We strive to maintain a collection of current high-demand, high-interest materials in a variety of formats for Lowell residents. Our Library is part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, so if we don’t have what you’re looking for we can often request it from another member library. We also offer Interlibrary Loan Services.
Donations of Books or Other Items
As stated in our Materials Selection Policy, donations of books and materials to the Library are welcomed, with the understanding that the same criteria of selection will be applied before adding donated materials to the collection. Those materials not selected will be refused, sold, or donated to the Friends of the Pollard Memorial Library. Donations which are accompanied by qualifying instructions as to disposition, housing or use may or may not be accepted. The Library cannot be responsible for the appraisal of gifts for income tax or any other purpose. If you have any questions or would like to offer a donation of books or other materials please contact Alison Zaya at 978-674-1524 or azaya@lowelllibrary.org.
The following is a partial list of the types of physical materials we have for you to access or borrow. For more information about online databases, ebook and audiobook downloads please visit our Electronics Resource page.
Audiobooks
Location: First Floor Reading Room.
A large selection of new and best seller audiobooks are available in CD, MP3, and handheld Playaway formats.
DVDs
Location: First Floor (General), Ground Floor (Childrens).
New and classic feature films, TV series, documentaries, health, history and National Geographic DVDs are available for check out at no charge.
World Languages
Location: First Floor Stacks
Fiction, non-fiction, biography books, audiobooks, and DVDs are available in a variety of languages including African languages, Chinese, French, Hindi, Khmer, Portuguese, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese, and more. (Not all formats are available in all languages).
Large Print
Location: First Floor Stacks
Our large print fiction, non-fiction, and biographical books are located in the First Floor stacks. Look for the “L.P.” call number.
Local History Collection
Location: Second Floor Reference Room
We have a large collection of materials related to local history. For more information about holdings and access to these materials please visit our Local History page.
Magazine/Newspapers
Location: First Floor Reading Room, Second Floor Reference Room, Mezzanine (back issues)
We maintain subscriptions to local and national daily newspapers (everything from The Lowell Sun to the New York Times) and a variety of general interest magazines. The majority of our magazines and newspapers are kept on the First Floor. Recent copies of Baron’s, Boston Business Journal, Linn’s Stamps, and the NY Times Book Review are stored on the Second Floor. Back issues of most newspapers are kept on the Mezzanine.
Microfilm/Microfiche
Location: Second Floor hallway outside Reference Room
Lowell Sun – Microfilm (1879 – present)
Time Magazine – Microfilm (1948 – 1967) & Micofiche (1968 – 2014)
Newsweek – Microfilm (1949 – 1968) & Micofiche (1969 – 2014)
New York Times – Microfilm (Sept. 1851 -1999)
US News World Report – Microfilm (1948 – 1967) & Microfiche (1968 – 2014)
We have four microfiche readers available for public use as well as a microfilm reader attached to a computer. Print copies are $0.25 per page. Digital copies that are emailed to yourself or saved to a flashdrive have no cost. If you need assistance, please inquire at the Second Floor Information Desk.
New Materials
New Books: First Floor in alcove near computers
DVDs: FirstFloor (General), Ground Floor (Childrens)
New Reader
Location: Second Floor Stacks
Our New Reader collection offers materials for adult learners and tutors and supports our adult literacy program. The collection is arranged by theme and includes categories such as conversation, reading comprehension, writing, vocabulary, citizenship, health, career and workplace, and life skills. Materials are designed for adults learning to read or learning to speak English, and those who are helping them. The collection contains books, CDs, and DVDs. Look for the “N.R.” call number. If you are interested in learning more about our adult literacy program, please visit our Adult Literacy page.
Teen/Young Adult
Location:Â First floor near Merrimack Street entrance
We have set aside a teen/young adult area with fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels and other age-appropriate materials. The fiction collection is arranged by genre (historical fiction, sci-fi/fantasy, etc.) We’ve also put in some comfy furniture so teens can feel comfortable curling up with some manga or the latest vampire novel. For more information about teens at the Pollard please visit our Teen area.