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To the editor:
It is difficult to put into words what the Abbot Public Library means to Marblehead, but “devastating” is the only way to describe the possible loss of services. Recently, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said that budget priorities must focus on departments that “protect life and property.” I believe this view overlooks the fundamental role the library plays in protecting the quality of life for our residents.
As a library employee, every day I see how the library acts as a vital community hub. It is a safe place for students to gather after school and a home base for parents and nannies seeking connection.
It is the Scully Salon on a Friday morning, where neighbors share coffee and conversation. It is the cookbook book club, where food and company bridge the gap between strangers.
For many, the library is critical for productivity. Our private study rooms are a lifeline for local tutors and a necessary office space for those who work from home but lack a quiet, reliable space. Our larger rooms offer local organizations a place to gather and meet regularly.
For many, we are the only source of technology, providing the computers and internet access necessary to navigate modern life. Abbot Library offers residents protection from isolation, offering a place to go for those who might otherwise be alone. The staff is always there to be a helping hand for those struggling with technology.
Abbot Public Library is so much more than a building full of books. The Abbot Public Library isn’t a luxury; it is an essential service that sustains the spirit of Marblehead.
Kelly Szalewicz
Devereux Street
