Skip to main content
Skip to main content
Updated 4/18/2024

SAMUEL S POLLARD MEMORIAL LIBRARY (LOWELL, MASSACHUSETTS)

  • M

    MA

Institution/Business Type: Library

Pollard Memorial Library Mission Statement

The Pollard Memorial Library is a vibrant community hub and Lowell’s gateway to knowledge, meeting the information needs and enriching the quality of life in our community. The mission of the Library is to provide diverse collections, state-of-the-art technology, appealing programs and services to Lowell’s diverse population in a safe and welcoming environment.

Collections and Programming

The Pollard Memorial Library is Lowell’s premier information center dedicated to: fostering education and literacy, nurturing lifelong learning, and promoting personal and cultural enrichment.

For Children

The library offers children of the community active library programming stressing the value of reading and communicating. Students of all ages are provided with information and services to support all academic levels.

For Adults

The library also offers an array of programming for adults, including speakers, workshops, films, and discussion groups. Please visit our Events Calendar for more information about upcoming programming.

Adult Literacy

Since 1984, the Pollard Library has also operated a robust Adult Literacy program providing free, confidential one-on-one tutoring for hundreds of Greater Lowell residents. If you would like more information about how to improve your English or reading skills please visit our Adult Literacy page. For more information on how to get involved as a tutor please visit our volunteer page. 

Our Collection

The Pollard Memorial Library’s collection has grown from the 3,500 volumes held in collection when it was opened in 1844, to today’s collection of approximately 240,408 volumes, plus videos, CDs, DVDs, microfilm collections and museum passes. The Pollard Memorial Library is also a proud member of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium. MVLC gives Lowell residents direct access to the holdings of 36 libraries in the region. Circulation of materials amounts to almost 207,326 annually, with approximately one-third of this activity occurring in the children’s collection. For more information about our collection please visit our Collections page. 

Find Me

Gwen Junghanss (she/her)
Job Title: Coord. of Community Planning
Phone: 978-674-1546
Fax: 978-970-4117
Address:
401 MERRIMACK STREET
Lowell, MA 01852-5907

About

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Library

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Embedded in non-cultural public agency

Parent Organization:

City of Lowell

Year Founded:

1844

Overview

Institution/Business Type:

Library

Legal Status:

Nonprofit - Embedded in non-cultural public agency

Parent Organization:

City of Lowell

Year Founded:

1844

Disciplines

Primary Discipline:

Multi-Disciplinary

Activities and Services

Activities and Services:

  • Film Showings
  • Performance / Concert / Reading
  • Professional Network Gatherings / Events
  • Residency - Community
  • Virtual Events
  • Wedding / Parties / Private Gatherings
  • Community Arts
Seasons Active: fall, spring, winter
Events Per Year: 5

Communities

Populations Engaged:

  • Adults
  • Houseless/Housing Insecure Individuals
  • Businesses
  • Elders
  • Families
  • General Public
  • Immigrant Populations
  • Incarcerated (or Formerly Incarcerated) individuals
  • LGBTQ Populations
  • Nonprofits
  • People with Disabilities
  • School Groups
  • Teens
  • Veteran/Active Duty Military Personnel
  • Youth-At-Risk
  • Native American Tribes
  • Artists

Languages Available:

  • English
  • German
  • Spanish

Geographic Reach:

  • Town / City
  • International

Accessibility of Services

Accessibility of Services:

  • Access accommodations for people who use a wheelchair and have limited mobility
  • Access accommodations for people who are blind, partially sighted, and have low vision
  • Access accommodations for people who are Deaf and hard-of-hearing
  • Accessible website and/or multimedia for people with sensory disabilities

The Pollard Memorial Library encourages people with disabilities to participate in our programs, services, and Board of Trustees meetings.

If you have questions about physical access, need handouts in alternate format, or require American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation, or other reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Gwen Junghanss, at 978-674-1546 or gjunghanss@lowelllibrary.org fourteen (14) days in advance of the event.

Venues for Rent/Use

Ground Floor Meeting Room
Venue Address: 401 Merrimack St. Lowell, MA 01852
Venue Phone: 978-674-4120
Venue Type: Conference / Meeting Room
Venue Capacity: 75
Venue Accessibility: Access accommodations for people who are blind, partially sighted, and have low vision. Access accommodations for people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing. Facility is physically accessible (such as parking, entrances, accessible restrooms, seating, backstage).
Venue Seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall
Venue Features: Air Ventilation System, Climate Control, Movie Screen / Projection Capabilities, Security, Sound System, WiFi
Additional Comments: All groups who use the meeting room must fill out the Meeting Room Policy Form. All events must be free and open to the public.