Upcoming Election for Forbes Library Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees is the governing body for Forbes Library. The Trustees are responsible for the hiring and evaluation of the director and the oversight of the library budget and policies. As an example, a few years ago Forbes Library eliminated fines after the Trustees voted on and approved this new policy. Trustees also fundraise and advocate for the library. These important roles are filled by five people, elected by the residents of Northampton in the general election. Three of these five seats will be on the ballot in November. One incumbent trustee is running for re-election and two incumbents have decided not to run again. The term of office is four years and these volunteer positions are open to any registered voter in Northampton.

To be put on the November 7th ballot for library trustee, individuals must take out papers from the City Clerk of Northampton. These papers are available at the City Clerk’s Office in Northampton’s City Hall. Applicants then need to have their papers signed by at least 50 Northampton registered voters and return them to the Registrar’s Office in City Hall by July 24, 2023. 

The 29th Northampton Garden Tour

Saturday, June 10, 2023, 10 am-4 pm

Once again, lovers of gardens and Forbes Library may explore six delightful home gardens featured on this year’s 29th Annual Forbes Library Northampton Garden Tour.  The Tour raises funds for the Friends of Forbes Library, Inc. that supports Northampton’s historic public library.  

Tour tickets are $20 if bought in advance; tickets are available from May 1 to June 9 at Bay State Perennial Farm (Whately), Cooper’s Corner, State Street Fruit Store, Gardener’s Supply Company/Hadley, Wanczyk’s Nursery and Forbes Library.  

- Pre-pay on line at www.forbeslibrary.org/friends to reserve tour tickets  through Wednesday, June 7, for pick up at Forbes Library ONLY ONThursday afternoon, June 8 from 4-8 pm; Friday, June 9 from 10:00 am-6:00 pm; and Saturday from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. 

- On Saturday, June 10th, tour day, tickets are $25 and available ONLY at Forbes Library from 10:00-1:00. 

The Northampton Garden Tour also offers a raffle of items that appeal to both gardeners and other library supporters.  Win a weekend farm stay in Maryland, a beautiful garden bench, a hand-crafted rug, organic compost, gift certificates, garden supplies, a landscape consultation, and more! Purchase raffle tickets at Forbes Library starting now and at one of the gardens on the day of the tour. Ticket prices are 2 tickets/$5, 5/$10 or 12/$20.  The raffle drawing will take place at the end of the tour.  Whether you are a gardener or garden admirer, there is bound to be a prize for you.   

Library Programs

All proceeds benefit the Friends of Forbes Library, Inc. to support library programs, events, and projects that could not otherwise be funded.  

Visit our online calendar to see a complete list of library events. Filter using the category "VIRTUAL" to find events that can be attended remotely.

Voices of Poetry

Saturday, May 20, 2023, 2 pm

Back at Forbes! 

Join us for an afternoon of exceptional poetry, featuring five acclaimed poets:

Howie Faerstein
Martha Mccollough
Richard Michelson
Suzanne S. Rancourt &
Anthony Walton.

Sun on the Muddy: Poetry Reading, Photos, Songs and Signing

Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 7 pm

Enjoy a multimedia celebration of  Sun on the Muddy”, a book of poems by Jim Armenti and photos by Dave Madeloni from Levelers Press. Jim will be reading from the book, singing some songs, and Dave will present a slide exhibition of his extraordinary photos. Books will be available for purchase. 

The Only Winner in War Is Medicine 

Wednesday, May 24, 2023, 6 pm

Join author Andrew Lam for ariveting look at how WWII prompted rival surgeons to try new techniques and innovate novel operations to save lives in post-war America, as celebrated in his new book, The Masters of Medicine.

Andrew Lam, M.D., is a retina surgeon and the award-winning author of three prior books: Saving Sight, Two Sons of China, and Repentance.

Dungeons & Dragons Club for Kids

Thursday, May 25, 2023, 3:45 pm

Calling all young adventurers! We'll be hosting Dungeons & Dragons campaigns every other Thursday. D&D is a great way for kids to practice collaboration, strategy, and storytelling, and we welcome participants of all experience levels. This program is for kids ages 9+, and is limited to six participants per session. Registration is necessary--call the Children's Desk at 413-587-1010 or visit us in person to sign up.

Teen Gaming Lounge
Tuesday, May 23, 2023, 4 pm

Every Tuesday afternoon, teens ages 12+ are invited to play our brand-new Nintendo Switch in the YA Room! We'll have enough controllers for 8 players at a time. Challenge your friends to a Mario Kart race, try out new games, and meet fellow gamers!

This program is for teens only; we'll have a separate game time for players under the age of 12.

Fairy Party!
Friday, May 26, 2023, 2 pm

Join us for a fantastical party celebrating the magic of fairies! We will have fairy-themed crafts, activities and refreshments. Attendees are welcome to wear their favorite fairy-themed outfits or costumes. This party will be held on the library lawn. In the event of bad weather, the party will be held in the community room and attendance will be limited to 50. This program is for children ages 4+. Image credit to Phoebe Wahl. 

Messy Play Day!
Saturday, May 27, 2023, 11 am

Join us to get messy, use your creativity, and make a huge community painting! This event will take place on the library lawn. All supplies will be provided. Make sure to wear clothes you can get dirty! This event is for children ages 3+.

In the Hosmer Gallery

JFK Middle School Student Art Exhibition

May 2-30, 2023
Opening Reception: May 12, 2023, 4-6pm

The Hosmer Gallery is thrilled to welcome art students of JFK for their first exhibit this May! This year’s display will showcase 6th through 8th grade student artwork that encompasses a range of material exploration and themes. Selections are curated by art teachers Emma Mendoker and Michelle Mallory. Work will be all media: ceramics, sculptural, mixed media, drawing, printmaking, painting, and collage.