accepted in other towns, though Boston Public Library cards would be available.

Officials also said programs will be "significantly reduced" due to "limited staff coverage," and the budget for new books and materials would be eliminated.

There would also be limited service in both the children's and teen rooms, and residents and organizations would have limited public access to meeting rooms.

In 2026, 347 of the 350 municipalities in Massachusetts were certified to receive State Aid by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

A balanced budget without an override would place Marblehead among the few non-certified towns in the Commonwealth, officials said.

Despite these challenges, officials said, Abbot Public Library remains dedicated to its mission as a free, inclusive, and
safe gathering place.

"Abbot Public Library serves as a hub of education, community, and culture," the library states in its Strategic Plan. "We want to continue being a place where the pursuit of knowledge, literacy, and continuing education is actively encouraged and supported for all residents."

Abbot Public Library reopened on July 10, 2024 after a renovation funded by an $8.5 million debt service property tax override and an additional $1.5 million in private donations from the Abbot Public Library Foundation.

The renovation included three new meeting rooms with presentation screens audiovisual improvements, an accessible entrance at the courtyard, a makerspace and podcasting studio, self-checkout kiosks, digital sign displays, improved wireless connectivity, new security and fire alarm systems, renovated HVAC and four new gender-neutral bathrooms.