Join / Renew
Where You Belong
- Join an independent library and cultural community hub founded in freedom of thought.
- Discover forgotten classics and today’s bestsellers—without long waitlists.
- Engage with award-winning authors, researchers, and creators; participate in thoughtful discussions, and attend entrancing concerts, and Summer Salons in the garden.
- Experience a peaceful, literary, and cultural sanctuary where inspiration flows and thoughts wander.
- Find connections with your neighbors and community.
- Enjoy a beautiful “third space” to work, think, and create away from your home or office.
- And above all—cozy up with a good book.
Membership Tiers & Benefits
Membership options that fit your lifestyle and budget
Visitor Access is Free
- Visit curated exhibits, browse books and periodicals in the reading rooms, and enjoy the beautiful gardens
- Access public programs
- Participate in discussion and writing groups
- Drop in for free wifi during public hours
- Research collections dating back to the 15th century
- Attend events via Card to Culture: Available to individuals enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or MassHealth programs – see details
Individual — $115
- Free admission to regular cultural programming including author talks, game nights, Summer Salons, and Friday wind downs
- Borrowing privileges and shorter wait lists (with no late fees)
- Access to browse the circulating stacks
- Tailored book recommendations from Athenaeum staff
- Invitation to suggest new titles for acquisition
- Member-first access and discounts to Signature Events throughout the year including concerts and the Garden Party
- Member-exclusive events such as our Welcome Winter Solstice Party
- Member Meetups exploring regional activities and points of interest
- Reserve the library for meetings, parties, or gatherings at discounted member rate
- Discounted merchandise at the Athenaeum gift shop
Educator — $75
Includes all Individual benefits for one adult and dependent children under age 22 in the same household for teachers, librarians, and support staff of pre-K–12 schools who live or work in Essex County.
- Free admission to regular cultural programming including author talks, game nights, Summer Salons, and Friday wind downs
- Borrowing privileges and shorter wait lists (with no late fees)
- Access to browse the circulating stacks
- Tailored book recommendations from Athenaeum staff
- Invitation to suggest new titles for acquisition
- Member-first access and discounts to Signature Events throughout the year including concerts and the Garden Party
- Member-exclusive events such as our Welcome Winter Solstice Party
- Member Meetups exploring regional activities and points of interest
- Reserve the library for meetings, parties, or gatherings at discounted member rate
- Discounted merchandise at the Athenaeum gift shop
Dual Household — $175
Includes all Individual benefits for two adults and dependent children under age 22 in the same household.
- Free admission to regular cultural programming including author talks, game nights, Summer Salons, and Friday wind downs
- Borrowing privileges and shorter wait lists (with no late fees)
- Access to browse the circulating stacks
- Tailored book recommendations from Athenaeum staff
- Invitation to suggest new titles for acquisition
- Member-first access and discounts to Signature Events throughout the year including concerts and the Garden Party
- Member-exclusive events such as our Welcome Winter Solstice Party
- Member Meetups exploring regional activities and points of interest
- Reserve the library for meetings, parties, or gatherings at discounted member rate
- Discounted merchandise at the Athenaeum gift shop
Proprietor — $500 One-Time + $350/year
Deepen your connection to Salem’s literary heritage and participate in shaping the Athenaeum’s sustainable future.
Join a legacy dating back to 1810. By becoming a Proprietor you add your name to one of only 100 shares originally belonging to notable New England residents such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Susan Burley, Nathaniel Bowditch, Caroline Plummer, Edward Augustus Holyoke, and Frank W. Benson.
- Free admission to regular cultural programming including author talks, game nights, Summer Salons, and Friday wind downs
- Borrowing privileges and shorter wait lists (with no late fees)
- Access to browse the circulating stacks
- Tailored book recommendations from Athenaeum staff
- Invitation to suggest new titles for acquisition
- Member-first access and discounts to Signature Events throughout the year including concerts and the Garden Party
- Member-exclusive events such as our Welcome Winter Solstice Party
- Member Meetups exploring regional activities and points of interest
- Reserve the library for meetings, parties, or gatherings at discounted member rate
- Discounted merchandise at the Athenaeum gift shop
All membership benefits described above, plus:
- Personalized and Framed Share Certificate
- Your name recorded in perpetuity as a Proprietor of one of only 100 shares
- Two complimentary non-member guest tickets annually to the Garden Party with the purchase of two member tickets
- Free Athenaeum mug or engraved glass when you purchase a gift membership (one for individual, two for household)
- Vote at the annual meeting and reception in May when new trustees and officers are elected, the annual assessment is set, and changes to the bylaws and any other essential business decisions are made
- Opportunities to shape the Athenaeum’s future through advisory roles and serving on the board of trustees
- Contact us about share availability by email: staff@salemathenaeum.net
Kirwan Society — $2500+ Annually
Join a long-held tradition of giving to support the place you love.
- Free admission to regular cultural programming including author talks, game nights, Summer Salons, and Friday wind downs
- Borrowing privileges and shorter wait lists (with no late fees)
- Access to browse the circulating stacks
- Tailored book recommendations from Athenaeum staff
- Invitation to suggest new titles for acquisition
- Member-first access and discounts to Signature Events throughout the year including concerts and the Garden Party
- Member-exclusive events such as our Welcome Winter Solstice Party
- Member Meetups exploring regional activities and points of interest
- Reserve the library for meetings, parties, or gatherings at discounted member rate
- Discounted merchandise at the Athenaeum gift shop
All membership benefits described above, plus:
- Two complimentary non-member guest tickets annually to the Garden Party with the purchase of two member tickets
- Exclusive invitations to celebrated events, such as:
- Pre-event reception with a featured author
- Post-event dinner with a featured author
- Director’s collection highlights tour
- Complimentary Household Membership for you to gift annually
- Logo gift ($50 value) when you join
- Kirwan Society Pin at your 5th anniversary
Institutional Memberships
Organizational memberships allow corporations, universities, libraries, and nonprofit institutions to provide their employees, students, and patrons with borrowing privileges and free or discounted admission to programs, and other benefits.
(Contributions to the Athenaeum are tax deductible to the extend allowed by law.)
Corporate/Group (starts at $1500/year )
- Up to five memberships for your team
- Your logo posted as a program Season Sponsor
- Private orientation tour for your organization
- Special opportunity to host an event in our historic space at a discounted rate
Contact us at staff@salemathenaeum.net or 978-744-2540 to set up your customizable institutional membership today!
Membership FAQs
May anyone become a member? Anyone 18 and older may join by paying the subscription fee and completing the registration form.
What types of membership does the Athenaeum offer? We offer four types of membership: an individual subscription; a household subscription; an educator subscription; and proprietorship. See _____ for details
Are there membership cards? We maintain records for circulation on site. We do not currently issue membership cards.
When will my membership take effect and when can I start taking out books? Your membership takes effect immediately upon payment. We want you to be able to become part of the Athenæum community right away! It may take a few days to process and send you a confirmation letter in the mail.
Will I receive a notice when it’s time to renew my membership? You will receive a notice when that time comes around – either by email or post. Subscribers renew on a rolling basis throughout the year based on your join date. Our renewal period for Proprietors begins June 1st each year after the assessment is set at the annual meeting in May.
Gift Membership
Memberships are a delightful gift for any occasion and an excellent way to introduce those new to the area to our vibrant community. Gifts may be purchased at any time online with a credit card or by cash, check or credit card in the library.
Renew Your Membership
Memberships are a delightful gift for any occasion and an excellent way to introduce those new to the area to our vibrant community. Gifts may be purchased at any time online with a credit card or by cash, check or credit card in the library.