David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

This community mural project, hosted by Community Legal Aid, invites participants of all ages to come together and paint a mural that addresses LGBTQIA+ housing rights. The mural symbolizes the diversity within our community and emphasizes the importance of equal access to housing for all. Join us for a one-day event where everyone can contribute their unique style to create a beautiful, unified piece of art.

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. 

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.*

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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. 

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+.

ACLU Massachusetts' Know Your Rights sessions are interactive conversations with audience members. These sessions cover topics including rights during interactions with law enforcement in different settings, and how immigrant families can prepare themselves.

Learn more about this topic on the ACLU MA website: Know Your Rights: Immigrants.

No registration required. Due to the conversational format of the event, this session will not be recorded.

This month's selection is Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger. 

About the book: 

Award-winning author William Kent Krueger has gained an immense readership for his Cork O'Connor series. In Ordinary Grace, Krueger looks back to 1961 to tell the story of Frank Drum, a boy on the cusp of manhood. A typical 13-year-old with a strong, loving family, Frank is devastated when a tragedy forces him to face the unthinkable--and to take on a maturity beyond his years.

The Mystery Book Discussion Group meets monthly for a casual discussion. New members are always welcome. Pick up a copy of this month's discussion book at the library. Email Maureen Carney, the facilitator, for updated meeting info.

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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.

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.

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.

Every Tuesday, teens ages 12+ are invited to play our Nintendo Switch in the YA Room! We'll have enough controllers for 8 players at a time. Challenge your friends to a Mario Kart race, try out new games, and meet fellow gamers!

This program is for teens only; we have a separate game time for players under the age of 12.

Monthly meeting of the Trustees of Forbes Library.

Meetings are open to the public and can be attended in person at the library or through the following zoom link.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84563794376?pwd=Y4bwVFEnzFlWzmk5ad6E8a92S5wHm3.1

Meeting ID: 845 6379 4376
Passcode: 737054
One tap mobile
+16465588656,,84563794376#,,,,*737054# US (New York)
+16469313860,,84563794376#,,,,*737054# US

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kb6exyirwA

The agenda will be posted a few days before the meeting on the city website. There will be a public comment period at the start of the meeting, or people can submit written comments beforehand. Written comments emailed to director@forbeslibrary.org must be received 5 business days prior to the meeting to be included for the meeting.

Past meeting minutes are available online: Minutes of Trustees’ Meetings

In this hands-on workshop we will unpack what makes a good apology and practice writing our own. Beginning with a short presentation, participants will then be taken through a series of writing prompts to elicit creativity and contemplation. You do not need to have an apology in mind to attend the workshop.

Come to learn, explore, and connect with self and others. Learn more about the project at www.gabriellerevlock.com/apologize.

About the facilitator: Gabrielle Revlock is an artist and educator working in performance and social practice. She creates projects that reference the complexity of interpersonal relationships, in order to interrogate underlying social norms, and create moments of absurdity, joy, humor, and compassion. She is currently focused on the transformative power of apologies and the therapeutic applications of mindful touch. She holds a BA in Art History from Vassar College, and an MFA in Dance from Smith College. Learn more about Gabrielle on her website, www.GabrielleRevlock.com and www.RestorativeContact.com.

Want to dive deeper into what makes a good apology? Visit the Apology Nook, a short-term installation in the Reference Room Reading Nook March 27-29. 

Bring your own book--or borrow one from our collection--and read alongside neighbors and friends. Gather at 6:30pm for a group welcome, then settle in for an hour of quiet reading, followed by (optional) sharing and socializing. You might just discover your new favorite book!

This Silent Book Club chapter meets on the last Tuesday of each month in the Reading Room. All are welcome to come read in community with us, no library card needed!

Join us for an online event with Dr. Emily Weinstein and Dr. Carrie James, co-founders of the Center for Digital Thriving at Harvard Graduate School of Education and authors of the impactful book Behind Their Screens: What Teens Are Facing (And Adults Are Missing). Emily and Carrie will join us to share surprising insights from their latest research about teens and technology (particularly social media and GenAI), as well as practical strategies for parents, educators, and other caring adults. Their research has long emphasized young people's voices and diverse experiences, and they consider themselves critical optimists who are actively working toward a future where young people can thrive as they live with ever-changing technologies. This talk is perfect for parents and families of tweens and teens, other caregivers, educators, and anyone else working with youth from 12-18. 

Please register by clicking the blue "Begin registration" button above to receive the Zoom link.

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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:

• Join us in the Virtual Writing Room on Zoom.  
• I 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. 

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.

During this live, interactive workshop, learn how to boost your LinkedIn Profile with a strong Headline and summary statement, volunteer information, and added Accomplishment sections. Sample job searches will be conducted, and building your network covered. Intended for those who already have a LinkedIn account.

Register on JobQuest or call the Greenfield office at 800-457-2603 or 413-774-4361 the day before to sign up.  Walk-ins are also welcome. 

This workshop will provide you with tips on looking for jobs online, researching companies where you want to work, networking, and more! Streamline your search to save time and make each application more impactful.

Register by calling the Greenfield office at 800-457-2603 or 413-774-4361, or sign in to JobQuest, by Wednesday morning. Walk-ins are also welcome. 

Get guidance and feedback from MassHire staff on your resume and cover letter.

Hello! I'm Sunny and I'm Forbes Library's reading buddy dog! You can book a 15-minute appointment to read to me on Wednesdays between 3:30-4:30. I'm a good listener and like to look at the pictures, too. Reading to me is a great way for you to practice reading! We'll meet inside the Children's Department. 

To register, please call 413-587-1010 or sign up at the Forbes Library Children's Desk. This program is great for children ages 4-10. Happy reading! 

Monthly meeting of Western Mass Transmasc

Jonathan Moldover, author of The Oxbow Since Thomas Cole: The Story of a Landscape, a Painting, and a Community, will talk about the community which has developed on the Oxbow since the late nineteenth century, accompanied by video clips from the oral history project which was the basis of the book. He will talk about how nature as well as political and business interests have changed the island, and the remarkable resilience of the Oxbow community. He will also explain why the island crossed the river and why the highway crossed the island.

Live in the Coolidge Museum and on the Forbes Library YouTube channel. 

The Apology Nook, created by Gabrielle Revlock, is a contemplative space to consider the transformative power of apologies. Within the Nook exists an envelope of printed apologies written by anonymous contributors. Visitors to the Nook are invited to read the apologies, write their own, or transcribe an apology. Transcription provides a unique opportunity to embody, through writing, the words and experience of another person.

The Nook is located in the Reference Room and can accommodate up to two visitors at a time. Should two people enter the nook, visitors are encouraged to take turns reading apologies to one another.

Anonymous apologies may be submitted to the project here.

An apology writing workshop on March 25, 6-7:30pm will accompany the installation. You do not need to attend the workshop in order to visit the Nook.

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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.

Join us for books, songs, and puppets and participate in an open-ended art activity designed to encourage creativity! Great for ages 3-5. 

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.

General meeting of the Western Mass club of the Communist Party USA
 

Join us down in the Forbes Library Community Room on Thursday nights for some lite socializing, low-stakes sharing, and informal critique - as well as some time writing, of course! We warmly welcome writers of all genres and levels of experience.

We will start every meeting with a friendly check in, followed by a 15-20 minute writing prompt. After an optional share out, you are welcome to hang out and work on whatever you’ve got - flesh out the prompt, work on your novel, maybe get crafty with some visual poetry or collage.

This is an inclusive, expansive creative space. If you have a cool idea, bring it and share - we welcome collaborators with open arms! 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 sweat if you can't make it - we look forward to seeing you next time you're here. We are also working toward online accessibility - contact noholitsociety@gmail.com for info on accessing our prompts online!


 Let’s get together, get some good work done, and enjoy each other's company!

Optional pre-registration is through Eventbrite, where you’ll find info on our open mics and other events as well. Updates are also on Instagram @noholitsociety 

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!

Sign up for our mailing list to get our monthly newsletter featuring local literary news, events, and featured writing from our members each month!

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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. 

David A. Russell: Wood sculpture & tables

Ruth LaGue: Acrylic paintings

Caroline Jennings: Oil paintings

Exhibit on view March 4-29, 2025.

Hosmer Gallery website

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. 

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.*

The Gender Affirming Identification Project (GAIP) is a pro bono legal program that assists people 18+ seeking gender affirming changes to their state and federal identification documents. This talk explains the guidance and services available to people.

There will be plenty of time for Q&A - anonymous options (online and in person) will be offered to protect your privacy.

This is event is jointly sponsored by the Springfield City Library and Forbes Library.

Join in person at Springfield City Library (Central Library Community Room) or by Zoom. We encourage anyone in Massachusetts to join the Zoom event. Ages 18+.

Click here to join the Zoom meeting.

Join us for an introductory class to tracking the menstrual cycle, led by Martha Hoffman.

This introductory class is your first step into gaining an accurate and empowered understanding of the menstrual cycle. Participants will learn uterine anatomy, the phases of the cycle, and how track fertile and infertile windows within each cycle.

Participants are welcome to join with any intention—you can apply this content for body literacy, birth control, conception, symptom mapping, and more. Martha always teaches in a gender inclusive and trans affirming way. Because this is introductory and so full of information, participants are welcome to follow up with the teacher in 1:1 classes separately.

Registration required; please sign up using the form above.

About the facilitator: Martha is a full-spectrum doula, massage therapist, and fertility awareness educator. She has been a group facilitator and educator for most of her life, and brings joy and accessibility into everything she teaches. She is deeply passionate about helping people cultivate autonomy and empowerment through learning more about their bodies.

Website: marthahoffman.com

Instagram: @martha_body

Join us for a discussion of Felon (2019) by Reginald Dwayne Betts.

No registration required. Books will be available to borrow at the Reference Desk three weeks before the discussion.

About the author: For more than twenty years, poet and activist Reginald Dwayne Betts has used his poetry and essays to explore the world of prison and the effects of violence and incarceration on American society. His third collection of poems, Felon, won the NAACP Image Award and was a finalist for the 2019 Los Angeles Times Book Prize.

A 2021 MacArthur Fellow, he is the founder and Executive Director of Freedom Reads, a not-for-profit organization that is radically transforming the access to literature in prisons through the installation of Freedom Libraries in prisons across this country.

This April Reginald Dwayne Betts will be the keynote speaker at the fourth annual Power of Truths Arts and Education Festival at the Bombyx Center in Florence. Sponsored by Self-Evident Education and the Northampton Arts Council, the festival features inspiring talks, panels, performances and workshops to help build a community based on equity and justice. For more information about the April 4-5 event, check out this packet.

Gain new digital skills and strengthen your understanding of digital technology in this free workshop series! 

These workshops are open to any members of our community, no prior knowledge needed. Devices will be provided for all participants.

Schedule (Mondays, 12-1:15pm): 

• March 17: Computer Basics
• March 31: Internet Basics
• April 14: Google Chrome
• April 28: Email Basics
• May 12: Social Media Basics
• June 2: Online Safety Basics

Space is limited; register to secure your spot. Register for the first session (March 17) to commit to all six sessions.

Questions? Please email reference@forbeslibrary.org or contact the Reference Desk.

This workshop series is presented in partnership with Tech Foundry and the Alliance for Digital Equity.

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. 

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+.

A presentation on Trans history, politics, and current events in the US from three members of River Valley Democratic Socialists of America.

NOTE WE ARE MEETING ON THE 5TH MONDAY THIS MONTH!

The Presidential Book Group is reading in chronological order and this month we are on James Buchanan. 

Choose from:

• The American Presidents series book: James Buchanan by Jean Baker
• The University of Kansas Press book: The Presidency of James Buchanan by Elbert B. Smith
• Worst. President. Ever: James Buchanan, the POTUS Rating Game, and the Legacy of the Least of the Lesser Presidents by Robert Strauss.

In this group you will deepen your understanding of the American presidency as we trace the history of the presidency, beginning with George Washington, and watching how American democracy evolved in ways the Founders never anticipated. We'll follow how presidents, both celebrated and forgotten, grappled with slavery, economics, executive power and America's role in the world. In doing so, we'll broaden our knowledge of Coolidge and where his presidency fits in the American story. 

The group meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30 PM EST, which you can attend in person in the Coolidge Museum or on Zoom. Discussions will be facilitated by Bill Scher, vice president of the museum’s Standing Committee.

Email Coolidge@forbeslibrary.org to join the email list or for more information.