The Children’s & Young Adult Department at Forbes Library distributes Teacher Cards to educators who live and/or work in Northampton. These cards allow educators to have a separate teacher account for items borrowed for their classroom.

Educators will be responsible for replacement costs for lost items. Cards expire at the end of the school year on June 30. Educators may reapply each year, provided that their accounts are in good standing. Teacher Cards will be issued in the Children’s & Young Adult Department only.

Eligibility:

  • Open to public and independent school teachers, special education program teachers, daycare educators, and homeschooling parents and guardians. Either the educational institution must be based in Northampton or the educator must live in Northampton.
  • Educators must present a school-issued ID or a dated document on school letterhead stating that the educator is employed at the institution. Homeschooling parents and guardians must present a Home Education Plan.
  • Items borrowed on the Teacher Card must be intended for use at an educational institution. Educators must use their personal library card to borrow items for their or their family’s personal use.

How to Apply

Please email this completed application to childrens@forbeslibrary.org. (A photo of the application is sufficient.)

Required Information

The educator must present a school-issued ID or a dated document on school letterhead stating that the educator is employed at the institution. Either the educational institution must be based in Northampton or the educator must live in Northampton. Homeschooling parents and guardians must be Northampton residents and provide a Home Education Plan.

FAQ

Can patrons take out personal items on their Teacher Cards?

No, they cannot. The purpose of Teacher Cards is to make borrowing items convenient for use in an educational setting. Educators looking to take out items for personal use will need to do so on their personal library card.

If an educator is a Northampton resident but teaches in another city, are they eligible for a Teacher Card?

Yes. This is a service Forbes offers to educators who live and/or work in the city of Northampton.

Can college professors get Teacher Cards?

No. Teacher Cards are only open to public and independent school teachers, special education program teachers, daycare educators, and homeschooling parents and guardians. The educational institution must be based in Northampton.

School Visits

For details on how to schedule a class visit to the library or how to bring a librarian to your class, visit our group tour page.