Holbrook Public Library

What Holbrook Public Library does

Holbrook Public Library is a municipal public library operated by the Town of Holbrook, Massachusetts, serving a resident population of approximately 12,000. Established in 1967 and housed at 2 Plymouth Street, the institution delivers traditional library services (physical and digital lending, reference assistance, programming for all age cohorts) alongside non-traditional offerings including a Library of Things (tools, instruments, assistive technology, outdoor gear), mobile hotspot lending, a personalized monthly book recommendation service called The Book Drop, and a Climate Resilience Hub operated in partnership with Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW). Youth and teen programming is particularly structured, encompassing storytimes, therapy-dog reading sessions, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, Nintendo Switch tournaments, and a Teen Advisory Board.

The library's technology stack is built on the Old Colony Library Network (OCLN) regional catalog system, which migrated to Aspen Discovery in April 2025 to unify ebook management, virtual browsing, and account administration. Digital content is delivered through vendor integrations with Libby by OverDrive (ebooks/audiobooks/magazines), Hoopla (streaming media and comics), Kanopy (on-demand film), ComicsPlus, and a suite of Gale and Newsbank research databases funded in part by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Twelve public-access computers, free Wi-Fi, and hotspot lending address the digital divide, while Aspen Discovery and NoveList Plus provide algorithmic discovery and recommendations at the catalog layer.

The operating model is a publicly funded, government-entity structure with a fine-free policy on own materials. Primary revenue is town appropriation supplemented by Massachusetts state aid through the Board of Library Commissioners, with secondary support from two 501c3 nonprofit partners: the Friends of the Holbrook Public Library (program support via book sales, raffles, merchandise) and the Holbrook Public Library Foundation (established 2022, focused on capital improvements). Marginal revenue is generated from printing and copying ($0.15/page), scanning and faxing (free), and replacement fees for lost or damaged materials, which are accepted in cash or as canned goods. The library is governed by a Board of Library Trustees and led by Library Director Katherine Gomes with a 12-person staff that includes specialized roles in youth services, technology, collections, and programming. The principal operational constraint is the 57-year-old main building, which faces $876,000+ in deferred infrastructure repairs including an inoperable elevator, basement flooding, and HVAC issues, motivating the Foundation's capital campaign.

Name

Holbrook Public Library

Legal name

Holbrook Public Library

Website

https://holbrookpubliclibrary.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1872

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Holbrook Public Library is a municipal public library in Holbrook, Massachusetts serving approximately 12,000 residents through physical and digital lending, programming, and community services. Operated as a government entity, it runs on town appropriations, state aid, and two 501c3 nonprofit partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Library Services

NAICS

Libraries and Archives (519210), Libraries and Archives (51921)

akta.pro primary industry

Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Library Operations & Community Branch Management (EDAEAGAC), Library User Services & Information Support (Reference, Research Help, Instruction Support) (EDAEAGAL), Library Collections & Cataloging Services (Acquisitions, Metadata, Circulation) (EDAEAGAE), Interlibrary Loan (ILL) & Resource Sharing Operations (EDAEAGAK), Library-Based Learning Programs (Public Libraries) (EDAAAFAA)

Keywords

• Public library services
• Community lending programs
• Digital media access
• Educational programming
• Genealogy research resources

Headquarters

HQ city

Holbrook

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Public Funding: The library is funded through town appropriations and state aid programs, including the State Aid to Public Libraries Program administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
2. Donations and Fundraising: The Friends of the Holbrook Public Library (501c3) fundraises through ongoing book sales, raffles, and merchandise. The Holbrook Public Library Foundation (501c3) raises funds for capital improvements. Donations are accepted via PayPal.
3. Fines and Fees: No daily fines on own items; replacement fees for lost/damaged materials accepted in cash or canned goods ($5 per can). Late fees for interlibrary loan items per lending library policy.
4. Printing Services: Printing and copying services at $0.15 per page. Free scanning to email. Free fax services. Mobile printing via email submission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Holbrook Public Library provides free public library services to Holbrook, Massachusetts residents through a unified model combining physical and digital lending, research databases, programming for all ages, and community services. Core offerings include access to the OCLN catalog (recently migrated to Aspen Discovery), digital content via Libby/OverDrive, Hoopla, Kanopy, and ComicsPlus, genealogy resources, printing/copying/faxing, museum passes, hotspot lending, Library of Things equipment lending, and Books By Mail for homebound patrons.

Product overview

Holbrook Public Library provides public library services to Holbrook, Massachusetts residents through a unified service model combining physical collections with digital platforms. The core offering consists of the OCLN (Old Colony Library Network) catalog system, which recently migrated to Aspen Discovery, providing unified access to borrowing, holds, and account management. Digital content is delivered through partnerships with Libby by OverDrive (ebooks/audiobooks), Hoopla (streaming media), Kanopy (video), and ComicsPlus (digital comics). The library's Library of Things program extends beyond traditional collections to offer equipment lending including games, musical instruments, technology devices, tools, and outdoor gear. Personalized services include The Book Drop reading recommendation program and Books By Mail for homebound patrons. Youth services encompass structured programming including reading challenges, therapy dog sessions, gaming events, and craft activities. The institution operates under a fine-free policy with support from the Friends of the Holbrook Library and a newly established Foundation for capital improvements.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OCLN Library Catalog Patron-facing catalog and circulation system providing account management, holds, renewals, and borrowing access across the Old Colony Library Network of libraries.
• eBooks and eAudiobooks Digital content lending service providing access to ebooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines through Libby by OverDrive, Hoopla, and ComicsPlus platforms.
• Kanopy Streaming On-demand video streaming service offering critically-acclaimed movies, documentaries, and foreign films accessible with library card authentication on computers, phones, tablets, and Smart TVs.
• Interlibrary Loan Service allowing patrons to request materials from other libraries through the OCLN network, Commonwealth Catalog for Massachusetts libraries, and mediated out-of-state services.
• Library of Things Collection of non-traditional items for borrowing including games, musical instruments, technology equipment, tools, outdoor gear, educational materials, and assistive technology items.
• The Book Drop Monthly personalized reading recommendation service where library staff select 1-3 fiction books based on patron reading preferences, delivered as a surprise pickup on the first of each month for teens and adults.
• Hotspot Lending Mobile hotspot lending program allowing patrons to borrow internet access devices supporting up to 10 connected devices with up to 6 hours of battery use, on a two-week loan period.
• Reference and Technology Services Access to reference materials, digital resources, research assistance, 12 public access computer workstations with internet, free Wi-Fi, and printing/scanning/faxing services.
• Printing, Scanning, and Faxing Document services including color and black & white printing at $0.15 per page, free scanning to email, and free fax services, with remote printing available via email submission.
• Books By Mail Home delivery service for homebound patrons who are temporarily or permanently unable to visit the library, with free postage for returns.
• Summer Reading Program Annual seasonal reading program with challenges, prizes, events, and reading/activity trackers for all ages, culminating in prize drawings based on completed activities and program attendance.
• Climate Resilience Hub Climate preparedness resource center affiliated with Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW), providing multilingual educational materials and seasonal emergency preparedness information.
• Museum Passes Discounted or free museum admission passes available for Holbrook residents, including Museum of Fine Arts passes funded by the Holbrook Cultural Council, Friends of the Library, and grants.
• Genealogy and Local History Research services and digital resources for genealogical research including Ancestry Library Edition, ProQuest HeritageQuest, HeritageHub obituary database, Newsbank newspapers, and local yearbook collections.
• Book Clubs Multiple book discussion groups including Community Reads (popular fiction), Murder & Mystery, Sci Fri Book Club, and BYOB (Bring Your Own Book) for middle-grade readers.
• Youth and Teen Services Age-specific programming including storytimes, Read to Polar Bear therapy dog sessions, Tween Craft Club, Dungeons & Dragons, Nintendo Switch gaming, and Super Smash Bros tournaments for children and teens.
• Community Necessities Cabinet Community resource providing hygiene products, personal care items, and community resource information for underserved community members in need.
• Aspen Discovery Catalog New library software platform providing enhanced catalog experience with unified ebook management, virtual browsing by format, personalized recommendations, and integrated account management, replacing the legacy catalog.
• Library Card Registration Free library card registration service providing access to all library materials, digital resources, and services for both residents and non-residents, with no daily fines and no replacement fee for lost cards.

Quantifiable outcome

• 45,062 items circulated in FY25 (30,572 physical + 14,310 electronic)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration13 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Green City GrowerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional farmer provides weekly vegetable garden program at the library every Thursday from 1-2pm, guiding patrons in planting, maintaining, and harvesting organic produce from three garden beds on Plymouth Street lawn. Patrons take home fresh produce. Partnership supports summer reading programming and community engagement.
• Old Colony Library Network (OCLN)coreTechnology or IntegrationRegional library network providing shared catalog system (now migrating to Aspen Discovery), interlibrary loan services, and digital resource platforms including Libby, Hoopla, and other e-content.
• Communities Responding to Extreme Weather (CREW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLibrary is an official CREW member, committed to serving as a Climate Resilience Hub providing free education and information on climate change and weather emergency preparedness. Hosts multilingual educational resources and at least one climate preparedness program annually.
• Smithsonian Museum on Main Street / Mass HumanitiesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted the 'Voices & Votes: Democracy in America' traveling exhibit examining the American democratic experiment, running November 1 through December 13. Partnership included local programming and HCAM video coverage.
• Friends of the Holbrook Public LibrarycoreGTM or Marketing Partner501c3 nonprofit organization raising funds to support library programs and classes through ongoing book sales, raffles, merchandise, and volunteer efforts. Supports museum passes and other library initiatives.
• Holbrook Middle-High SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for teen programming, homework help, and school outreach. Library provides resources and programs for students including volunteer opportunities.
• Town of Holbrook / Council on AgingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosting community events including the 2nd Annual Block Party with the Council on Aging. Partners on community initiatives and resource sharing.
• OverDrive / LibbycoreTechnology or IntegrationDigital content platform providing ebooks, eAudiobooks, and magazines accessible through the OCLN network catalog.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Brockton Public Library: Old Colony Library Network peer serving a larger urban population with broader programming scale. Provides comparable reference, digital lending, and museum-pass services in the same regional network as Holbrook.
• Weymouth Public Libraries (Tufts Library): Nearby South Shore Massachusetts public library network with multiple branches, similar community programming model, and comparable digital resource subscriptions via OCLN-equivalent consortia.
• Billerica Public Library: Mid-sized Massachusetts municipal public library serving a similar suburban population with comparable youth/adult programming, OCLN-equivalent network membership, and traditional plus digital lending. Closely comparable in scale, service mix, and funding model.
• Whitman Public Library: Town-funded Massachusetts public library very close in geographic proximity and town size to Holbrook, with overlapping Old Colony Library Network participation and similar fine-free community service orientation.
• Plymouth Public Library: Larger Massachusetts municipal public library operating in the Old Colony Library Network with comparable digital lending, programs, and museum pass programs. Comparable in service breadth but larger in town size and staff.
• Abington Public Library: Small South Shore Massachusetts municipal library with comparable staff size, traditional town-funded operating model, and similar mix of children's, teen, and adult programming for a town of similar demographic profile.
• Canton Public Library: Massachusetts municipal library of comparable suburban scale with overlapping digital lending platforms, children's and teen programming, and a focus on community space utilization comparable to Holbrook.

Others

• Old Colony Library Network (OCLN): The regional library consortium Holbrook belongs to; provides shared catalog (Aspen Discovery), interlibrary loan, and digital resource access enabling the library's service offering rather than competing with it.
• OverDrive / Libby: Primary digital content platform serving Holbrook patrons' ebook, eAudiobook, and magazine lending needs through the OCLN portal — a technology enabler and ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Boston Public Library: Massachusetts statewide broad incumbent providing digital lending, programming, and reference at significantly larger scale; shares similar consortia participation and overlapping digital content platforms (Libby/OverDrive, Hoopla).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/HolbrookPublicLibrary
• Instagraminstagram.com/holbrooklibma/?hl=en
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/holbrook-public-library

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Holbrook Public Library