Our Building
In 1905, the Athenaeum commissioned architect William G. Rantoul for the building it currently occupies at 337 Essex Street. Dedicated in 1907, this handsome red brick structure was modeled on Homewood, an estate in Maryland built by Charles Carroll (a signer of the Declaration of Independence) for his son. A miniature replica of Homewood can be found at the library desk.
Earlier Homes of the Athenaeum
For decades, the Salem Athenaeum occupied quarters at various locations in Salem before building the first place of its own in 1857.
1760: The Social Library, a forerunner of the Salem Athenaeum, moved into its first home, a newly erected brick schoolhouse across from the site of the present Tabernacle Church on Washington Street.
1785: When the schoolhouse was taken down to make way for the Court House, the Social Library moved to the Central Building on Market Street (now Central Street), where it occupied one room. In 1810, when the Social Library and the Philosophical Library merged to form the Salem Athenaeum, the library expanded to two rooms of this building.
1815: When the lease at the Central Building expired, the Salem Athenaeum moved to Essex Place, a building on Essex Street at the head of Central Street.
1825–1841: The Salem Athenaeum was located above the Salem Bank when it occupied 217 Essex Street.
1841: The Salem Athenaeum moved to Laurence Place at the corner of Washington and Front Street.
1857: The Salem Athenaeum built its first home of its own, Plummer Hall, at 132 Essex Street. The building was made possible by a bequest from Caroline Plummer, a Salem philanthropist and proprietor of the Salem Athenaeum.
Facility Rental
Facility Rental
Celebrate your special events with us! Let our lovely library serve as a unique backdrop to your wedding, shower, or meeting.
Salem Athenaeum members enjoy a 20% discount on rental fees.
Functions at the Salem Athenaeum
Rental fee:
- $650 4 hours, $150 each additional hour or part thereof
- $360 Non-profit organization, 4 hours, $150 each additional hour or part thereof
- $250 Exclusive use of the garden for photos, etc., 1 hour
Additional charges for equipment use, extensive cleaning, and damages may apply.
Locations: Reading Room and/or garden (weather permitting)
Capacity:
- Reading Room 50-60 lecture seated, 80 standing max; 20 seated at tables
- Grounds, 80 seated, 150 standing
- Trustees Room (2nd floor), 18 max
Weddings at the Salem Athenaeum
Take your vows in our book-lined Reading Room or in the garden. Gather in our inspiring library for a cocktail-style dinner.
Rental fee: $1,500 5 hours, Additional hours can be reserved at a rate of $200/hour
Locations: Reading Room and/or garden (weather permitting)
Capacity:
- Indoor/Outdoor ceremony & reception for up to 25 guests
- Indoor ceremony only for up to 40 guests
- Outdoor ceremony only for up to 80 guests. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor ceremonies may be moved indoors with a seating capacity of 40 and additional guests standing.
This rental option cannot be booked more than 15 months in advance.
Micro Wedding at the Salem Athenaeum
Rental fee: $650, 2 hours
Locations: Reading Room and/or garden (weather permitting)
Capacity: up to 15 people, including couple and vendors This rental option cannot be booked more than 6 months in advance.
Photography at the Salem Athenaeum
Photography of your visit to the Athenaeum is welcome. Make sure to tag us: @salemathenaeum — we love to see your selfies and photos. Please be aware that this is a working library, and visitors are expected to treat the building, grounds, staff, and other patrons with courtesy. The Athenaeum reserves the right to ask any visitor who is being disruptive to leave the building.
Casual, amateur photography of the building guidelines:
- No pictures of staff or patrons
- No flash photography
- No props, costumes, decorations, etc.
- No moving or altering of furniture or books
- Must be quiet and respectful
- All photography is at the discretion of library staff
Personal shoots for engagements, weddings, headshots begin at $250/hr and must be scheduled in advance for either indoors or outdoors. Unscheduled shoots will be asked to leave immediately.
Commercial shoots are not allowed. Unscheduled shoots will be asked to leave immediately.
Salem Athenaeum members enjoy a 20% discount on building rental fees
Event Request Form
