Upcoming Events at Forbes Library

Closed: Monday, May 29, 2023

The library will closed for Memorial Day, but we will reopen with usual hours on Tuesday. 

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. 

Are you a Northampton resident? Or do you know a resident who would has great ideas for helping the library (and Northampton) thrive? More information about the trustees is available on our website.

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. Purchase raffle tickets at Forbes Library starting now and at one of the gardens on the day of the tour. 

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

Library Programs

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.

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+.

New Earlier Time: Preschool Storytime!

Thursday, June 1, 2023, 10:30 am

Bring a blanket and join us on the library lawn for books, songs, bubbles and puppets and participate in an open-ended art activity designed to encourage creativity! Great for ages 3-5. In the event of inclement weather we'll meet in the Community Room.

Virtual Teen Book Club

Thursday, June 1, 2023, 4:30 pm

Join us for a chat and pick next month's read! This meeting is for teens only and will take place via Zoom; contact [email protected] for the meeting link. This month, we'll be readingThe Renaissance of Gwen Hathaway by Ashley Schumacher.

Alastair Moock Family Concert 

Saturday, June 3, 2023, 11 am

Alastair Moock is a 2013 GRAMMY Nominee, three-time Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Winner, and recipient of the ASCAP Joe Raposo Children’s Music Award. Long one of Boston’s premier folk artists, Alastair turned his attention to family music after the birth of his twins in 2006. The New York Times calls him “a Tom Waits for kids” and The Boston Globe declares that, “in the footsteps of Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie, Alastair Moock makes real kids music that parents can actually enjoy.” Moock and Friends’ live shows are rowdy, rootsy, singin’ and dancin’ fun for the whole family!

This event will be held on the library lawn. In the event of inclement weather, it will be held indoors in the Community Room.

This program is supported by a grant from the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

Click Here for more information