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 Drop-in Career Advice for Young Adults

Come meet with a Young Adult Career Counselor and ask us questions in areas like:resume review, editing & suggestionspractice job interview questionsjob search strategiesexplore possible career pathwayslearn more about our programs

Bak Study Room

Science Fiction and Fantasy Discussion: TBD

Anyone interested in Science Fiction or Fantasy is welcome. Although we focus on this month’s selection, we will discuss any topics related to Science Fiction or Fantasy, books or movies. This month's discussion will cover . . .About the book:

Watson Room

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

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

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

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

Gallery of Readers

Gallery of Readers presents a monthly reading. Free and open to the public. This month's readers: Barbara Rouillard & Lisa Ekus

Coolidge Museum

Second Monday Book Discussion: TBD

We'll be reading . . . Request a copy of this book by placing a hold. About the book: Literary minded discussion. Open to new members. Join us in person or join via Zoom!

Watson Room

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

Family History Help

Are you curious about how to get started on a family tree or use census records to explore the history of your neighborhood or house? Book a one-on-one appointment with genealogist Brian Tabor and learn how to research using genealogy resources such as Ancestry, Heritag......More

Are you curious about how to get started on a family tree or use census records to explore the history of your neighborhood or house? Book a one-on-one appointment with genealogist Brian Tabor and learn how to research using genealogy resources such as Ancestry, Heritage Quest and American Ancestors databases. Family History Help is held on the second week of the month:Tuesdays, 6-7pmWednesdays, 10:30am-12pmEmail [email protected] to book an appointment with Brian. The Hampshire Room for Local History is also open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10-2 for appointments and drop in research.

Bak Study 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.

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.

Family History Help

Are you curious about how to get started on a family tree or use census records to explore the history of your neighborhood or house? Book a one-on-one appointment with genealogist Brian Tabor and learn how to research using genealogy resources such as Ancestry, Heritag......More

Are you curious about how to get started on a family tree or use census records to explore the history of your neighborhood or house? Book a one-on-one appointment with genealogist Brian Tabor and learn how to research using genealogy resources such as Ancestry, Heritage Quest and American Ancestors databases. Family History Help is held on the second week of the month:Tuesdays, 6-7pmWednesdays, 10:30am-12pmEmail [email protected] to book an appointment with Brian. The Hampshire Room for Local History is also open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10-2 for appointments and drop in research.

Bak Study Room

VIRTUAL Herstory book group: TBD

This month's discussion will cover . . . The Coolidge Museum at Forbes Library has started a new book group in 2024 to focus of reading women's history and social history. As her husband John met in Philadelphia to discuss forming a new nation, Abigail Adams wrote to i......More

This month's discussion will cover . . . The Coolidge Museum at Forbes Library has started a new book group in 2024 to focus of reading women's history and social history. As her husband John met in Philadelphia to discuss forming a new nation, Abigail Adams wrote to implore him, 'I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors.' Alas, it would be another 150 years before they even got the right to vote. But women were neither silent nor passive then or now.To elevate the voices of women in American history, a new book club is being offered by the The Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum. The inspiration for the club, Herstory: Women in American History, came from some members of the museum's Presidential Book Club, who expressed a desire to read more about the context of historical figures, and to hear from and about the women involved in the building of our nation. Selections in the book club will include biographies of women interspersed with texts on significant periods in American history. This way, book club members can place the women they read about in context and gain a fuller understanding of their challenges and achievements.This group meets on Zoom on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 PM This group is moderated by Coolidge Museum Committee members Leslie Skantz-Hodgson (Smith Vocational School Librarian) and Rob Weir (retired professor of history). To join the email list or for more information, email [email protected]

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

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

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

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