Welcome to "the emma"

                                                             History of the Library

Founded in 1886 with a donation of $52 and nestled into Newburyport’s historic south end, the Emma L. Andrews Library and Community Center is a lending library and an activities center for adults and youth. Our book and periodicals collection is constantly updated to offer new releases and classics, books by local authors, and a range of children’s and young adult favorites. Whatever your interests, the “Emma” is a great place to meet your neighbors at one of our adult or youth activities. 

                                                                      Timeline    

-1886 Newburyport schoolteacher Emma Andrews (née Landers) proposes a lending library to serve the children of Newburyport’s South End. 

-1899 Locals donate $52 to establish a local reading room. 

-1905 Library Association purchases a Victorian house at 77 Purchase Street for $3,500. 

-July 20, 1905 The “Emma” is dedicated and named for its founder. 

-1905 – present The “Emma” continues to offer programs and reading opportunities for adults, teens and children.