Forbes Library

Great and fun place to visit my kids! Staff are very friendly and well informed! Aside from Paco's tank needing some cleaning, my kids live going up to him to say hi! Amazing selection of games and puzzles upstairs! Love seeing the chess board available whenever I visit! Great variety of books to choose from as well. I also love the rooms you can reserve ahead of time!

Forbes Library is modern, comfortable, and quietly uplifting. It’s warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and always feels calm without being overly silent. There’s a gentle hum of conversation in the background—just enough to remind you that you’re not alone, but never enough to distract from reading or studying. The librarians are kind, composed, and nonjudgmental. They seem deeply focused on books, service, and helping people find what they need. The lighting is bright with large windows, but the space still feels cozy and grounded rather than cold or sterile. The furniture has a comforting weight to it—earthy, natural, and stable, very much in the spirit of Northampton. The books are displayed with care and color, almost like a Reading Rainbow for all ages. Everything is handicap a

The Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, was established through the will of Judge Charles Edward Forbes, who died in 1881. He left $220,000 to the city to create a public library that would be free and accessible to all residents. Construction began in 1893, and the library opened in 1894. The building was designed by architect William Brocklesby in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, using Longmeadow brownstone and fireproof steel framing. It remains one of the most architecturally distinctive civic buildings in western Massachusetts. Judge Forbes was not related to the Forbes family associated with Forbes magazine or the well-known Forbes millionaire rankings. His wealth came from investments in the New Haven and Northampton Canal and later in railroads. He lived modestly, nev

Visited the Calvin Coolidge presidential library and had a great experience! The staff member inside the exhibit was very knowledgeable and answered any questions we had. Very well kept and informative. Coolidge’s former homes are also located nearby. A must-visit for any presidential fan.

It was my first visit to Forbes Library today. I was very happy with the layout of the building. There was an elevator to use in case stairs were not possible to climb. The circulation desk was helpful in giving the needed information about notary public service provided at the library. Appointments can be made to meet with one of the notary publics or if one happens to be on site, they are accessible.