Upcoming Holiday Closures
Please note our schedule over the upcoming holidays:

Saturday, December 24: Closed
Monday, December 26: Closed

Saturday, December 31: Closed
Monday, January 2: Closed

Otherwise, we will be open our usual hours:
Monday-Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm

Museum Pass Spotlight:

MASS MoCA
Use our museum pass for free admission for 2 adults and 2 kids (under 16) to MASS MoCA's galleries during normal gallery hours. Not valid for performing arts events or special exhibition openings.
Check availability. 
If available, passes can be reserved for four hours by calling 413-587-1011, extension 2.

Check out the full list of museum passes! 

Holiday Gifts from the Library

Looking for a last minute gift that celebrates reading, fun, and fish?
Our "I ♥ Paco" t-shirts pay tribute to Forbes Library’s famous mascot who makes her home in the Children's Department. Available in youth sizes from 2T to youth large and adult sizes through XL. You can buy online (with the option to pick up at the library) or in person at the Children's desk. 

Library Programs

Visit our online calendar to see a complete list of library events. Filter using the category "VIRTUAL" to find events that can be attended remotely.

Holiday Sing-Along for Shelter
Saturday, December 17, 2022, 10 am

Hosted by the Ukulele Strum Group!

Bring your voice, friends, and optional musical instruments to sing and play along.

Donations will be gratefully accepted to benefit the Interfaith Winter Shelter.

Make-Your-Own Gift Tags
Saturday, December 17, 2022, 11 am

Celebrate the winter holiday season with a special craft for kids at the library! We'll have everything you need to make and decorate gift tags for friends and loved ones. Recommended for children ages 3 and up.

Monthly Family Game Time with Northampton Public School's Early Childhood Center
Tuesday, December 20, 2022, 3:30 pm
Drop in to play games and meet other families! Enjoy collaborative games as well as turn-taking games. Games are a great way to build communication skills, problem-solving, and brain development. It's also an enjoyable way to promote family time. This Monthly Family Game Time is geared toward families with children ages 3-8 years old. 
This event is hosted by the NPS's Early Childhood Center. Questions?: email Ashley Miller at [email protected]

Teen Gaming Lounge
Tuesdays at 4 pm

Every Tuesday afternoon, teens ages 12+ are invited to play our brand-new 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!

Far Out Film Discussion
Wednesday, December 21, 2022, 6:30 pm

Far Out Film Discussion will meet in the Community room at 6:30 to talk about the five hour television version of Ingmar Bergman's Fanny and Alexander.

Watch the trailer on YouTube. 

We will have copies of the DVD to borrow in the Arts and Music department.

Kids' Gaming Club
Fridays at 4 pm

Every Friday, kids ages 7-12 can join us in the Community Room to hang out with other young gamers and play the library's new Nintendo Switch!

Snowflake Suncatchers
Tuesday, December 27, 2022, 11am

Join us in the community room to make snowflake suncatchers! Ages 4+.

Make Your Own Lantern!
Tuesday, December 28, 2022, 11am

Join us in the community room to make a wintertime craft! We'll have everything you need to create your own lantern to bring home. Ages 4+. Community room capacity is limited to 30 people.

Magic the Gathering Club for Tweens & Teens
Thursday, December 29, 2022, 3:45 pm

*New time!* Join us for a casual meetup for tweens & teens interested in MTG! 

Curious about learning how to play? Looking for other players? Forbes will provide cards to use at the library.

This program is for ages 10+ and meets biweekly. Questions? Email [email protected]

In the Hosmer Gallery

Olwen Dowling: Above and Below
Dave Madeloni: Photographs
Brian McQuillan: Sculptures

December 2-29, 2022

First Night Northampton

The Northampton Arts Council is thrilled to present our city’s 38th annual New Year's Eve celebration and festival of the performing arts, which takes place on December 31, 2022.
The event falls on a Saturday this year, and we look forward to welcoming enthusiastic crowds at the venues and on the streets downtown. First Night continues to be a unique opportunity to celebrate the cultural vibrancy of our community while sharing time with friends, neighbors, and visitors. 

First Night Program and Schedule
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Click Here to view the Forbes Library Weekly Events - December 16, 2022