Peabody Library Cuts Branch Hours as Mayor Moves to Return $320K to Residents
The Peabody Institute Library's two branch locations will scale back their hours starting July 6 amid a budget crunch, even as Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. announces an effort to return more than $320,000 in unclaimed cash to residents who may not know they're owed money.
TOWN HALL
Mayor Bettencourt is moving to return more than $320,000 in unclaimed cash to Peabody residents and businesses. The city has posted an unclaimed property list and a claim form on the town website, and residents are encouraged to check whether their name appears before funds are turned over to the state. The initiative comes alongside a standing Level 3 Critical Drought declaration from the state, which remains in effect and carries mandatory water-use restrictions for Peabody residents.
The town's homepage also notes an active Central Street Project traffic advisory, an ongoing antisemitism response from city leadership, and a new three-year ambulance service agreement with Cataldo Ambulance.
SCHOOLS
The Peabody Public Schools calendar shows the finish line is in sight: June 25 is the last day of school, with an adjusted high school dismissal time that day. Before the year wraps, the School Committee holds its regular meeting on June 24, alongside a Retirement Celebration and a Quality and Standards Subcommittee meeting the same evening.
COMMUNITY & ARTS
The Peabody Institute Library will reduce hours at both the South Branch (78 Lynn Street) and West Branch (603 Lowell Street) effective July 6, 2026. Under the new schedule, both branches will be open Monday and Tuesday 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., Thursday 1–9 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.–1 p.m., with Fridays and Sundays closed — a reduction from current hours. The Main Library at 82 Main Street is not affected.
Also beginning July 6, the Main Library will host a free summer lunch program for children and teens 18 and younger, running Monday through Thursday through Aug. 16. The program gives families a no-cost midday meal option during the summer break.
Peabody residents with children can also take advantage of free admission to the North Shore Children's Museum on Saturdays and Sundays throughout July (excluding July 4), a program announced by the city.
ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS
Peabody Patch reports "Peabody Institute Library To Slash Hours Amid Budget Crunch" — the South and West Branch libraries will cut operating hours starting July 6 due to budget pressures, a story the town's website also flagged this cycle. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
Patch also covered "Peabody To Host Free Summer Eats Lunch Program Starting July 6" — the Main Library will serve free lunch to anyone 18 and younger on weekdays through mid-August, linking the program to the library calendar. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
On the community side, Patch reports "Peabody Community Family Pride Event Set For The Bell Inn & Tavern" — a free June 28 gathering will feature crafts, games, and a visit from The Good Witch of Salem. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
Patch also covered "Peabody Youth Football Players Win National Championships" — local youth players competed at the New England Youth Tackle Football National Championships at Brown University in Rhode Island. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
Finally, Patch reports "Peabody Families Get Free Admission To North Shore Children's Museum" — Peabody residents can attend at no cost on weekend days in July, excluding the Fourth of July holiday. (read it at https://patch.com/massachusetts/peabody)
COMING UP
- **June 24** — Quality and Standards Subcommittee Meeting; Retirement Celebration; Regular School Committee Meeting (Peabody Public Schools) - **June 25** — Last Day of School; adjusted high school dismissal time (Peabody Public Schools) - **June 28** — Peabody Community Family Pride Event, The Bell Inn & Tavern (free admission; per Peabody Patch) - **July 6** — Reduced branch library hours take effect at South and West Branches; free Summer Eats lunch program begins at Main Library (Monday–Thursday through Aug. 16, ages 18 and younger) - **Throughout July (weekends, excluding July 4)** — Free admission for Peabody residents at North Shore Children's Museum