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

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference 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

Threshold Circle: End of Life Discussion

Join us once a month for Threshold Circle: a welcoming space for exploring mortality, loss, and the thresholds we encounter in life. Awareness of mortality has the power to deepen our appreciation of life. Yet, many of us carry thoughts, experiences, and questions about......More

Join us once a month for Threshold Circle: a welcoming space for exploring mortality, loss, and the thresholds we encounter in life. Awareness of mortality has the power to deepen our appreciation of life. Yet, many of us carry thoughts, experiences, and questions about death that we rarely share.Threshold Circle is a welcoming space to explore these topics in community, free from fear or taboo. End-of-life doulas Alison Keller and Alyssa Walters invite you to join a monthly gathering for quiet reflection, open conversation, and the simple comfort of connecting over tea.Some guidelines:You do not have to participate. This is a gentle environment, meaning you can participate to whatever degree you feel comfortable. You are welcome to share, simply listen, get up, move around, leave the room, or leave the meeting. We are discussing vulnerable topics and will moderate to encourage cultural humility, and acceptance of the perspectives of others. Thusfar we have found people show up with a natural instinct for kindness and respect toward one another. We will close the meeting with food and beverage so that you have an opportunity to mingle and relax after discussions. What is an end-of-life doula? You may have heard of a birth doula. End-of-life doulas, also known as death doulas or death midwives, provide practical, spiritual, and emotional support for people at the end of life. They are able to offer resources, tools, and guidance in an area of life that does not come with a user manual. They excel in compassionate care, listening, open mindedness, and acceptance and offer those qualities to support and smooth the labor of death for those who are dying and their loved ones.If you have more specific questions on what we offer, how to become a death doula, or how to find resources and support for yourself or a loved one, please do not hesitate to reach out to either of us.

Community Room

Project Mishram Performance

Join us for a performance by Project Mishram - an Indian Classical Fusion concert. Featuring performances by acclaimed artists, celebrating the region's rich arts and culture.This program is made possible through support from the Northampton Arts Council.

Coolidge Museum

KidLit Children’s Writers & Illustrators Meetup

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: o......More

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, we hold critiques and group discussions. On the remaining Saturdays, we host writing sprints, guest speakers, or other creative activities depending on the schedule.Our focus is on building a supportive critique group where we can share work, offer constructive feedback, and grow as creators. While we lean toward picture book projects, writers and illustrators working on middle-grade and YA are welcome to join as well. Our group welcomes SCBWI members and hopes to connect with others in the SCBWI community, though you don’t need to be a member to join us. New members are especially welcome as we grow this creative community. Bring your work-in-progress, your ideas, or just your enthusiasm!For more information, please contact Emily: Ellisbrune (AT) ellisbrune.com

Watson Room

VIRTUAL: Spanish Conversation Group

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For ......More

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For more information and zoom link, email Silvia at [email protected] es un programa diseñado para practicar y mejorar el idioma usando distintos temas de comunicación, como literatura, análisis y conversación.Es un grupo de inmersión y por esta razón sólo se habla en españnol, sin la ayuda de ningún aparato electrónico durante el tiempo de clase.

SANE (Support and Accountability in Novel Editing)

SANE, or Support and Accountability in Novel Editing, is the monthly writing group of the Western Mass Writer's Guild, formerly Western Mass NaNo. All writers (not just novel writers) are welcome at SANE. Having a work to edit is not a requirement. Meetings include writ......More

SANE, or Support and Accountability in Novel Editing, is the monthly writing group of the Western Mass Writer's Guild, formerly Western Mass NaNo. All writers (not just novel writers) are welcome at SANE. Having a work to edit is not a requirement. Meetings include writing/editing "sprints," idea collaboration, and general camaraderie. Sharing excerpts and feedback are not features of meetings. Bring your writing in whatever form that takes, whether it's laptop, pen and paper, or typewriter.For more information about the Western Mass Writer’s Guild, check out our website (https://wmawriters.wordpress.com/mission-statement/) or discord (https://discord.gg/yVbpBCR).

Community Room

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Drop-In Tech Help with NOM

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own dev......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own device or use a library computer to work on your tech questions, troubleshoot issues, or work on personal projects with guidance from a NOM staff member. Whether you need help with software, apps, media creation, assistive technology or general tech advice, we are here to meet your digital needs.

Reference Room

Coworking With Friends

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn......More

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn't working with strangers at the library basically coworking? :)Mondays, 1-4pm on the Mezzanine. Drop in for as long as you like.Bring your own device and work materials. Outlets will be available for device charging. (Please no virtual meetings during this time - check out the library's meeting rooms for a more private space.)

Mezzanine

LEGO Club!

We've got bricks, baseplates and minifigs--now all we need is you! Join us for LEGO Club Mondays at 3:30 in the Forbes Library Community Room. Pick a design challenge out of the bowl or simply build a creation of your own choosing. This program is great for ages 4 .

Community Room

Dungeons and Dragons for Kids: Fall Session

Registration is full. Calling all young adventurers! Our Dungeons & Dragons Club continues! Participants will sign up for four sessions at once, and will meet on the following Mondays from 3:45 - 5:15pm: 9/22, 10/6, 10/20 and 11/3. Participants must commit to all four s......More

Registration is full. Calling all young adventurers! Our Dungeons & Dragons Club continues! Participants will sign up for four sessions at once, and will meet on the following Mondays from 3:45 - 5:15pm: 9/22, 10/6, 10/20 and 11/3. Participants must commit to all four sessions.D&D is a great way for kids to practice collaboration, strategy, and storytelling, and we welcome participants of all experience levels. This program is for kids ages 9 , and is limited to six participants per session. Registration is necessary.

Watson Room

HYBRID Coolidge Standing Committee meeting

Meeting of the Coolidge Standing Committee of the Forbes Library Board of TrusteesHYBRID with in person in the Community Room and remote via zoom. Public welcome to observe and there is a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. The agendas are posted b......More

Meeting of the Coolidge Standing Committee of the Forbes Library Board of TrusteesHYBRID with in person in the Community Room and remote via zoom. Public welcome to observe and there is a public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. The agendas are posted by Thursday before the Monday meeting.

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Jazz 101 - Jazz Listening & History Series

Join us for the jazz listening history series, Jazz 101. The course was developed at Jazz at Lincoln Center 25 years ago. Eight weekly sessions embrace the breadth of how Jazz music works and where it came from—and also how it fits into our culture, and where Jazz is go......More

Join us for the jazz listening history series, Jazz 101. The course was developed at Jazz at Lincoln Center 25 years ago. Eight weekly sessions embrace the breadth of how Jazz music works and where it came from—and also how it fits into our culture, and where Jazz is going.Although it’s a curated, organized listening-and-lecture course, the emphasis is on demystifying Jazz content for beginners. We introduce basic terms, fundamental concepts, and cornerstone figures in the music. And of course we listen closely to swinging, essential masterpiece recordings. Jazz 101 won’t try to make you into a great Jazz musician, but into a great listener—comfortable to understand and appreciate what you’re hearing.The course is free to all, no registration necessary. There’s also no test, no homework, no entrance exam, no audition, no roll-call—no stress. Just great sounds and stories.Schedule: Class meets on Mondays from 5:30-7:30pm. November 3 is the last session.Location: We’re delighted to hold Jazz 101 in the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum. The 30th president may not have been an avid Jazz follower, but he guided the country through the thick of Jazz Age culture, and a critical developmental period for the music that we’ll spend some quality time detailing in class.About the instructor: Jazz scholar and educator Ben Young has spent 30 years doing first-person research into the history of jazz music, as learned through direct contact with the musicians and the artifacts of their achievements. Young was heard for nearly 25 years as a radio host on WKCR-FM in New York City, where he hosted programs dealing with the gamut of Jazz and modern improvised music, and spent a decade as the station’s first Director of Broadcasting and Operations. He has produced, annotated or researched several hundred historical jazz reissues for major interests and independent labels, and has written a small number of monographs and articles documenting essential figures of the New York’s 20th Century jazz scene—including 1998’s Dixonia: A Bio-Discography of Bill Dixon. His exhaustive biography of pianist Cecil Taylor is forthcoming in 2027. Since 2009 he has been a staff lecturer in the Swing University program at Jazz at Lincoln Center. Young presently is director of the Jazz History Database, which was founded at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.This series is sponsored by Pioneer Valley Jazz Shares, Brian Bailey, Northampton Jazz Festival, and Downtown Sounds.

Coolidge Museum

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

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

Energy Advocate Office Hours

Drop in at the Library on the first Tuesday of the month and meet with Hannah, our regional Energy Advocate, for one-on-one support.Learn about energy efficiency resources available to Northampton residents through the Community First Partnership and Mass Save, includin......More

Drop in at the Library on the first Tuesday of the month and meet with Hannah, our regional Energy Advocate, for one-on-one support.Learn about energy efficiency resources available to Northampton residents through the Community First Partnership and Mass Save, including no-cost Home Energy Assessments, rebates, and support for renters, landlords, and income-eligible households.

Lobby

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Straw Dog Writers Guild Writers Night Out

Welcome to 2025! Join Straw Dog Writers Guild on the first Tuesday of each month for Writers Night Out at Forbes Library. No registration required.This month's featured reader: Madlynn HaberIf you want to participate in Open Mic and read, please sign up by 5:50pm. Ten n......More

Welcome to 2025! Join Straw Dog Writers Guild on the first Tuesday of each month for Writers Night Out at Forbes Library. No registration required.This month's featured reader: Madlynn HaberIf you want to participate in Open Mic and read, please sign up by 5:50pm. Ten names will be randomly selected. Each reader will have five minutes. The second half of the evening showcases our Featured Reader.Masks are not currently required for indoor events. Please wear a mask if you would like to exercise caution.Hosted by Jacqueline Sheehan, Rick Paar and Beth Filson. Sponsored by Valley Home Improvement.Ed Orzechowski is the recent recipient of the Dr. Benjamin Ricci Commemorative Award presented at the Massachusetts Statehouse in Boston. You'll Like It Here--The Story of Donald Vitkus, Belchertown Patient #3394, has been a #1 Best Seller for Levellers Press. His features and columns have appeared in The Springfield Republican, The Daily Hampshire Gazette, The Journal Register, Early American Life magazine, and other publications. Past president of Advocacy Network, Inc., he and his wife serve on the board of COFAR, an advocacy organization for families and guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities. He has written for The Voice, the newsletter of VOR, and has participated in VOR's annual conferences and visited Congressional offices in Washington, D.C., in support of legislation to protect the rights of the intellectually disabled. A retired high school English teacher and radio newsperson, Ed lives with his wife Gail, a longtime human rights advocate, in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Coolidge Museum

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.

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

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 Career Center Registration & Job Search Assistance

Please see Annemarie from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center for Career Center registration, job search assistance, UI and other available services. Meet on the Mezzanine between 10am and 1pm.Questions about other job seeker services? Please call the MassHire......More

Please see Annemarie from the MassHire Franklin Hampshire Career Center for Career Center registration, job search assistance, UI and other available services. Meet on the Mezzanine between 10am and 1pm.Questions about other job seeker services? Please call the MassHire Greenfield office at 413-774-4361.

Mezzanine

Drop-in Chess

Drop in for part or all of these casual chess meets, every Wednesday from 1-3pm on the mezzanine. All experience levels welcome. Please bring your own set if you have one.

Mezzanine

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

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference 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

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

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

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference 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

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

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

The Sound of Soul

Souls of any belief are warmly welcomed to join us in a free 20 minute event to connect with the Divine by singing the sacred word HU! It will be followed by a discussion, if you wish to take part, or you're welcome to just listen. (No singing ability required!) The......More

Souls of any belief are warmly welcomed to join us in a free 20 minute event to connect with the Divine by singing the sacred word HU! It will be followed by a discussion, if you wish to take part, or you're welcome to just listen. (No singing ability required!) The benefits include: Comfort, peace, calm; Expanded awareness; A release of fears; Answers to your questions; A subtle sense of Divine Love; Spiritual Protection; Inner light and sound. Nov. 7, 4:45 Explore the Reality of Spiritual Experience - Find your own proof the easy way.Sponsored by the Massachusetts Satsang Society. Email [email protected] with questions.

Watson Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

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

KidLit Children’s Writers & Illustrators Meetup

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: o......More

This group is for writers and illustrators at any level of experience who are passionate about creating stories for kids and teens. We meet every Saturday from 3-4:30 pm in the Watson Room at the Forbes Library.We alternate our meeting formats to keep things engaging: on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month, we hold critiques and group discussions. On the remaining Saturdays, we host writing sprints, guest speakers, or other creative activities depending on the schedule.Our focus is on building a supportive critique group where we can share work, offer constructive feedback, and grow as creators. While we lean toward picture book projects, writers and illustrators working on middle-grade and YA are welcome to join as well. Our group welcomes SCBWI members and hopes to connect with others in the SCBWI community, though you don’t need to be a member to join us. New members are especially welcome as we grow this creative community. Bring your work-in-progress, your ideas, or just your enthusiasm!For more information, please contact Emily: Ellisbrune (AT) ellisbrune.com

Watson Room

VIRTUAL: Spanish Conversation Group

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For ......More

This is an inviting program for learning in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere through weekly Zoom sessions.Sessions (which start promptly) are from 3-4:30 PM and include advanced conversation and text analysis.Electronic devises are not permitted during the classes.For more information and zoom link, email Silvia at [email protected] es un programa diseñado para practicar y mejorar el idioma usando distintos temas de comunicación, como literatura, análisis y conversación.Es un grupo de inmersión y por esta razón sólo se habla en españnol, sin la ayuda de ningún aparato electrónico durante el tiempo de clase.

25 Years of Zea Mays Printmaking

Exhibit Dates: November 3 - November 29, 2025

Hosmer Gallery

Drop-In Tech Help with NOM

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own dev......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session with Northampton Open Media! Every Monday, 1-2:30pm. Bring your own device or use a library computer to work on your tech questions, troubleshoot issues, or work on personal projects with guidance from a NOM staff member. Whether you need help with software, apps, media creation, assistive technology or general tech advice, we are here to meet your digital needs.

Reference Room

Coworking With Friends

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn......More

Do you work from home and need company? Are you chugging through research and need motivation? Or are you just tired of spending money to work out of the house?Come to the library's new coworking hours! Focus for a few hours in the company of new friends. After all, isn't working with strangers at the library basically coworking? :)Mondays, 1-4pm on the Mezzanine. Drop in for as long as you like.Bring your own device and work materials. Outlets will be available for device charging. (Please no virtual meetings during this time - check out the library's meeting rooms for a more private space.)

Mezzanine

LEGO Club!

We've got bricks, baseplates and minifigs--now all we need is you! Join us for LEGO Club Mondays at 3:30 in the Forbes Library Community Room. Pick a design challenge out of the bowl or simply build a creation of your own choosing. This program is great for ages 4 .

Community Room

Drop-in Tech Help

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your......More

Do you need help using your computer, tablet, or smartphone? Did you run into a sticky software problem? Do you want to learn how to use a new piece of technology?Come to a drop-in tech help session! Bring your device, or use one of the library's computers, to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Reference Room

Second Monday Book Discussion: Lilac Girls

We'll be reading Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. About the book: New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in S......More

We'll be reading Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. About the book: New York socialite Caroline Ferriday has her hands full with her post at the French consulate and a new love on the horizon. But Caroline’s world is forever changed when Hitler’s army invades Poland in September 1939—and then sets its sights on France. An ocean away from Caroline, Kasia Kuzmerick, a Polish teenager, senses her carefree youth disappearing as she is drawn deeper into her role as courier for the underground resistance movement. In a tense atmosphere of watchful eyes and suspecting neighbors, one false move can have dire consequences. For the ambitious young German doctor, Herta Oberheuser, an ad for a government medical position seems her ticket out of a desolate life. Once hired, though, she finds herself trapped in a male-dominated realm of Nazi secrets and power. The lives of these three women are set on a collision course when the unthinkable happens and Kasia is sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious Nazi concentration camp for women. Their stories cross continents—from New York to Paris, Germany, and Poland—as Caroline and Kasia strive to bring justice to those whom history has forgotten. In Lilac Girls, Martha Hall Kelly has crafted a remarkable novel of unsung women and their quest for love, freedom, and second chances. It is a story that will keep readers bonded with the characters, searching for the truth, until the final pages. Literary minded discussion. Open to new members. Join us!

Watson Room