Forbes Library is excited to announce that construction will begin this fall on a new youth programming room that will enable the library to increase programming and the number of families it serves. The room will be located in the children’s department, adjacent to the Wizard of Oz Room in the children’s nonfiction section in space that was most recently used for storage. The room will be specifically designed to meet the needs of children, teens, and families and will free up the Community Room, the library’s other main programming room, for adult events, thereby enabling the library to serve more patrons of all ages.
“We look forward to having a programming room that will be bright, welcoming and comfortable for our young patrons,” said Lisa Downing, Library Director. “This space will be an integral part of the community and will open up countless opportunities for children and teens to learn, explore, and build new friendships.”
The youth programming room is being made possible by funding from the City of Northampton through the Capital Improvement Plan as well as additional funding by the Friends of Forbes Library and private donations.
Funding to furnish the room is still needed and the library welcomes donations from the public. Please donate today towards outfitting the youth programming room with child-sized furniture, technology, and other equipment so that it can be an accessible, flexible, inspiring place for children and their friends to gather and learn.
With your support, the Youth Programming Room will feature:
- Adjustable-height tables that can be wheeled away during storytime and wheeled back out later in the day for teen events
- Storage space for craft and storytime supplies
- A/V equipment
- Two sinks: one at standard-height and one at a lower height that will be easier for children to reach
- Colorful mural created by a local artist
FAQ
What is HVAC and why is it a part of this project?
HVAC stands for Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning and it is the backbone of healthy and comfortable indoor spaces. The work being done on our current HVAC equipment is replacing pieces that are at the end of their life as well as updating our system so that our heat will be powered by hot water, rather than steam (the current heat source), for greater energy efficiency and better potential for tying into a geothermal array in the future.
The new programming room is in the middle of our basement, which does not currently have adequate ventilation to support people gathering inside a closed room safely. The new HVAC system will create the additional ventilation we’ll need.
When will the space be available to use?
We anticipate that the construction will be complete by summer 2026. The library is actively fundraising for furniture, technology, and other items to make the space functional and as child- and family-friendly as we envision.
How does library programming support early literacy and school readiness?
Literacy-rich experiences such as our three weekly storytimes–which highlight the enjoyment of books and promote positive social interactions with caregivers and library staff–help babies and young children form early literacy skills. During our programs, children practice social skills that help prepare them for being in a classroom, including turn-taking, listening to and following directions, and sharing. We offer book clubs tailored for early readers, middle grade readers, and teens that encourage reading for enjoyment, critical thinking, reading comprehension, and literacy in the home. Emerging readers also enjoy practicing reading aloud during our weekly program with a Bright Spot volunteer therapy dog, Sunny.
How will the room support the needs of babies through teenagers?
A programming room that is specifically designed and furnished for youth will make our youngest patrons feel safe, comfortable and welcome at the library and make it possible for us to present more programs and events, thereby serving even more community members. All aspects of the room have been considered with children and teens in mind; adjustable-height tables will help kids and teens comfortably make art; developmentally-appropriate toys will encourage play and friendship; an area rug will make a safe space for babies learning to walk; a mural will make the room welcoming to kids visiting for the first time; and technology will help kids and teens socialize, learn, and play.
Will there be naming opportunities?
Yes! There will be naming opportunities at various donation levels. Please reach out to director@forbeslibrary.org or call 413-587-1016 for more information.
The current shortage of available meeting spaces in the building meant that we had to hold our Kids’ Gaming Club in the Community Room while it was filled with clothes for a Dress for Success program happening the following day.
