Forbes Library is partnering with the Center for New Americans and the International Language Institute (ILI) to recognize “Welcoming Week”, September 10-19, 2021 in Northampton. Welcoming Week is an initiative of Welcoming America and unites communities in our belief that all people, from long-time residents to newly-arrived immigrants, are valued contributors and are vital to the success of our communities and the creation of a shared future of prosperity.

For Welcoming Week 2021 we will showcase the people and work of Center for New Americans and ILI. The Center welcomes and serves immigrants, refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers in Western Massachusetts. They offer free classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), career preparation assistance, support services and immigration legal services. ILI’s mission is to promote intercultural understanding and diverse communities by providing high-quality language instruction and teacher training including English language instruction. Forbes Library is a longstanding partner of the Center and ILI, providing students and tutors library tours, specialized materials, joint programming, and meeting space. We are excited to come together to honor Northampton as a welcoming community.

Follow Forbes Library, ILI, and the Center for New Americans on social media to keep up with Welcoming Week announcements and visit the library during September 10-18 for special book displays and an interactive map. There will also be two Welcoming Week tours of the library:

Library Tours

Videos