Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year.

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. Some writers work in other parts of the library, then join us at 11:45 to 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.

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.

Mr. Liam brings music, stories, and activities to the library! Come have fun with other toddler, preschoolers, and caregivers.

Tong Ren combines western knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the ancient principle of "Chi" or life force energy, to create what many consider to be a powerful new healing modality The basis of Tong Ren Energy Healing is to access Universal Chi and sending this  healing energy to specific targeted points, depending on the persons condition to break up blockages in the body that cause dis-ease. Removal of these blockages restores the natural flow of nurturing Chi energy which allows the body to return to homeostasis and naturally corrects itself to function properly and heal. Tong Ren calms the mind and is very relaxing.

The facilitator, Ken Alan Hadden has been practicing Tong Ren in the Boston area for over five years, including the Boston Living Center, AIDS Action Committee and  the Carson Center in Ware, MA.

He is also a Board Member of theOriental Culture Institute Healing Research Foundation (OCIHRF) in Quincy, MA, a non-profit organization established for education, research and the advancement of Tong Ren Healing worldwide with the intention of developing safe and more cost effective health care.

This class is free of charge.  Nominal donations of up to $10 accepted.

For more information please visit:www.amazinghealings.org

Contact: Ken kahadden@aol.com

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

Do you need a little help with the computer? Having trouble getting started, or ran into a sticky problem? Want to get your first email account? Looking for a better way to format a document?

Come to the drop-in computer help session! Bring your wireless laptop or use one of the library's computers to have your questions answered.

Northampton Committee to Stop War 2nd and 4th Wednesdays film series. Free and accessible. Discussion follows.

“FIXIT”

 “Fixit” shows how for-profit healthcare is eating the US economy alive, with tragic results to individuals and society.  It also shows how covering everyone with an improved version of Medicare (single-payer healthcare) is an answer to providing everyone with equal, comprehensive, accessible healthcare that is affordable to both individuals and society.

The film was two years in the making, with more than forty voices advocating for reform, including: activists, health policy experts, economists, physicians, nurses, patients, business and labor leaders. This documentary takes an in-depth look into how our dysfunctional health care system is damaging our economy, suffocating our businesses, discouraging physicians and negatively impacting on the nation's health, while remaining un-affordable for a third of our citizens.

FIXIT is being used as part of campaigns to win Medicare-for-All all over the country. Overcoming the money and influence of the insurance companies, drug manufacturers, and hospital chains will be a huge job, needing millions activists in every state. A significant number of community groups and unions are already involved in this campaign but many more will be needed to win truly universal healthcare.  

A club to talk and create all-things-zine! Meeting at Forbes Library on the second floor in the Arts and Music Department.

Valley Time Trade is part of a worldwide social change movement called “timebanking.” We have close to 500 members in Hampshire, Franklin, and Hampden Counties, with the largest concentration right here in Northampton! We trade time instead of money, in the form of services we provide to one another – and everyone’s time is worth the same. One hour of your time helping another member earns you one hour of another member’s time – all without the use of money. Our members offer gardening, babysitting, hair cuts, language lessons, computer tutoring, home organizing, driving, cooking, ski instructions, and dozens of other services, as well as requesting services that they need from other members. A computer program keeps track of everyone’s hours, offers, and requests.

If you’d like to learn more, go to our website, www.valleytimetrade.org. An orientation to timebanking is required for membership; it takes between an hour and an hour and a half. Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to join. Orientations are held once a month at Forbes Library in Northampton. Questions? Contact us at membership AT valleytimetrade.org.

Contact: Valley Time Trade     membership AT valleytimetrade.org

Cinema Northampton presents a free screening of the first Harry Potter film on the Forbes Library Lawn!

Bring a blanket and snacks and we'll start the film when it's dark. 

All are welcome. For more details, please visit http://cinemanorthampton.org/

Come enjoy a fun afternoon playing with LEGOs! For ages 5 and up.

A means to articulating your thoughts and reaching out to others. Come together to write individually: letters to the editor, politicians, family, etc. A small discussion, but mostly a means to put time aside to write a letter. We will have stamps and envelopes available. People can hand write or use a computer. 

Stories, songs, puppets, bubbles! Come have fun with other toddlers and caregivers.

Please come and enjoy the new Italian conversation group at the Forbes facilitated by Laura Bellusci. It’s free and there is no sign-up required. It is open to all levels of ability and designed as a full-immersion experience; that is, we’ll be speaking in Italian for the entire hour. Feel free to bring in photos, maps, stories, or anything that helps facilitate conversation. What a fun way to practice and improve your language skills. Benvenuto !

Laura Bellusci grew up in an Italian-American family in East Boston and has written extensively on the immigrant experience. Laura has taught elementary Italian privately and in a continuing education curriculum. She continues to follow Italian literature and cultural studies at Mt. Holyoke College. 

Dharma Gentle is a weekly yoga class.  No yoga experience is required, but participants must be able to get up and down from the floor independently. Drop-ins are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and blocks, if you have them.  Limited supplies are available.  Please come at least 15 minutes early if you are dropping in, to complete registration forms.

This gentle, yoga class is appropriate for all who wish to add the healing qualities of yoga to their lives. We move the body through the classical poses very slowly, gently and conscientiously. Rests are taken between poses as the body moves towards inner introspection on a physical and meditative level. This class is highly beneficial for those who are ready to return to physical activity after an illness or injury, or for those who have not moved much in a long time. Everyone will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Your teacher, Vickie Healy is a registered Dharma Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Certification. She is a Registered Nurse with over 35 years of nursing experience.  Vickie believes that practicing yoga is a powerful way to increase health and longevity.

The Dharma Gentle Class was designed by Sri Dharma Mittra who founded one of the early independent schools of Yoga in New York City in 1975.  He is the author of the world-renowned masterpiece, The Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures.  For more information about Dharma Yoga go to http://www.dharmayogacenter.com.

This course is free of charge.  Nominal donations of up to $5 accepted.

Contact: Vickie Healy, RN, BSN, RYT at Vickie@VickieHealyRN.com

Join us to read books, sing songs, play with puppets and toys, and meet other babies and caregivers! The first 20 minutes are storytime, followed by 40 minutes of free play with toys. For children ages 0-18 months. 

The Forbes Library Outreach Delivery Service provides access to library materials for residents who are unable to visit the library because of short or long-term illness or disability.
We are currently accepting applications from residents of Northampton, Leeds and Florence who wish to apply for these services, as well as from volunteers who would like to help deliver materials.

Volunteers
A commitment of just 2 hours a week for one year will make a difference in the life of homebound residents. We look forward to receiving your application!
Please complete the online Volunteer Application form: Volunteer application

Join us for guided practices using Heart-Rhythm Meditation (HRM). We will focus on developing a daily meditation practice and the impact it has on our everyday life. For more information, visit www.NoHoMeditation.org.

Respectful, queer/LGBT-friendly, easy-going bunch who want an excuse to get out more and talk about books. And have some snacks. Meetings take place on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

This month we'll be reading The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

Book Summary:

The White Tiger follows a darkly comic Bangalore driver through the poverty and corruption of modern India’s caste society.

The white tiger of this novel is Balram Halwai, a poor Indian villager whose great ambition leads him to the zenith of Indian business culture, the world of the Bangalore entrepreneur. On the occasion of the president of China’s impending trip to Bangalore, Balram writes a letter to him describing his transformation and his experience as driver and servant to a wealthy Indian family, which he thinks exemplifies the contradictions and complications of Indian society.

The White Tiger is narrative genius with a mischief and personality all its own. Amoral, irreverent, deeply endearing, and utterly contemporary, this novel is an international publishing sensation—and a startling, provocative debut.

We also have a google group, where people post info about the books and sometimes social events. You can find us at http://groups.google.com/group/westernmassbookgroup or write to westernmassbookgroup@googlegroups.com Copies of the discussion books are available to check out at the main desk most months, unless the title is in too high demand.

We are closed today for the holiday. Access to thousands of e-books and e-audiobooks as well as powerful research databases are still available from the library's website.

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year.

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. Some writers work in other parts of the library, then join us at 11:45 to 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.

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.

Mr. Liam brings music, stories, and activities to the library! Come have fun with other toddler, preschoolers, and caregivers.

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

Do you need a little help using a computer? Are you having trouble getting started? Did you run into a sticky problem? Do you want to get an email account? Are you looking for a better way to format a document?

Come to a drop-in computer help session! Bring your wireless laptop, or use one of the library's computers to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Join Ralph in the Children's & YA Department for Comics Club, a monthly meeting to discuss, share, and create comics and graphic novels! There will artist's supplies, materials to put your own books together, and time to receive and give recommendations! Intended for elementary, tween, and teen readers and artists, this meeting takes place on the first Wednesday of the month from 3:30 to 4:30.

A roots rock n' roll, old-school rhythm & blues, rockabilly-influenced dance party mash-up.

Bring a picnic, bring a blanket, bring the kids!

In case of bad weather, the concert will take place in the Coolidge Museum on the second floor of Forbes Library.

Funding support is provided by the Friends of Forbes.

Feed by Mira Grant

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beat the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop. The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED.

Now, twenty years after the Rising, Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives-the dark conspiracy behind the infected. The truth will out, even if it kills them.

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. Copies of the discussion book are available in the library to check out.

Come enjoy a fun afternoon playing with LEGOs! For ages 5 and up.

A means to articulating your thoughts and reaching out to others. Come together to write individually: letters to the editor, politicians, family, etc. A small discussion, but mostly a means to put time aside to write a letter. We will have stamps and envelopes available. People can hand write or use a computer. 

Stories, songs, puppets, bubbles! Come have fun with other toddlers and caregivers.

Join us on social media (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram) @ForbesLibrary. You post a title you enjoyed, we will respond with a few titles we think you'll like! Librarians are standing by the first Friday of each month, from 11 am till 1 pm.

Please come and enjoy the Italian conversation group at the Forbes facilitated by Laura Bellusci. It’s free and there is no sign-up required. It is open to all levels of ability and designed as a full-immersion experience; that is, we’ll be speaking in Italian for the entire hour. Feel free to bring in photos, maps, stories, or anything that helps facilitate conversation. What a fun way to practice and improve your language skills. Benvenuto!

Laura Bellusci grew up in an Italian-American family in East Boston and has written extensively on the immigrant experience. Laura has taught elementary Italian privately, and in a continuing education curriculum. She continues to follow Italian literature and cultural studies at Mt. Holyoke College. 

Dharma Gentle is a weekly yoga class.  No yoga experience is required, but participants must be able to get up and down from the floor independently. Drop-ins are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat, blanket and blocks, if you have them.  Limited supplies are available.  Please come at least 15 minutes early if you are dropping in, to complete registration forms.

This gentle, yoga class is appropriate for all who wish to add the healing qualities of yoga to their lives. We move the body through the classical poses very slowly, gently and conscientiously. Rests are taken between poses as the body moves towards inner introspection on a physical and meditative level. This class is highly beneficial for those who are ready to return to physical activity after an illness or injury, or for those who have not moved much in a long time. Everyone will leave feeling refreshed and relaxed.

Your teacher, Vickie Healy is a registered Dharma Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance Certification. She is a Registered Nurse with over 35 years of nursing experience.  Vickie believes that practicing yoga is a powerful way to increase health and longevity.

The Dharma Gentle Class was designed by Sri Dharma Mittra who founded one of the early independent schools of Yoga in New York City in 1975.  He is the author of the world-renowned masterpiece, The Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures.  For more information about Dharma Yoga go to http://www.dharmayogacenter.com.

This course is free of charge.  Nominal donations of up to $5 accepted.

Contact: Vickie Healy, RN, BSN, RYT at Vickie@VickieHealyRN.com

Join us to read books, sing songs, play with puppets and toys, and meet other babies and caregivers! The first 20 minutes are storytime, followed by 40 minutes of free play with toys. For children ages 0-18 months. 

We'll be reading The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes

In 1936, Shostakovich, just thirty, fears for his livelihood and his life. Stalin, hitherto a distant figure, has taken a sudden interest in his work and denounced his latest opera. Now, certain he will be exiled to Siberia (or, more likely, executed on the spot), Shostakovich reflects on his predicament, his personal history, his parents, various women and wives, his children—and all who are still alive themselves hang in the balance of his fate. And though a stroke of luck prevents him from becoming yet another casualty of the Great Terror, for decades to come he will be held fast under the thumb of despotism: made to represent Soviet values at a cultural conference in New York City, forced into joining the Party and compelled, constantly, to weigh appeasing those in power against the integrity of his music. Barnes elegantly guides us through the trajectory of Shostakovich’s career, at the same time illuminating the tumultuous evolution of the Soviet Union. The result is both a stunning portrait of a relentlessly fascinating man and a brilliant exploration of the meaning of art and its place in society.

Literary minded discussion. Open to new members.

A free transformational experiential presentation. Guaranteed to leave you with immediate, practical, no-to-low cost take-away techniques to use in your office or home office for the enhancement of productivity and enrichment of your physical, psychological, social, spiritual, & global wellbeing.

Terry Cline is a SpaceBehavior® Architect, Consultant and Public/Keynote Speaker. As Founder of DwellRight with over thirty years of professional experience offering Residential Green Design and LifeStyle/Space Integration for Home and Office, Terry engagingly integrates principles from architectural and interior design, behavioral psychology, neurology, immunology, the ancient art and science of placement, and advanced common sense. He offers presentations nationwide, has been interviewed by Dwell and Natural Home Magazines, Public Broadcasting Network, and The Green Talk Radio Network. He also participated in a television program about the beneficial effects of well-designed personal environments, and was recently honored as a candidate to lead a transformational ‘House Whisperer’ series for a major cable TV network.

For More Information & Required Pre-Registration:

info@dwellright.com • 508.579.8233 • www.dwellright.com

Drop-In Computer Help is cancelled for Tuesday the 27th of June.

Every Wednesday and Saturday from 9:30 am-12:30 pm in the Watson Room, join fellow writers for companionable writing time. The Writing Room is ongoing throughout the year.

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. Some writers work in other parts of the library, then join us at 11:45 to 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.

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.

Mr. Liam brings music, stories, and activities to the library! Come have fun with other toddler, preschoolers, and caregivers.

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

Do you need a little help using a computer? Are you having trouble getting started? Did you run into a sticky problem? Do you want to get an email account? Are you looking for a better way to format a document?

Come to a drop-in computer help session! Bring your wireless laptop, or use one of the library's computers to have your questions answered by a knowledgeable volunteer.

Arthur Evans brings his Makerspace Workshop to Forbes Library, for participants ages 7-14. Space is limited- sign up at the Children's Desk, or by calling 587-1010. 

This program is generously funded by the Friends of Forbes Library. 

Northampton Committee to Stop War 2nd and 4th Wednesdays film series. Free and accessible. Discussion follows.

A club to talk and create all-things-zine! Meeting at Forbes Library on the second floor in the Arts and Music Department.

This month's book discussion will be about The End of Night by Paul Bogard

A brilliantly starry night is one of nature's most thrilling wonders. Yet in our world of nights as bright as day, most of us no longer experience true darkness. Eight out of ten Americans born today won't ever live where they can see the Milky Way. And exposure to artificial light at night has been cited as a factor in health concerns ranging from poor sleep to cancer.

In his gorgeous debut, THE END OF NIGHT, Paul Bogard travels the globe to find the night, blending personal narrative, natural history, health, science, and folklore to shed light on darkness. Showing exactly what we've lost, what we have left, and what we might hope to regain, he attempts nothing less than a restoration of how we see the spectacularly primal, wildly dark night sky.

The Nature and Environment Book Club is devoted to the best of nature writing and environmental reporting with discussions on the second Wednesday of each month. Readers and writers interested in books ranging from such classics as Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek to topical reportage like Elizabeth Kolbert’s The Sixth Extinction will want to join the conversation.

Copies of the discussion book are available in the library to check out at the library. 

Come enjoy a fun afternoon playing with LEGOs! For ages 5 and up.

A means to articulating your thoughts and reaching out to others. Come together to write individually: letters to the editor, politicians, family, etc. A small discussion, but mostly a means to put time aside to write a letter. We will have stamps and envelopes available. People can hand write or use a computer. 

This monthly plant swap is free and open to the public to encourage the exchange of plants and other garden related items. You many bring as few or as many of the following items as you like: perennials, annuals, edibles, seeds, garden produce, tools or any other garden related items.

Please arrive on time, as each “trader” will describe their plants prior to swapping. Sponsored by Valley Time Trade.

When: Second Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm (please note the library is closed at this time)  May 11  June 8  July 13  Aug 10  Sep 14  Oct 12

Where: Forbes Library, back lawn (next to the perennial edibles garden, by the picnic table). This event and will be canceled in extreme weather. Questions? Contact Jessica Gifford jessica@growingwellness.life

An inclusive and welcoming Friday jumu'ah prayer service with Pioneer Valley Progressive Muslims/Masjid al-Inshirah held monthly on the second Friday of each month. We follow progressive Muslim standards of mixed gender and LGBTQ-affirming salat/namaz prayer. All are welcome to participate, regardless of religious background or current religious practice.