Services

** You may continue to send documents to swaprinting@gmail.com for printing. ** Black and white copies are 25 cents each and color copies are 50 cents each.

Public Computers

The library currently has eleven IBM-compatible computers in the Reference Room available for use by teen and adult patrons. These computers have access to high-speed Internet, links to magazine and journal databases, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel. The Children’s Room also has computers which are available for children up through the sixth grade. They have games, word processing, and filtered Internet access. 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.

Wi-Fi Hotspots

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.

Photocopying & Printing

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.

Scanner

The Library has a small scanner which may be used by patrons at no charge.

Fax

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.

Wireless

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

Meeting Rooms

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 Policies

  • Library programs and events have priority for meeting room use.
  • Programs and exhibits may not disrupt the use of the library by others.
  • Groups associated with the library, such as the Friends of the Library, the Board of Trustees, etc. may use the rooms at no charge.
  • Town Departments and Committees may use the rooms at no charge.
  • Groups which are co-sponsoring a program with the library will do so with no charge.
  • Non-profits and groups who provide educational, social and/or cultural benefits to the community may use the rooms free of charge.
  • All programs must be open to the public.
  • No admission may be charged for any program in the meeting rooms.
  • Smoking and alcohol are prohibited in the meeting rooms.
  • Light refreshments are permitted, provided that the area is completely cleaned by the group after the meeting – no food may be left behind.
  • The meeting rooms must be returned to their original condition after the meeting; as it was prior to the meeting. Failure to return the rooms to their correct condition could result in a custodial charge being assessed to the renting group and/or loss of the privilege to use the room.
  • No extended bookings of the meeting rooms are allowed without special permission of the Board of Library Trustees.
  • Meetings must end 15 minutes before the library closes.
  • Meetings in the Baldwin Room may occasionally be interrupted if the staff needs to retrieve historical materials for research purposes.

Delivery Service for the Homebound

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.

Magnifier for Visually Impaired

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.