MARBLEHEAD — Online events and curbside pickup schedules proved popular at Abbot Library in 2020 and a schedule packed with programs is ready to roll into this year.
Faced with COVID-19 public gathering restrictions and social distancing recommendations aimed at stopping the virus’ spread, the 235 Paradise St. library switched last year to remote borrowing and program scheduling arrangements for town residents and interlibrary patrons.
Curbside pickup remains in force going into January while library staff “review the suitability of resuming the browsing service,” according to the Abbot website.
Call the library, 781-631-1481, to schedule curbside pickup with appointment times available Monday-Friday, 2-5:30 p.m. and on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4:30 p.m.
“The health and safety of the public and library staff remain our utmost priority. We appreciate your understanding and are grateful for your continued support,” stated the Abbot website.
Adult programs for January include a screening and discussion of “American Creed,” hosted by the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore (JCCNS), on Thursday, Jan. 14.
“American Creed” is a public broadcast documentary in which former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David M. Kennedy explore the idea of a unifying American creed from the perspective of their backgrounds and experiences.
JCCNS will host a panel discussion with Marty Schneer, executive director of the JCCNS; Jeremy Burton, executive director of the Jewish Community Relations Council; and Karen Bar-Or, national activism director at the Israeli American Council.
Staci Rosenthal, of Facing History and Ourselves, will guide the panel members in discussing the documentary’s themes with the goal, according to a library description of the program, “to engage the community in thoughtful and respectful dialogue of Jewish and American ideals across all types of deepening divides.”
Anyone interested in participating in the Jan. 14 “American Creed” viewing and discussion must register to receive the film link and Zoom panel link by emailing Sara Ewing at [email protected].
Abbot Library’s adult program focus shifts to poetry on Jan. 17, 2-4 p.m., with a virtual “poetry salon” hosted by Claire Keyes or Marilyn Nelson.
Access the Zoom event by clicking this link or by dialing 1-929-205-6099 from the New York Time Zone (if you’re in a different time zone, find out what number to call here) and entering the following information:
Meeting ID: 922-7344-9893
Passcode: 499716
The salon will discuss the poetry of Marilyn Nelson, specifically “A Wreath for Emmett Till.”
Marilyn Nelson was born in Cleveland, Ohio into a military family. Her work, written for both children and adults, deftly manages lyric tradition and historical truths, examining complex issues around race, feminism, and the ongoing trauma of slavery in American life, states the library website.
Nelson is professor emerita of English at the University of Connecticut and the recipient of the 2012 Poetry Society of America’s Frost Medal for distinguished lifetime achievement in poetry.
“Continuing Conversations on Race: Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Legacy,” is scheduled on Monday, Jan. 18, 7-8:30 p.m. with Abbot Library providing a Zoom link on the library’s website one week prior to the program.
“Continuing Conversations on Race,” according to a library website description, are intended ” …to create a safe and welcoming atmosphere in which we explore our own privilege and biases and continue to learn and grow by hearing each other’s stories, so that we can best make a difference.”
The presentation and discussion will begin with a short biography and a section of King’s last speech.
Suggested discussion topics include: What is King’s legacy today? What do you think his most important and lasting contributions are? How can we carry them forward? Participants are invited to bring stories and subsequent civil rights activism they’ve been involved with to share.
Additional adult programs scheduled online by Abbot Library include “Massachusetts Coastal Resources at Risk” on Jan. 27, 7 p.m.
Abbot Library programs for teenagers in January include Teen Advisory Group meetings — visit the Teen Instagram at @AbbotLibraryTeens.
Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) meetings are scheduled on Thursdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 4-5 p.m. for ages 12-18 or grades 6-12.
For more information, email the teen librarian at [email protected] or call her at 781-631-1481, extension 218.
To access the Abbot Public Library’s children’s programs, please visit the Abbot Public Library’s YouTube Channel, to find out about programs, including “Story Time Yoga” with Lindsey Kravitz, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 10:30 a.m.
Visit the Abbot Public Library YouTube Channel for songs, books, poses, and quiet time. The program is 30 minutes and works well for babies, toddlers, and preschool-aged children, along with their caregivers.
“Story Time A-Go-Go” is scheduled for Jan. 13, 10:30 a.m. through the Abbot Public Library YouTube Channel
“Music with Dara” is scheduled for Jan. 15, 10:30 a.m. with lots of clapping, marching, singing, creative expression, and fun. The program is ideal for kids ages 2-5 years old. “Songs with Spencer” is scheduled for Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m.
This program and many other Abbot Library programs are supported by the Oliver P. Killam, Jr. Fund.
For more information on Abbot programming, visit
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Facebook: @AbbotLibraryMarblehead
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