Coming up this week...
Dear Patrons,
The North Shore Library building has reopened and we are excited to welcome you back in the door! In order to maintain physical distancing, we
are operating at reduced capacity and visits are limited to 60 minutes. Our hours will be reduced so that we can offer the best possible service each day.
All staff and patrons are required to wear face masks to keep everyone healthy and the library open. Curbside Pickup and virtual services will continue
to be available. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Library Hours:
Monday – Thursday 10:00 – 6:00
Friday 12:00-5:00
Saturday 12:00-3:00
Seniors and High Risk Patrons Only:
Fridays 10:00-12:00
Curbside Pickup is available during all open hours.
*The last request will be taken 15 minutes before close.
Services offered will include:
- Curbside Pickup Service
- In person pick up of holds
- Browse the collection and check items out
- Check out magazines and newspapers
- Limited number of public computers – 1 hour per day per person
- Copier, Printer, Scanner
- 24-7 Book drop access all items are quarantined for 24 hours and then backdated when checked in
- Virtual Programs and Classes
- Reference services in person and by phone
Unavailable Services:
- Study Room use
- Community Room use
- We cannot accept book donations
- Newspaper/Magazine reading area
- Puzzle area
- Children’s room toys
- Chairs for lounging, studying and meeting
- Drinking fountain
-
We hope to see you soon!
Sincerely,
Alyssa Pisarski
Interim Library Director

Welcome to our podcast Book Chat at the North Shore Library. Join us as we discuss what we've been reading lately, what we recommend and how you can check them out!
Calculator
How do you determine what the North Shore Library's value is to you?
Take a few minutes and try this Library Value Calculator!
How much would you pay out-of-pocket for your library services?
Enter in the left hand column the number of times per month you or your family use each service. Estimated retail value of each service (if purchased) will be calculated on the right. Total value of your library use is shown at the bottom of the worksheet.
Tip: Tab between entries and do not use commas.
The calculator worksheet has been adapted from original downloadable spreadsheet by the Massachusetts Library Association and adapted for the web by Chelmsford Public Library.
Explanation and Values for Library Use Value Calculator
This chart provides background for estimated or average costs for library resources and services.
For example, we used an average between hardcover and paperback prices for adult and childrens books from online retailers to arrive at average prices for those categories. We also relied on the Library and Book Trade Almanac for other print material prices. While the cost of many library resources has remained flat or decreased slightly since 2009, the cost of magazines and newspapers has increased substantially. Updated figures, July 2014
How are values calculated?
Below is a list of estimated or average cost of library services with explanations. Some values may vary.
Item | Estimated Retail Value | Values Explained |
---|---|---|
Hard Cover Book Borrowed | $18.00 | Average cost of hardcover for adults |
Paperback Book Borrowed | $12.00 | Average cost of paperback for adults |
Children Book Borrowed | $10.00 | Average cost of hardcover for children |
Audiobooks Borrowed | $25.00 | Average cost to purchase an audio book |
Interlibrary Loan Requests | $30.00 | Ave rag national cost for loans |
eBooks/Audiobooks Downloaded | $8.00 | Average cost to download an e-book/audiobook |
Magazine Borrowed | $5.00 | Average cost to purchase a popular periodical issue |
Video Borrowed | $17.00 | Average cost to purchase a popular video |
CDs Borrowed | $22.00 | Average cost to purchase a CD. |
Newspaper Use in Library | $7.50 | Average monthly cost of a popular newspaper |
Meeting Room cost per Use | $50.00 | Estimate |
Program/Class Attended - Adult | $14.00 | Estimate |
Program Attended - Children | $11.50 | Estimate |
Computer Use per Hour e.g. Internet and MS Word per hour | $12.00 | Sample hourly rate at internet cafes for people using their computers, not their own laptops. |
Reference Questions Asked | $15.00 | Estimated cost per question |