Library Services

The library currently has eight computers in the Reference Room available for use by adult patrons. These computers have access to high-speed Internet, links to magazine and journal databases, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.

The Children’s and Teen Rooms also has computers which are available during open hours. They have games, word processing, and filtered Internet access (on the Children’s computers). Children under the age of seven must have a parent or guardian seated with them in order to use the computers.

For more information about Internet access, view our Internet Use Policy.

We have hotspots available for a two week check out. You can use the hotspot anywhere that has T-Mobile internet service. Rural areas may experience slower speeds. You can connect up to 10 devices to the hotspot. The hotspot is good for doing basic web searching and email. It is not recommended for streaming HD video and downloading large files.

A photocopier is located in the Reference Room on the main floor of the library. Copies can be made on either standard letter (8 1/2″ X 11″) or legal (8 1/2″ X 14″) size paper and cost $.15 each. The photocopier does not produce color copies.

Each of the eleven public Internet-accessible computers located in the Reference Room is connected to a black and white laser printer. A color printer is also available and can be used with staff assistance. Black and white printouts are $.25 each and color printouts are $.50 each.

The Library has a small scanner which may be used by patrons at no charge.  For larger scanning projects it is recommended that patrons bring a USB/thumb drive to use our multi-page scanner/copier

The Library has a fax machine at the Reference Desk. Library staff will send faxes. The charge is $1.00 for the first page and $.50 for each additional page. Faxes must be 10 pages or less and go to a number within the United States. The Library does not receive faxes for patrons.

The library offers wireless service within the building. There is no charge and no password is needed.

The Library has two meeting rooms available for public use. See the description below. To reserve a Meeting Room please call the Reference Desk at 781-596-8867 ext 3304 or the Library Director at 781-596-8867 ext 3301.

The meeting rooms are available for groups providing non-profit programs for the educational, social, and cultural benefit of the community. Meetings must be open to the public without admission charge. Meetings on controversial topics must allow other views on the subject to be addressed. Use of the rooms by groups other than those described above will require special permission by the Board of Library Trustees. The Main Meeting Room accommodates 50 chairs. The library can provide a podium, a screen and a television/VCR/DVD, and meeting room tables. The Baldwin Room can accommodate up to 10 people.
The donation for usage of these room is:

• $25.00 for Baldwin Room
• $50.00 Main Meeting Room

Checks may be made out to the Friends of the Swampscott Public Library

Meeting Room Policy

If you or someone you know is homebound and unable to visit the library in person, please let us know. Whether you are permanently homebound or recovering from a temporary illness, the Swampscott Library has some wonderful volunteers who can deliver books to your home. Please contact the library at 781-596-8867 x 3300 for more information.

For more information click here.

If you or someone you know has trouble reading books, magazines, or other documents because of the small print, please take advantage of our magnifying machine. This easy-to-use machine will considerably enlarge the text and pictures of printed material. It is located in the Baldwin Historical Room. Please feel free to use it at your leisure.