The Pollard Memorial Library at 401 Merrimack Street is a hidden gem for families with children of all ages. From an interactive children's play area and engaging storytime programs to teen events and community resources, Pollard Memorial Library offers something for everyone — completely free of charge. Whether you're a longtime Lowell resident or new to the area, this guide covers everything you need to know about visiting the children's area at Pollard Memorial Library, including programs, parking, library cards, and insider tips for making the most of your visit.
The Pollard Memorial Library is located at 401 Merrimack St. in downtown Lowell, adjacent to City Hall. Metered on-street parking is available on Merrimack Street as well as in a small parking lot on the corner of Moody Street and Colburn Street across from the children's entrance (follow the signs for library parking). The library can also be accessed via Lowell Regional Transit Authority. The entrance to the children's area (ground floor) is handicap/stroller accessible, and there are elevators on the ground floor too if needed. Directly in front of the children's entrance are free parking spots for quick library trips (15 minutes or less), handicap spots and a book drop off bin. This library is open from 9 am to 9 pm Monday-Thursday, and 9 am to 5 pm Friday and Saturday (hours may change seasonally).
There is a bathroom in the children's area, complete with a sink and toilet that are at child-friendly heights. Just ask one of the library staff for a key. There are also adult stall-style bathrooms down the hall (no key needed).
Food is NOT allowed in the library (for obvious reasons, i.e. crumbs, food allergies, etc) but a closed bottle of water is permitted.
Any resident of Lowell, of any age, can obtain a free library card. This card gives you access to ABC Mouse and other electronic resources through the library. Pollard Memorial Library is part of the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, so if you have a library card from one of the other 36 libraries part of the MVLC, you can use it at this library.
Children's Area
The children's area at Pollard Memorial Library is a great place to play before and after storytime, flip through some books, try out a new computer game, or even do a craft! Besides an ample selection of children's books for all ages and tables and chairs where you can read them, the play area has a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. My kids are age 6 and 8, and their favorites are the play kitchen, wall of puppets, computer games, and GIANT blocks (see photo of the tower my son built for reference). The play kitchen is also my personal favorite because my kids like to play "restaurant," where I'm the customer and they serve me "food" while I sit and patiently wait at the kids tables. Other activities include a doll house with furnishings, a tool bench, various types of puzzles and games.
If you're lucky, as we've been many times, you'll happen to visit the library on a day they're offering a craft for kids to do. Generally you can expect crafts during school breaks and early release days but many other times we get surprised with a fun craft to do when visiting the library to check out books or play on a day when the weather is not ideal. The library staff will give you everything you need to complete the craft and show you how to do it, and then you get to take home your creation. It's usually a themed craft for an upcoming holiday, event or season. Even when there isn't a craft of the day, you can always ask for coloring pages at the Children's desk.
Right outside the children's play area and in front of the reference desk are three computers for kids to play fun, educational games on. The games vary from spelling and writing to math, science and beyond. No matter the game, you never have to wonder if the content is appropriate for your kids because -- spoiler alert -- it always is! Remember to ask library staff for headphones to use on the computers.
Teens & Tweens
Across from the children's area is a space more suitable for older kids and younger teens. This section features five computers and a printer as well as tables and chairs throughout for homework use, coloring, or reading.
Tucked away in a cozy corner is a reading nook for extra space and privacy. Kids have many options to choose from here including graphic novels, video games, DVDs, audiobooks, read along books, and magazines to check out. Also in this area are children's books in various languages, including Arabic, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Turkish, Haitian Creole, Japanese, Thai, Dari, and Vietnamese.
Although I haven't personally attended any of the tween/teen programs because my kids aren't old enough yet, there are some really intriguing ones for kids in grades 5-12, including Foodie Fridays, after school Movies and Munchies, coloring club, take & make crafts, creative writing workshops with author visits, and anime club. You can find the full list of activities under the "Events" tab on the PML website, where you can also register for the events. Most events are also included on the Macaroni KID Lowell event calendar.
Children's Programs
We love attending the children's programs at Pollard Memorial Library! One of our favorites is a monthly LEGO® Club for grades K-4, where participants build their own creations using the LEGO bricks and accessories provided by the library. These unique builds are then displayed in the library until the next month's LEGO club. Regularly occurring events include
- "Mother Goose on the Loose" storytime for ages 3 and under
- Family Storytime for all ages
- Afternoon Storytime for all ages
- Little Makers STEM for K-4
- Monthly homeschool meet up
Another favorite of ours is a bi-monthly Crafternoon for children in grades K-4. For the last Crafternoon in March we painted ceramic robot "piggy" banks, and in January we made Yeti pillows (which still live on my kids' beds).
During school vacation weeks the library will host a "Family Movie and Craft," where kids can make a craft and watch a movie (most recently shown were Ice Age, Shrek 2 and Sonic 3) with popcorn, candy and drinks all provided by the library.
There are always extra special events throughout the year such as gingerbread house decorating in December, a superhero themed event for incoming Kindergarteners at the end of the summer, plus family game days and Bingo nights during vacation weeks.
All events are free of charge and conveniently take place in the children's area (ground floor) of the library. Please visit the "Events" tab on the PML website to view all the programs with details and register for the ones you're interested in. Most events are also included on the Macaroni KID Lowell event calendar.
Information for Families
If you're looking for local resources and support, the Pollard Memorial Library's children's area is the place to be. There are pamphlets and flyers throughout the area for special events, early intervention for babies and toddlers up to age 3, pre-school playgroups, Lowell Public Schools information, and so much more. On the walls of the children's area there is also information for local support groups, hotlines, and other parenting resources.
Also, there's the option of asking the children's library staff if you're looking for information on anything, or a specific book for your child. The staff at the library's children's area are always extremely welcoming, helpful and friendly, so please feel free to ask them for assistance if needed.
The library also hosts adult events, great for an hour or two of well deserved "me time." Events include adult craft nights, movies & makers, creative writing group and international book club, to name a few. I attended a wreath decorating event in December while my kids were in school, and proudly displayed my creation on my door well after the holidays!
Pro Tips
Be sure to visit the library during the summer months, when you get to spin the prize wheel anytime you check out a book, sign up for the summer reading program (with prizes!), and participate in scavenger hunts for raffle prizes.
There are often free books for library patrons to keep, on a cart right at the children's entrance. While you're there, check out the creations from the LEGO Club in the display case.
Have a playdate at the library! I do this all the time with my kids and their friends from school. It's a great way to spend time with friends, whether it's building at LEGO Club, doing a craft together or watching a movie with snacks. It provides a structured (and did I mention, free?) activity for the kids to engage in with a set start and end time, plus you could always play in the children's area before/after events, or even as a stand alone activity.
I can't say enough great things about the children's area of the Pollard Memorial Library. From the creative and fun activities for all ages, to the super friendly and helpful staff, plus all of the available (free) resources, you're bound to find something (or many things) for your family. Hope to see you there sometime!
Pollard Memorial Library
401 Merrimack St.
Lowell, MA 01852
Brittany is a Lowell mom of 2 children and a long-time reader of Macaroni KID. She is a beach lover who collects sea glass, and enjoys sharing her food creations with family and friends.
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