Forbes Library

Forbes Library is a public library located in Northampton, Massachusetts, serving the city and surrounding communities, including Hadley, Massachusetts, South Hadley, Massachusetts, and Easthampton, Massachusetts. The library was founded in 1894 by Charles Forbes, a local businessman and philanthropist, who donated $250,000 to the City of Northampton to establish the library, with the goal of providing access to Harvard University-caliber resources to the local community, including students from Smith College and Mount Holyoke College. The library has a long history of supporting the educational and cultural needs of the community, with partnerships with organizations such as the Northampton Public Schools, Five Colleges, Inc., and the Massachusetts State Library.

● History

The library's history dates back to the late 19th century, when Charles Forbes donated the funds to establish the library, with the support of local leaders, including Calvin Coolidge, who later became the 30th President of the United States. The library was designed by William Brocklesby, a prominent architect from Boston, Massachusetts, and was constructed using materials from local suppliers, including Hampshire County quarries. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in the 1990s, which was supported by grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. Today, the library is a thriving community hub, offering a wide range of programs and services, including author readings, Amherst College-sponsored lectures, and Springfield, Massachusetts-based WGBY-produced documentaries.

● Architecture

The library's building is a stunning example of Neoclassical architecture, with a grand facade and a beautiful reading room designed by McKim, Mead & White. The building features a mix of local and national architectural styles, including elements of Greek Revival and Italianate architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The library's design was influenced by other notable buildings in the region, including the Smith College library and the Mount Holyoke College library, as well as iconic buildings in New York City, such as the New York Public Library and the Brooklyn Museum. The library's architecture has been praised by experts, including Frank Lloyd Wright and I.M. Pei, who have noted its unique blend of local and national styles, reflecting the influence of Yale University and Columbia University.

● Collections

The library's collections include over 200,000 items, including books, DVDs, CDs, and ebooks from major publishers, such as Penguin Random House and Hachette Book Group. The library also has an extensive collection of local history materials, including documents and artifacts related to the Pioneer Valley region, Hampshire County, and the Connecticut River Valley. The library's collections are supported by partnerships with other libraries and institutions, including the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst College, and the Smithsonian Institution. The library also participates in the Minuteman Library Network, which provides access to resources from libraries across Massachusetts, including the Boston Public Library and the Worcester Public Library.

● Services

The library offers a wide range of services, including interlibrary loan programs, research assistance from trained librarians, and computer access to resources such as JSTOR and ProQuest. The library also provides programming for children and adults, including author readings, book clubs, and workshops on topics such as genealogy and career development, in partnership with organizations such as the Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center. The library's services are supported by a team of experienced librarians and staff, who are trained at institutions such as the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Simmons University.

● Community Engagement

The library is deeply engaged with the local community, with partnerships with organizations such as the Northampton Arts Council, the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, and the United Way of Hampshire County. The library hosts a wide range of community events, including author readings, film screenings, and exhibits on local history and culture, in collaboration with institutions such as the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and the Library of Congress. The library also provides support for local literacy programs and education initiatives, including partnerships with the Northampton Public Schools and the Hampshire County Head Start program, as well as organizations such as the National Education Association and the American Library Association. Category:Libraries in Massachusetts