Visions Of Renovated Marblehead Abbot Library Move Closer To Fruition

MARBLEHEAD, MA — Nearly two years after Marblehead voters approved an $8.5 million renovation of the Abbot Public Library, the transformation has begun inside the historic building turning the crumbling infrastructure of the former space into a new modern, interactive and inviting learning and community program space.

The demolition phase of the project began in January with an official construction "launch party" set for Wednesday to celebrate the work expected to conclude with the reopening of the library at 235 Pleasant Street in Spring 2024.

"I can tell you what I've seen is really wonderful," Abbot Public Library Kimberly Grad told Patch. "We are in the demolition phase right now and you can see things opening up inside. That is really encouraging for everyone.

"Between the opening of the space and all the hours we have put in together with drawings you can start to see what it's going to look like. You can start to imagine it."

A perimeter safety fence has been installed around the site for the majority of the construction. Grad said the project team meets every Wednesday on-site to tour the building and discuss weekly updates on the project, including the timeline and budget.

Monthly progress reports will be posted here.

"The project is currently on budget although it has certainly been challenging due to the record inflation and market escalation that we have all been experiencing," said Gary Amberik, Chair Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees and the Building Renovation Committee.

Demolition is expected to be completed this month with most of the work being staged in the lower entrance to the library around the parking lot. Members of the Driftwood Garden Club will have access to the property to maintain the garden throughout the project.

As the town and library staff counts down the final 12 to 15 months to the grand reopening of the Abbot Public Library, library services will continue to be available at the Eveleth School on Brook Road after being transferred there this past fall.

"It's been pretty accommodating to our needs," Grad told Patch. "We've had some serious maintenance issues but they seem to be under control now."

Grad said the temporary location offers programs for all ages and the parking lot is often filled up during operating hours. There remain events for older adults, as well as children's storytime.

"A lot of children and families from the neighborhood are coming to visit," Grad said. "We are getting a lot of good feedback. People seem to really like it here. It's been a good temporary solution for us."

Grad said it has been interesting operating a library out of a school building that is one-third the space of the Abbot location. The classrooms have been repurposed into reference rooms and program space.

Grad said the children's room at Eveleth is smaller than Abbot, but "has a little bit of everything."

"It's bright, cute, and people seem to love it," she said.

The main collection is in the gymnasium with rows of non-fiction books lining hallways.

"It's been challenging but in a good way," she said. "I've been enjoying working with the staff.

"There has definitely been the motivation that has come from the transition from moving to the temporary location to now knowing the renovation is coming to fruition."

(Scott Souza is a patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)