Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Crocheting and Knitting Group

Mezzanine

Ukulele Strum Group

Ukulele Strum Group is a community ukulele club, part of the larger Pioneer Valley Ukulele Community (Meetup). We meet weekly at Forbes Library in Northampton to sing and play together just for the fun and joy of it, but also to improve our skills. We are ukulele enthus......More

Ukulele Strum Group is a community ukulele club, part of the larger Pioneer Valley Ukulele Community (Meetup). We meet weekly at Forbes Library in Northampton to sing and play together just for the fun and joy of it, but also to improve our skills. We are ukulele enthusiasts of all levels of playing experience, including beginners. And we always welcome new members to play, sing, or just watch and listen.Find out more about our group on our Meet-Up page.

Coolidge Museum

The Writing Room

Every Saturday from 10:30 am-1:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year (except that there are no Saturday sessions during summer). How the Writing Room Works: each session opens at 10:......More

Every Saturday from 10:30 am-1:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year (except that there are no Saturday sessions during summer). How the Writing Room Works: each session opens at 10:30 am sharp with brief hellos, followed by the pleasure of getting work done in the company of others. Some writers work in other parts of the library, then join us at 12:45 pm to check in about how the work went, discuss matters related to writing, and make announcements. At (roughly) 1 pm, anyone who wishes to read for the group does briefly, without critique or spoken response. We're done by 1:30 pm.There are writing prompts on the table for those who like to use them. There are four-hour parking meters in the back of the lot. Consider bringing a sweater. Writers are welcome to come for all or part of the session. *The Writing Room also meets virtually on Wednesday mornings via Zoom.*

Watson Room

KidLit Children’s Writers & Illustrators Meetup

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: o......More

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, we hold critiques and group discussions. On the remaining Saturdays, we host writing sprints, guest speakers, or other creative activities depending on the schedule.Our focus is on building a supportive critique group where we can share work, offer constructive feedback, and grow as creators. While we lean toward picture book projects, writers and illustrators working on middle-grade and YA are welcome to join as well. Our group welcomes SCBWI members and hopes to connect with others in the SCBWI community, though you don’t need to be a member to join us. New members are especially welcome as we grow this creative community. Bring your work-in-progress, your ideas, or just your enthusiasm!For more information, please contact Emily: Ellisbrune (AT) ellisbrune.com

Watson Room

VIRTUAL: Spanish Conversation Group

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For ......More

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For more information and zoom link, email Silvia at [email protected] es un programa diseñado para practicar y mejorar el idioma usando distintos temas de comunicación, como literatura, análisis y conversación.Es un grupo de inmersión y por esta razón sólo se habla en españnol, sin la ayuda de ningún aparato electrónico durante el tiempo de clase.

Gallery of Readers

Gallery of Readers presents a monthly reading. Free and open to the public. This month's readers: Deborah Schifter & Elizabeth George

Coolidge Museum

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Drop-In Tech Help with NOM

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own dev......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own device or use a library computer to work on your tech questions, troubleshoot issues, or work on personal projects with guidance from a NOM staff member. Whether you need help with software, apps, media creation, assistive technology or general tech advice, we are here to meet your digital needs.

Reference Room

Coworking With Friends

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn......More

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn't working with strangers at the library basically coworking? :)Mondays, 1-4pm on the Mezzanine. Drop in for as long as you like.Bring your own device and work materials. Outlets will be available for device charging. (Please no virtual meetings during this time - check out the library's meeting rooms for a more private space.)

Mezzanine

LEGO Club!

We've got bricks, baseplates and minifigs--now all we need is you! Join us for LEGO Club Mondays at 3:30 in the Forbes Library Community Room. Pick a design challenge out of the bowl or simply build a creation of your own choosing. This program is great for ages 4 .

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

HYBRID: Great Books Discussion: American Pastoral

Please contact facilitator Hilary Caws-Elwitt for updated meeting info.This month's selection is American Pastoral by Philip Roth. About the book: Seymour "Swede" Levov - a legendary high school athlete, a devoted family man, a hard worker, the prosperous inheritor of h......More

Please contact facilitator Hilary Caws-Elwitt for updated meeting info.This month's selection is American Pastoral by Philip Roth. About the book: Seymour "Swede" Levov - a legendary high school athlete, a devoted family man, a hard worker, the prosperous inheritor of his father's Newark glove factory - comes of age in thriving, triumphant postwar America. But everything he loves is lost when the country begins to run amok in the turbulent 1960s. Not even the most private, well-intentioned citizens, it seems, gets to sidestep the sweep of history. American Pastoral is the story of a fortunate American's rise and fall - of a strong, confident master of social equilibrium overwhelmed by the forces of social disorder.For the Swede is not allowed to stay forever blissful inside the beloved hundred-and-seventy-year-old stone farmhouse, in rural Old Rimrock, where he lives with his pretty wife - the college sweetheart who was Miss New Jersey of 1949 - and the lively, precocious daughter who is the apple of his eye. The apple of his eye, that is, until she grows up to be a revolutionary terrorist bent on destroying her father's paradise.American Pastoral presents a vivid portrait of how the innocence of Swede Levov is swept away by the times - of how everything industriously created by his family in America over three generations is left in a shambles by the explosion of a bomb in his own bucolic backyard.The Great Books discussion is structured so that the evening’s selected reading is discussed in a think tank environment with the intention of gaining insight from other readers that one would not have by reading alone. The seminar facilitator asks questions of the participants about the reading selection and helps the discussion stay focused. Our main goal is to have fun and take many interpretations from the group in order to enjoy a greater understanding of a selected reading.Discussions are open to everyone and free of charge. For a list of past and future discussion books and to contact the group visit, http://mail.salticid.com/mailman/listinfo/forbes_great_books_salticid.com.About the facilitator:Hilary Caws-Elwitt has her BA in English & American Literature from Harvard, MLS from University of Arizona, and ran Susquehanna County Reads for its first 4 years. But mostly she loves reading and discussing the books!

Community Room

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Baby Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and puppets! We'll do a 20-minute storytime together, then we'll put out toys for free play and social time until 11:00. For babies under 18 months and their caregivers.

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

VIRTUAL: Poetry Discussion:

Join us this Tuesday for a poetry discussion. Zoom meeting linkMeeting ID: 896 9249 9767Passcode: 254365This weekly poetry discussion group is open to everyone including regulars and drop-ins. All voices are honored: first-time poetry readers and life-long devotees. Eac......More

Join us this Tuesday for a poetry discussion. Zoom meeting linkMeeting ID: 896 9249 9767Passcode: 254365This weekly poetry discussion group is open to everyone including regulars and drop-ins. All voices are honored: first-time poetry readers and life-long devotees. Each week, the group convenes to discuss the work of a particular poet, usually contemporary, and sometimes one reading in the area. No prior reading or preparation required. Email hfaerstein AT aol.com to join the weekly mailing list.

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

VIRTUAL ONLY - The Writing Room

On Wednesdays, the Writing Room meets virtually. In-person meetings have resumed for Saturday sessions.On these mornings we will meet via videoconference at our regular time: 9:30-12:30, using the exact same structure as we would if we were gathered around the table in ......More

On Wednesdays, the Writing Room meets virtually. In-person meetings have resumed for Saturday sessions.On these mornings we will meet via videoconference at our regular time: 9:30-12:30, using the exact same structure as we would if we were gathered around the table in the Watson Room at Forbes. The only difference will be that we will be connecting by videoconference, rather than face-to-face.Here's all you need to join the Writing Room via Videoconference:Request to be added to the Writing Room Mailing List in order to receive the Zoom link. The facilitator, Tzivia, will come online 15 minutes before our starting time (at 9:15) to answer any questions you might have. You will have the option to have your camera off or on, so you can join however you feel most comfortable.The sessions will NOT be recorded, and you have the option to be visible or not, so your privacy will be preserved just as it would if we were meeting at the library.How the Writing Room Works: each session opens at 9:30 sharp with brief hellos, followed by the pleasure of getting work done in the company of others. At 11:45 we check in about how the work went and make announcements. At (roughly) 12, anyone who wishes to read for the group does briefly, without critique or spoken response. We're done by 12:30.Writers are welcome to come for all or part of the session. No need to register in advance.

MassHire Career Center Registration & Job Search Assistance

Please see Annemarie from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center for Career Center registration, job search assistance, UI and other available services. Meet on the Mezzanine between 10am and 1pm.Questions about other job seeker services? Please call the MassHire......More

Please see Annemarie from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center for Career Center registration, job search assistance, UI and other available services. Meet on the Mezzanine between 10am and 1pm.Questions about other job seeker services? Please call the MassHire Greenfield office at 413-774-4361.

Mezzanine

Drop-in Chess

Drop in for part or all of these casual chess meets, every Wednesday from 1-3pm on the mezzanine. All experience levels welcome. Please bring your own set if you have one.

Mezzanine

Teen Graphic Novel Club

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Far Out Film Discussion

Community Room

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Coolidge Museum

Preschool Storytime!

Join us for books, songs, and puppets and participate in an open-ended art activity designed to encourage creativity! Great for ages 3-5.

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Trustees of Forbes Library Meeting

Monthly meeting of the Trustees of Forbes Library.Meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person at the library or through the following zoom link.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84563794376?pwd=Y4bwVFEnzFlWzmk5ad6E8a92S5wHm3.1Meeting ID: 845 6......More

Monthly meeting of the Trustees of Forbes Library.Meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person at the library or through the following zoom link.Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/84563794376?pwd=Y4bwVFEnzFlWzmk5ad6E8a92S5wHm3.1Meeting ID: 845 6379 4376Passcode: 737054One tap mobile 16465588656,,84563794376#,,,,*737054# US (New York) 16469313860,,84563794376#,,,,*737054# USFind your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb6exyirwAThe agenda will be posted a few days before the meeting on the city website. There will be a public comment period at the start of the meeting, or people can submit written comments beforehand. Written comments emailed to [email protected] must be received 5 business days prior to the meeting to be included for the meeting.Past meeting minutes are available online: Minutes of Trustees’ Meetings

Director's Office

Northampton Literary Society Writing Meet-Up

Join us down in the Forbes Library Community Room on Thursday nights for some generative writing, light socializing, and low-stakes sharing. We warmly welcome writers of all genres and all levels of experience.Meet-ups start with a friendly check in, followed by a 20-mi......More

Join us down in the Forbes Library Community Room on Thursday nights for some generative writing, light socializing, and low-stakes sharing. We warmly welcome writers of all genres and all levels of experience.Meet-ups start with a friendly check in, followed by a 20-minute writing prompt and optional share-out. This is an inclusive, collaborative creative space. Many of our writers have become regulars, and we cherish our growing community. We also understand that one's capacity and enthusiasm for participation fluctuates - come when you can, and stay as long as you like. Absolutely no problem if you can't make it - we look forward to seeing you next time. We are also working toward online accessibility - contact [email protected] with questions or visit us at https://noholitsociety.org Follow us on Instagram @noholitsocietyRead Lit Society news and subscribe to our free newsletter via Substack: https://noholitsociety.substack.com/ About us:Northampton Literary Society is a vibrant and supportive community of readers, writers, and artists of all kinds. We are always seeking and offering opportunities for creative expansion and collaboration. Let's make meaningful connections and grow our writing community!

Community Room

Forbes Library Tour

Forbes Library offers a wide range of services and collections spread over four floors in a grand Victorian building. Join us for a guided tour of the library where we will be presenting a brief introduction to the library's history and an overview of what awaits you on......More

Forbes Library offers a wide range of services and collections spread over four floors in a grand Victorian building. Join us for a guided tour of the library where we will be presenting a brief introduction to the library's history and an overview of what awaits you on each floor. You will have the opportunity register for a library card after the tour.Preregistration is appreciated but not required. Meet us in the library's front lobby. For more information contact Mary in Borrower Services at 413-587-1011 ext. 4522 or by email at [email protected]. For questions concerning access or to request accommodations, please contact 413-587-1017 or [email protected].

Lobby

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Toddler Storytime

Join us for Toddler Storytime every Friday morning! We will sing songs, read stories, and have fun. This event is best suited for 1.5-3-year-olds and their caregivers.

Community Room

Kids' Gaming Club

Every Friday, kids ages 7-12 can join us in the Community Room to hang out with other young gamers and play the library's Nintendo Switch! We generally play Super Smash Bros., Mario Kart 8, Super Mario: Wonder, and Mario Party.

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Crocheting and Knitting Group

Mezzanine

Ukulele Strum Group

Ukulele Strum Group is a community ukulele club, part of the larger Pioneer Valley Ukulele Community (Meetup). We meet weekly at Forbes Library in Northampton to sing and play together just for the fun and joy of it, but also to improve our skills. We are ukulele enthus......More

Ukulele Strum Group is a community ukulele club, part of the larger Pioneer Valley Ukulele Community (Meetup). We meet weekly at Forbes Library in Northampton to sing and play together just for the fun and joy of it, but also to improve our skills. We are ukulele enthusiasts of all levels of playing experience, including beginners. And we always welcome new members to play, sing, or just watch and listen.Find out more about our group on our Meet-Up page.

Coolidge Museum

The Writing Room

Every Saturday from 10:30 am-1:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year (except that there are no Saturday sessions during summer). How the Writing Room Works: each session opens at 10:......More

Every Saturday from 10:30 am-1:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year (except that there are no Saturday sessions during summer). How the Writing Room Works: each session opens at 10:30 am sharp with brief hellos, followed by the pleasure of getting work done in the company of others. Some writers work in other parts of the library, then join us at 12:45 pm to check in about how the work went, discuss matters related to writing, and make announcements. At (roughly) 1 pm, anyone who wishes to read for the group does briefly, without critique or spoken response. We're done by 1:30 pm.There are writing prompts on the table for those who like to use them. There are four-hour parking meters in the back of the lot. Consider bringing a sweater. Writers are welcome to come for all or part of the session. *The Writing Room also meets virtually on Wednesday mornings via Zoom.*

Watson Room

KidLit Children’s Writers & Illustrators Meetup

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: o......More

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, we hold critiques and group discussions. On the remaining Saturdays, we host writing sprints, guest speakers, or other creative activities depending on the schedule.Our focus is on building a supportive critique group where we can share work, offer constructive feedback, and grow as creators. While we lean toward picture book projects, writers and illustrators working on middle-grade and YA are welcome to join as well. Our group welcomes SCBWI members and hopes to connect with others in the SCBWI community, though you don’t need to be a member to join us. New members are especially welcome as we grow this creative community. Bring your work-in-progress, your ideas, or just your enthusiasm!For more information, please contact Emily: Ellisbrune (AT) ellisbrune.com

Watson Room

VIRTUAL: Spanish Conversation Group

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For ......More

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For more information and zoom link, email Silvia at [email protected] es un programa diseñado para practicar y mejorar el idioma usando distintos temas de comunicación, como literatura, análisis y conversación.Es un grupo de inmersión y por esta razón sólo se habla en españnol, sin la ayuda de ningún aparato electrónico durante el tiempo de clase.

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Drop-In Tech Help with NOM

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own dev......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own device or use a library computer to work on your tech questions, troubleshoot issues, or work on personal projects with guidance from a NOM staff member. Whether you need help with software, apps, media creation, assistive technology or general tech advice, we are here to meet your digital needs.

Reference Room

Coworking With Friends

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn......More

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn't working with strangers at the library basically coworking? :)Mondays, 1-4pm on the Mezzanine. Drop in for as long as you like.Bring your own device and work materials. Outlets will be available for device charging. (Please no virtual meetings during this time - check out the library's meeting rooms for a more private space.)

Mezzanine

LEGO Club!

We've got bricks, baseplates and minifigs--now all we need is you! Join us for LEGO Club Mondays at 3:30 in the Forbes Library Community Room. Pick a design challenge out of the bowl or simply build a creation of your own choosing. This program is great for ages 4 .

Community Room

Mystery Book Discussion: TBD

This month's selection is . . . About the book: The Mystery Book Discussion Group meets monthly for a casual discussion. New members are always welcome. Pick up a copy of this month's discussion book at the library.

Watson Room

Looky Here Calendar Show

Exhibit Dates: December 2 - December 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Baby Storytime

Join us for stories, songs, and puppets! We'll do a 20-minute storytime together, then we'll put out toys for free play and social time until 11:00. For babies under 18 months and their caregivers.

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room