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Town of Marblehead
Abbot Hall
188 Washington Street
Marblehead, MA 01945
781-631-0000
781-631-8571 fax
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Abbot Public Library FAQs
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Simply provide identification that confirms your home address such as a driver’s license, checkbook, voter registration card, utility bill or a postmarked envelope addressed to you at your home.
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Fiction and nonfiction books, books on tape or CD, Internet resources with a number of data bases, music CDs and LPs, CD-ROMs, movies on videotape and DVD, magazines, newspapers, and museum passes. Interlibrarly loan will bring materials from other libraries to Abbot Public Library. The Marblehead Room offers materials relevant to Marblehead history.
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Most items are borrowed for two weeks and are ususally renewable unless reserved by someone else. Fines are generally $.10 per day for adult materials and $.05 per day for children's materials. Videos and DVDs have a $1.00 fine per day if the material is late. See library website for details on fines and borrowing period.
Abbot Public Library Website
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Yes, Abbot Public Library subscribes to the Marblehead Reporter, Lynn Item and Salem News along with the Boston Globe and the Boston Herald. The Abbot Public Library also subscribes to an online data base called News Bank that is available at the library or from any cardholder's home computer. NewsBank provides access to four local newspapers: Boston Globe (1980-current), Boston Herald (1997-current), Worcester Telegram-Gazette (1989-current), and the Springfield Union-News (1988-current). Go to the library's link to the online databases on the
Library Website
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You may use another person’s card to check out materials if you have the library card with you. Library cardholders are responsible for materials checked out to their card, so we ask that you use your own card for books you are taking out for yourself. If you forget your card, the library personnel can look it up and still check out your books to you most of the time.
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Abbot Public Library has both federal and state tax forms, a copy of the property valuation book for Marblehead, the directory of town residents, and telephone directories.
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Yes, library cards are good for the entire group of NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange) libraries. You may need to show your Abbot Library card to obtain borrowing privileges at other Massachusetts public libraries. Books and materials from other libraries may be turned in at Abbot Public Library, where they are checked in and returned to the appropriate lending library.
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Yes. The Senior Book Discussion group meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 10:00 AM in the Marblehead Room. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in starting your own book discussion group, the Library has materials to help you.
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The library has study carrels, two electric typewriters, one PC word processor with Microsoft Office 2003 and a printer, 13 PC computers with Internet connections and a wireless system so residents can bring their own laptops and connect to the Internet at the Abbot Public Library for free.
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The library offers meeting rooms for public use. Abbot Library has both a Meeting Room and a Conference Room available for use by the general public. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 781-631-1481 during Library hours.- The Meeting Room accommodates 100 chairs and has a speaker system available. Also available are a podium, a projection screen and an overhead projector. An Internet connection is available. Kitchen facilities are also available. The fee is $25 and the event must be open to all. No fee may be charged to any of the attendees.
- The Conference Room seats eight-ten people around a table and could hold up to 15 people. There is a white board in the room. The fee is $10. No fee may be charged to any of the attendees.
Visit the Abbot Public Library site for
Library Meeting Room Policies
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Yes. With your library card a number of databases are accessible 24 hours a day, including:
EBSCO Magazines which allows you to search over 2000 magazines, newspapers and journals for full text articles and InfoTrac that provides 11 separate online resources to help you find full-text articles and other information about biographies, business, literature and the arts, health, sports, social sciences, the humanities, science, technology and more, to name just of few that are available.
Access the Databases
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Animal Control FAQs
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No. All wildlife issues come under the jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.
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The Town Clerk's Office handles the licensing of dogs.
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No, the shelter only houses rescued, abandoned and stray pets.
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Yes, but only from the living quarters; not from attics, basements or garages.
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The Animal Control Department will assist sick, vicious and orphaned wildlife under the guidelines of the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife.
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Board of Health FAQs
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Dates of flu clinics are announced through the media as soon as Marblehead's allotment of vaccine is confirmed and received and guidelines are issued by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. These flu clinics are historically held between mid-October to early December.
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Marblehead beaches are tested weekly from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The results are available by calling 781-631-0212 or at the State website and using the search word "beaches".
Massachusetts State Website
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To have your blood pressure checked you can make an appointment with the Public Health nurse at 781-631-0212.
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You can make an appointment with the Public Health nurse at 781-631-0212 if you suspect that your child may have a head lice problem.
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The Marblehead Board of Health, after holding public hearings on the issue, adopted local regulations for house sanding. Copies of the regulations are available at the Health Office at the Mary Alley Municipal Building at 7 Widger Rd.
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No, the Health Department does not pick up Christmas trees. Christmas trees are picked up by the Marblehead Highway Department (781-631-1750) and Tree Department (781-631-2721).
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No, the Health Department does not pick up dead animals. For dead wildlife, call the Marblehead Police Department at 781-631-1212. For domesticated animals, call the Animal Control Officer at 781-858-9865.
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No, drinking water tests are performed by the Marblehead Water Department which can be reached at 781 631-0102.
Marblehead Water Department
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Building Department FAQs
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Yes, a building permit is required for installation/construction of a shed. The proposed shed must conform to zoning by-law setback requirements. If the floor area of the shed is to exceed 50 square feet and is to be located within the Historic District, the application is also subject to review by the Old and Historic District Commission.
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Not presently, however fences cannot exceed six feet in height and may not be placed within twenty feet of a street corner. Fences are also subject to Historic District review.
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Cemetery FAQs
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The Cemetery Department has jurisdiction over Waterside, Harbor View, Old Burial Hill, Green Street and Harris Street Cemeteries. All inquiries should be addressed to Superintendent William James.
More Information...
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You may contact the Superintendent's office to make an appointment to speak to the superintendent. Niches in the chapel and burial plots at Waterside are available to any Marblehead resident taxpayer, ownership being non-transferable.
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Permission must be obtained directly from the plot owner before planting.
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Plot owners are allowed to plant a small garden that extends out one foot directly in front of the stone.
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The Marblehead Cemetery Department, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, the Catholic Cemetery Association and the Town Clerk's office are good places to start.
More Information...
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The Old Burial Hill website has photographs and commentray on the cemetery. Abbot Public Library also has additional information.
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Conservation FAQs
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Most often you would be required to submit "WPA Form 3, Notice of Intent".
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If you need help completing the forms, you can contact the Conservation Administrator for assistance.
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You can get a hearing before the Commission usually within 30 days of filing a completed application form.
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Council On Aging FAQs
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No. Most of our programs have a suggested donation of $3 per session. However, there are several that do have a fee. Check with our office if you are unsure.
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Eligibility for our programs begins at age 60. However, if there is room in a particular class or activity, Marblehead residents under age 60 may also participate. Some programs, such as the Caregivers Group, are open to all ages. Check with the Center if there is a question. Transportation is also available for those under age 60 who are disabled for transportation purposes.
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You can contact the Council on Aging office at 781 631-6737.
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If you know the time and day the class meets, just arrive at the Center a few minutes early to complete a registration card and sign-in on the attendance sheet for the class. If you are beginning an exercise class, please bring a note from your doctor stating that it is okay for you to exercise. If you aren't sure of the time and day of the class, stop by the Center and check our calendar. or see the monthly schedule in The Old Marblehead Cod, the COA monthly newsletter.
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The Council on Aging is the municipal department for senior citizens and the Senior Center is the site used for senior activities. The COA is responsible for operating the Senior Center, which is located in the Marblehead Community Center.
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You may contact the COA at 781 631-6737 or click on Transportation from the COA menu at this website.
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Any senior age 60 or more who lives in Marblehead or any person under age 60 who is disabled for transportation purposes is eligible to use the COA van. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. We strive to accommodate everyone, however, if we cannot transport you at the time you request, we will endeavor to give you an alternative time or day. Regularly scheduled trips may be seen on the Transportation Schedule. This is curb-to-curb service. Riders must be able to get to and from the vehicle on their own or bring an escort to assist.
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Seniors who are eligible to receive home-delivered meals should be primarily homebound and unable to cook or shop for themselves. The easiest way to qualify is to have your doctor's office or nursing service call our office to make a referral. The meals are delivered Monday through Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Frozen meals are available for the weekends. The suggested donation is $2 per meal. However, no senior will be turned away due to inability to make a donation.
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No - any senior age 60 or over is eligible. Home delivered meals do have some additional eligibility requirements but there is no income requirement.
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The COA is prohibited by law from fund-raising. The Friends of the COA is our fund-raising arm. They are a non-profit group formed to support the programs and services of the COA. They have an annual membership drive and several activities throughout the year to raise funds for the COA.
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The Council on Aging has an outreach worker who will assist home-bound individuals with these programs and a SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselor on Monday's from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.
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You can call the COA at 781 631-6737 or click on Property Tax Abatement Program from the COA menu on this website.
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Call the COA and ask for the Outreach Worker. This staff person is available to assist those individuals and their families who need information and referral to appropriate programs and services. All information is confidential.
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Most classes and programs at the COA have a suggested donation of $3 per session. Meals served at the Center have a suggested donation of $2.00 ("special" occasion meals may have a suggested donation of $3.00). The suggested donation for a one-way ride on the COA van is $1.00 in town and $2.00 out of town (Friday "Mystery" rides are $3.00). In a few instances, due to the costs of the program, there is a fee for a particular class. Check at the COA office if you are unsure.
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Plenty! You will be surprised at the vigor and energy of our participants here at the Senior Center. We offer a wide variety of exercise classes at different levels of fitness. In addition, we offer a number of interesting classes, trips and presentations that appeal to many age levels. Stop in at the Center and ask for a tour of the facility ... you'll see firsthand how "young" everyone is here.
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No! Participants at the Center must be independent and able to care for themselves. Our staff is not large enough to look after each individual. You may need an Adult Day Care facility instead. We would be happy to refer you to those available in the nearby community.
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Cultural Council FAQs
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No. We are a separate group, although we work closely with both of them.
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No, but if you've never applied for a grant before the process could be daunting. We're more than willing to help you out - just call us. We also offer an evening of grant-writing assistance approximately two weeks before the grant is due.
Contact Information
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Drain FAQs
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No, sump pumps may not be directed into the sewer system. The sewer system connects to all drains inside your house. All water in this system goes to the South Essex Sewerage Treatment facility to have waste removed.
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Sump pumps may be drained into the street in all seasons except in the winter because of potential buildup of ice.
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Yes, you may direct your sump pump into the storm drain system but a permit is required to connect to the drain system.
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Yes, water from swimming pools may be drained into the street (storm drain system) as long as the chlorine level is less than 1 part per million (ppm).
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The Highway Department cleans out the storm drains at least once a year. Residents can help prevent flooding by keeping the drains free of leaves and debris year-round.
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It goes into the ocean through over 90 different outflow sites.
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The drains in the street collect water in catch basins which ultimately flows into the ocean. It is important that this water is not contaminated because it is not treated prior to flowing into the ocean. Noxious agents can have a negative impact on the heath of the Harbor and surrounding ocean life. (No animal feces, motor oil or other agents allowed in drains in street.) Drains inside your house take waste material to the South Essex Sewerage Treatment facility to remove waste products.
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With the fall season upon us and many trees already dropping their leaves, your help with maintenance is beneficial to all. If you have a town catch basin near your property it would be very helpful and benifit everyone if you could help by maintaining that catch basin by clearing all debris around this area.
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Engineering FAQs
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No, you can not schedule a hearing date with the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Board or Conservation Commission in advance of submitting your application. Applications must be filed before any hearing dates are scheduled.
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Financial Services FAQs
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Payments to vendors are issued on the second and last Friday of each month. Warrants authorizing payments are prepared the previous Wednesday for the approval of the town accountant and the Board of Selectmen.
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Town employees are paid every Thursday, with checks being available after 10:30 am. For employees who have direct deposit, your pay will be electronically transferred to your bank account on Friday. Warrants authorizing the payroll are prepared each Wednesday for the approval of the town accountant and the Board of Selectmen.
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Current and retired Town employees may become a member of one of the Town's health insurance programs during the annual open enrollment period. Open enrollment for the Town is the month of May, with coverage beginning in July.
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If you are an attorney or mortgage company working on a sale or refinance, you need to order a Municipal Lien Certificate. The fees for Municipal Tax Liens are listed under "Permits". If you are a homeowner, the collector's office can print a history of your payments. Please visit the treasurer/collector's office or call 781-631-0587 to receive this information.
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All questions concerning property assessments should be directed to the Assessors. They can be reached at 781-631-0236. You may also check their page on this website.
Board of Assessors
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The Facility Use Sticker is recorded using your vehicle registration number. Proof of residency is also required. The vehicle registration will provide the necessary information. If you have a leased car, the registration and your drivers license are required.
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All questions concerning tax abatements must be referred to the Assessors Office at 781-631-0236. You may also check their page on this website.
Board of Assessors
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There are many reasons why taxes increase, including additional expenditures authorized by Town Meeting or an increase in your assessed property value. You should contact the Assessors Office at 781-631-0236 for questions concerning your property assessment.
Board of Assessors
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If you have unpaid vehicle excise taxes or outstanding parking tickets, the Registry will "mark" your file and refuse to allow you to renew your drivers license or vehicle registration. Once your file has been marked, you will need to contact the Town's Deputy Collector, Kelley and Ryan Associates, at 800 491-9788 to resolve the matter.
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Kelley and Ryan Associates is the authorized Deputy Collector for the Town and is responsible for collecting outstanding vehicle excise taxes that are owed to the Town. Kelley and Ryan Associates maintains an office in Beverly, behind the Registry of Motor Vehicles on Cabot Street. They can be reached at 800 491-9788.
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According to Massachusetts State Statutes, interest on property taxes is due and collectible beginning the day after the tax payment due date.
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Harbors & Waters FAQs
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The wait to obtain a mooring in Marblehead waters is in the 12 - 15 year range.
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It is up to the discretion of the boat owner when to launch their boats and when to take them out. The Town's floating docks are put into the water in April/May and are removed over a three-week period starting on the first of Novemeber.
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Tucker's Wharf (the Harbormaster's Quarters) has public laundry facilities, showers, and restrooms. Within walking distance of the waterfront are grocery stores, restaurants, and shopping. Pumpouts are available by calling the Harbormaster's Office.
Harbormaster's Contact Information
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A broad range of private marine services are available in Marblehead from marine repair service to sails and fiberglass repair.
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