Author: bkalish

October 1, 2021 — We’re thrilled to offer 20 circulating WiFi hotspots, each one allowing up to 10 devices to connect. Hotspots will be available to check out for three weeks at a time from the Main Desk during our open hours. Our hotspots provide free wireless internet access over the T-Mobile network that lets you connect phones, tablets,…

September 6, 2021 — Beginning on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, the library’s open hours will include evenings Monday through Thursday as well as additional hours on Saturday. Our new hours will be: Monday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm Friday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm In addition, the Children’s and Young Adult Department will be open whenever the library is open! We’re excited for…

August 18, 2021 — 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…

September 4, 2019 — The Trustees of Forbes Library have compiled a brief midyear review about the library and its services over the last year. The review includes: Detailed statistics on the library’s collection and services and their use, including our increased hours, the growth of our Outreach department, and increased circulation of library ebooks Forbes Library’s 125th anniversary…

June 27, 2019 — Forbes Library is eliminating all late fees for children and young adults beginning July 1, 2019. Lisa Downing, Library Director, says, “Our goal is to emphasize the return of library materials rather than penalizing our youngest patrons. Using the library should not be a source of stress for families. We recognize that fines can serve…

August 21, 2017 — The Franklin Hampshire Career Center and Forbes Library announce a partnership to provide Career Center satellite services at the Library. The Career Center will out-station staff on a weekly basis at the Library to continue providing Employment Services to job seekers in Hampshire County. Loss in federal funding is requiring the Northampton Career Center to…

June 29, 2017 — On Thursday, June 29, 2017 there was a hearing before Judge Fidnick of the Hampshire Probate and Family Court about the Agreement for Judgement between the City of Northampton and the Trustees of Forbes Library. Both parties characterize the agreement as providing clarification on the original will of Charles Forbes by which the library was…

February 22, 2017 — For Immediate release. February 22, 2017 – Five communities are coming together during March and April in a new partnership called Hamptons + Holyoke Read. The inspiration for this multi-community initiative is the book Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison by Piper Kerman, popularized by the Netflix series. Spearheaded by…

December 28, 2016 — Forbes Library is offering its annual Food for Fines during the month of January. This is a time of year to support the needs of people in our community and clear accumulated overdue fines. During this time, patrons may pay overdue fines by donating items in demand by the Northampton Survival Center. This year the…

June 29, 2016 — The Friends of Forbes Library is raffling off tickets for the September 13th game between the Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles! One lucky winner will get 2 tickets to the game and a Red Sox Hat. Tickets are available at library any time up to the drawing before the July 13th concert. Tickets are…

January 29, 2016 — Northampton’s Forbes Library is offering a series of free technology classes for people with vision loss. Taught by Dr. Rick Ely, the classes will be held from 3:30-5 PM on the second Monday of the month. The first class will be “Keep Reading Digitally via Ear or through Larger Text” on February 8. Future classes will focus on Apple mobile apps,…

January 5, 2016 — The elevator is complete and has passed inspection!