Join us for a special themed Toddler Time, chock-full of stories, songs, and puppets like always but with a focus on the sun and stars! As a bonus, solar eclipse glasses will be made available to families that attend so that the eclipse on August 21st can be safely viewed!

This month's discussion will be about

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald

Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen...

Broken Wheel, Iowa, has never seen anyone like Sara, who traveled all the way from Sweden just to meet her book-loving pen pal, Amy. When she arrives, however, she finds Amy's funeral guests just leaving. The residents of Broken Wheel are happy to look after their bewildered visitor―there's not much else to do in a dying small town that's almost beyond repair.

You certainly wouldn't open a bookstore. And definitely not with the tourist in charge. You'd need a vacant storefront (Main Street is full of them), books (Amy's house is full of them), and...customers.

The bookstore might be a little quirky. Then again, so is Sara. But Broken Wheel's own story might be more eccentric and surprising than she thought.

The Afternoon Book Discussion group meets on the 3rd Friday of the month in the Watson Room for a casual hour long discussion. The reading selections are mostly fiction choices with a sprinkling of non-fiction, young adult, and classics with an emphasis on books appealing to an ecclectic taste as well as those with interesting points of discussion.  Pre-registration is not required and drop-ins are welcome. Tea and light refreshments are served. 

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

Calling kids, tweens, and teens, ages 10-15- try out our new spoken word program in the Children's Department! Ewan represented Northampton at the 2017 Women of the World Poetry Slam, and Kat holds a Masters in Poetry. Come create, experience, and learn about poetry with us!

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

Storytime with Ellie

Join Ellie for storytime on Monday mornings at 10:30. 

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. 

Join Steven & Ralph as they explore astronomy on the day of a solar eclipse!

A note from Steven & Ralph

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

 Light in August by William Faulkner

About Great Books Discussion Style

The Great Books discussion is structured so that the evening’s selected reading is discussed in a think tank environment with the intention of gaining insight from other readers that one would not have by reading alone. The seminar facilitator asks questions of the participants about the reading selection and helps the discussion stay focused. Our main goal is to have fun and take many interpretations from the group in order to enjoy a greater understanding of a selected reading.

Discussions are open to everyone and free of charge.  For a list of past and future discussion books and to contact the group visit, http://mail.salticid.com/mailman/listinfo/forbes_great_books_salticid.com.

About the facilitator:

Hilary Caws-Elwitt has her BA in English & American Literature from Harvard, MLS from University of Arizona, and ran Susquehanna County Reads for its first 4 years. But mostly she loves reading and discussing the books!

This month we'll be discussing Cop Town by Karin Slaughter

Atlanta, 1974: As a brutal murder and a furious manhunt rock the city’s police department, Kate Murphy wonders if her first day on the job will also be her last. She’s determined to defy her privileged background by making her own way—wearing a badge and carrying a gun. But for a beautiful young woman, life will be anything but easy in the macho world of the Atlanta PD, where even the female cops have little mercy for rookies. It’s also the worst day possible to start given that a beloved cop has been gunned down, his brothers in blue are out for blood, and the city is on the edge of war.
 
Kate isn’t the only woman on the force who’s feeling the heat. Maggie Lawson followed her uncle and brother into the ranks to prove her worth in their cynical eyes. When she and Kate, her new partner, are pushed out of the citywide search for a cop killer, their fury, pain, and pride finally reach the boiling point. With a killer poised to strike again, they will pursue their own line of investigation, risking everything as they venture into the city’s darkest heart.
 
The Mystery Book Discussion Group meets monthly at the library for a casual discussion. New members are always welcome. Pick up a copy of this month's discussion book at the library.

Weekly gathering to study the Ancient Greek Language with retired professor, Nicolas Gross. Study based on Athenaze Book 1 [2nd edition] (eds.) Maurice Balme  & Gilbert Lawall (ISBN 0-19-514956-4.) For more information contact nicolaspgross at gmail.com

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.

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.

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.

Are you interested in supporting students in your community?
You can help by volunteering to become a Special Education Surrogate Parent (SESP) for a student in state care that requires special education supports and whose parents are unknown or unavailable. These children depend on SESPs to protect their legal right to a free and appropriate education.
 
SESPs serve as appointed decision makers that have the legal authority of a parent or legal guardian to attend and participate in special education team meetings, approve or reject Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and if necessary, file complains or appeals. On average, the time commitment is only 30-40 hours a year.
RTSC hosts FREE Orientation Trainings throughout the state where you will learn about the role of an SESP, how traumatic experiences can impact learning and how to incorporate the appropriate supports into the IEP. Register to attend this training or visit our website at www.fcsn.org/rtsc/ to view our current training schedule for other opportunities.  
 
Registration is required.
 
You can register online at http://fcsn.org/rtsc/orientations/ or contact Danielle Hardin at dhardin@fcsn.org or 617-399-8342. (PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR CONTACT PHONE NUMBER.)

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.

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

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

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

Storytime with Ellie

Join Ellie for storytime on Monday mornings at 10:30. 

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. 

Far Out Film Discussion is formatted like a book club: check out the film, watch it at home, and attend the meeting to discuss it.

(We will not be screening the film at the program.)

Our next movie is Playtime, a 1967 French comedy starring Jacques Tati, who also wrote and directed the film.

Copies of the film will be available in the Reference Dept. and the Arts and Music Dept.

You can also watch the film via Kanopy.com - sign up for a free account with your Forbes library card and stream it online : https://forbes.kanopystreaming.com/video/playtime

Join us in the Community Room on Monday August 28th at 7:00pm to discuss the film!

Weekly gathering to study the Ancient Greek Language with retired professor, Nicolas Gross. Study based on Athenaze Book 1 [2nd edition] (eds.) Maurice Balme  & Gilbert Lawall (ISBN 0-19-514956-4.) For more information contact nicolaspgross at gmail.com

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

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.

***meeting off site on September 4!***

This month we'll be reading Map of Ireland by Stephanie Grant

Book Summary:

Set during the desegregation of the Boston public schools in 1974, Map of Ireland is a funny and tender coming-of-age story and a brave and ambitious depiction of race relations in America. This stunning novel takes on race and sexuality with beauty, grace, and humanity. When Ann Ahern, a 16-year-old born into a tight-knit Irish-American community, begins her junior year of high school South Boston is in a tumult - Catholic mothers are kneeling in the streets blockading buses of black children from the public schools and teenagers are raising havoc. Ann, an outsider in her own world, is infatuated with her French teacher, Mademoiselle Eugenie, a woman of African descent. Spurred by her adoration for Eugenie, Ann embarks on a journey that leads her beyond South Boston, through the fringes of the Black Power movement, into love and ultimately to the truth about herself. Stephanie Grant's searing prose, powerful storytelling, and richly drawn characters bring this turbulent moment in American history into perfect focus.

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.

Weekly gathering to study the Ancient Greek Language with retired professor, Nicolas Gross. Study based on Athenaze Book 1 [2nd edition] (eds.) Maurice Balme  & Gilbert Lawall (ISBN 0-19-514956-4.) For more information contact nicolaspgross at gmail.com

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.

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.

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.

The Algebraist by Iain M. Banks

It is 4034 AD. Humanity has made it to the stars. Fassin Taak, a Slow Seer at the Court of the Nasqueron Dwellers, will be fortunate if he makes it to the end of the year. The Nasqueron Dwellers inhabit a gas giant on the outskirts of the galaxy, in a system awaiting its wormhole connection to the rest of civilization. In the meantime, they are dismissed as decadents living in a state of highly developed barbarism, hoarding data without order, hunting their own young and fighting pointless formal wars. Seconded to a military-religious order he's barely heard of — part of the baroque hierarchy of the Mercatoria, the latest galactic hegemony — Fassin Taak has to travel again amongst the Dwellers. He is in search of a secret hidden for half a billion years. But with each day that passes a war draws closer — a war that threatens to overwhelm everything and everyone he's ever known.

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.

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. 

AEIOUkes is a community ukulele club. We meet regularly to sing together and  to improve our playing,  and we occasionally have opportunities to  play in public.  The group has been meeting for several years and over the past year has expanded to include Saturday morning practices.  We are comprised of ukulele enthusiasts with all levels of playing experience, including beginners, and we always welcome new members to play, sing, or just watch and  listen.

Photo by Dale Ruff.

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

Storytime with Ellie

Join Ellie for storytime on Monday mornings at 10:30. 

•  Basics of financial planning
  • Importance of emergency funds, essential estate planning documents and how life insurance and income protection insurance may fit into a financial plan
• Major threats to financial goals
• Perspective on the retirement model
  • Visual that the depicts two distinct different philosophies depending on the age of the investor relative to their goal
• Goal Based investing
  • Time in the market vs. timing the market

These principles are applicable for all ages of investors, from young families to retirees and those thinking about retirement. 

DJ Morin, MBA
Financial Planner
Streetlight Financial
8 Main St, Florence MA 01062
Phone (413) 848-6020 Ext 5 | Mobile (413) 387-8671
dennis.morin@streetlightfinancial.com | www.streetlightfinancial.com

We'll be reading The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds

Based on real events, The Quickening Maze won over UK critics and readers alike with its rapturous prose and vivid exploration of poetry and madness. Historically accurate yet brilliantly imagined, this is the debut publication of this elegant and riveting novel in the United States.

In 1837, after years of struggling with alcoholism and depression, the great nature poet John Clare finds himself in High Beach—a mental institution located in Epping Forest on the outskirts of London. It is not long before another famed writer, the young Alfred Tennyson, moves nearby and grows entwined in the catastrophic schemes of the hospital's owner, the peculiar Dr. Matthew Allen, his lonely adolescent daughter, and a coterie of mysterious local characters. With lyrical grace, the cloistered world of High Beach and its residents are brought richly to life in this enchanting book.

Literary minded discussion. Open to new members.

Absolutely no Laughter experience necessary!

Feeling stressed? Want a release from the everyday demands of life? Come join us for 60 minutes of fun and laughter. Play fun Laughter Games while you strengthen your immune system and lower your blood pressure. Join Certified Laughter leader Mark Sherry each month for an evening of fun!

This program is free and open to the public! All physical abilities welcome. Donations appreciated (suggested donation $3-$5).

Contact: Mark Sherry 413-374-7671