Friends of Forbes Library

07/23/2026

03/07/2026

Thank you Lindsay Sabadosa, State Representative, 1st Hampshire District!

Libraries are the heart of our communities. They are more than shelves of books: they are welcoming spaces where people of all ages come to learn, connect, and grow. From early literacy programs and author talks to technology access, research support, and community gatherings, libraries provide invaluable services that strengthen the fabric of our towns.

Here in Northampton, the Friends of Forbes Library play an essential role in making that impact possible. While we proudly support libraries through the state budget to ensure stable funding for core services, public funding alone doesn’t cover everything a vibrant, modern library needs to thrive.

That’s where the Friends step in.

The Friends of Forbes Library help fill the gaps: funding special programs, events, equipment, and enhancements that make the library not just functional, but exceptional. They support author series, children’s activities, cultural programming, and so much more. Their dedication ensures that .Library remains a dynamic, inclusive space that serves everyone in our community.

Public investment keeps the doors open.
The Friends make what happens inside those doors extraordinary.

03/05/2026

Today is Coolidge Giving Day to support our renovation fund! We are thankful to 29 donors who have gifted $4087.50 so far today!!
Can you help get us over $5000? http://www.forbeslibrary.org/giving

Consider a gift of $100 in honor of the centennial of the Coolidge administration!

The first 10 gifts of $500 or more will receive a signed copy of Doris Kearns Goodwin's 2018 book Leadership in Turbulent Times! Many thanks to the author for donating these.

Check out the renovation plans at https://forbeslibrary.org/coolidge/schematic-exhibit-design/
One corner of the space will be a replica Oval Office where visitors can look through files in the drawers, explore historical documents, pick up a phone or listen to a radio speech of the President. President Coolidge used the Theodore Roosevelt Desk in the Oval Office and the Resolute Desk in the private office in the residence.

12/18/2025

One last reminder: Please vote for us for a Florence Bank grant: https://www.florencebank.com/customers-choice-community-grants! These gifts help us support amazing projects at Forbes Library such as the performance stage, programming, and more!