The Forbes Library in Northampton, Massachusetts, was established through the will of Judge Charles…read moreEdward 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, never married, and rented rooms in town. His legacy was civic rather than commercial, focused on education and public access to knowledge. The library also houses the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum, reflecting its deep ties to local and national history. So while the name might suggest a connection to publishing or wealth, the Forbes Library stands as a monument to quiet generosity and intellectual accessibility. Beyond the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Museum, the Forbes Library offered a warm, welcoming space filled with quiet nooks, curated art displays, and shelves that seemed to stretch endlessly with local history, fiction, and research materials. We explored the main reading room, where natural light poured through tall windows and the original woodwork lent a sense of timeless dignity. A rotating exhibit near the entrance showcased regional artists, while tucked-away corners revealed archival maps and Northampton memorabilia. The elevator made it easy to reach the upper floors, ensuring that the library's resources and charm were accessible to everyone, regardless of mobility. [Review 1135 of 2025 - 1276 in Massachusetts - 24688 overall]

You know me and Libraries; can't keep me out of them!! and this one I daresay is my favorite in the…read moreWestern Mass area. Ok, ok, it's not just because Paco the vegetarian Pirahna is here. The building itself is an architectural marvel. There's something about this beautiful building that's up on the hill, surrounded by large oaks. It's as if the leaves billowing in the wind beckon you to: "please come in." There's just something about where this building is situated that exudes peace and tranquility. You'll see that others feel the same in the reviews. If you follow Forbes on Instagram, you'll not only see that it's active with events, but a lot of them strive to help the community. They have an upcoming event where they'll have clothes, shoes and general business attire available for people who are looking to get a job. I can't think of any other library that does that. To further expand on that note; they lend out musical instruments. You read right; you can borrow musical instruments here. I'm not sure what details are involved but I personally found that to be incredible, and a show of the willingness to go the extra mile for the community. Yes, you do have to pay for parking here. I know that sounds off putting, but there is a sign on the property that says the proceeds help the library and their programs. Besides, I think a dime gives you 20 minutes time so it's extremely cheap. Keep up the good work Forbes! You definitely have admirers.

I have no idea if the library is open to the public, but it was certainly open for me. I was here…read morefor three hours this afternoon where I found a study carrel and was able to spread out two laptops and get some work done. This is definitely a "quiet" space. I got shushed once and had to move to another place for a Zoom meeting even though I was not loud at all. Okay, I get it. Street parking nearby is metered only unless you have a Smith College parking pass. [Review 18427 overall - 1145 in Massachusetts - 1949 of 2022.]

Having completed my Masters here at Smith College I spent the better part of my summers either…read morestudying here or napping...usually napping. This library is a great place to study and the overall atmosphere is great. The staff is extremely polite and helpful and the study areas are built for long haul sessions. Overall, I have spent a lot of time here as well as the UMASS library and I have to say that this one holds a special place in my heart.

Personal help finding things. Kind and experienced staff is super helpful. They reserved a book…read moreat another library and it was sent to Lilly library for me to check out. -For my book club. Computers available. Love the free Summer concerts just steps away on Thursdays.

From the owner: Lilly Library serves traditional and modern library user's needs. Come check out books, movies,…read moremusic, magazines & more. We also have ebooks and digital audiobooks available on our digital catalog. Find out about storytimes, book clubs for new readers, teens, and mystery lovers, as well as movie show times and other exciting programming on our website.

Clean comfortable. Good parking. Thank you! Two floors. Nice children section. Will come againread more

Grate Staff, great assortment of Books and Magazines. very welcoming to children. . . lots to do in…read morethe Childrens Room!

I love this library! It's absolutely gorgeous!…read more It's relatively new and it's pretty large. On the main floor, they've got fiction, a teen area, all the media, and a bunch of areas to sit and relax and read. They've got the largest children's room around by far! Oh my goodness! They've got iPads, large research computers, the small computers for the little little ones, and even a 3D printer! It's so cool! Downstairs they've got the computers and non fiction, along with a few rooms for meetings and such. It really is a beautiful place.

If you love our country, the arts and bingo not the place for you. South Hadley and Forbes and…read moreSpringfield have nicer staff. I do appreciate them flying the American flag. They should fly a progress flag as well.

Very nice small town library, friendly people dedicated to keeping the library alive. I can't…read moreimagine complaining about a local library since most towns don't even have one but I had to respond since the main review complains about being called too many times.

Comically inefficient. A person named Matthew, either a volunteer or employee, repeatedly calls…read moreand e-mails me about an issue that was resolved a month ago. Apparently Matthew listens to a month-old voicemail message day after day, and falsely believes it is a new voicemail message each day. He then responds to the "new" voicemail message by contacting me to tell me the same thing he's told me multiple times and that has been resolved. It's like a "Groundhog Day" time loop which would be comical if it wasn't a complete waste of time and money. Taxpayers pay for the library. I contacted the director, Sharon Sharry, who didn't address the issue but rather relied on Matthew's delusions in defending him and her inefficient library.

This three story library is beautiful. Modern and yet refined. Clean and functional and yet…read morecomfortable. The citizens of Holyoke have done well to put together such a fabulous resource! I was here for about three hours today, quietly ensconced at a study carrel on the second floor where I was able to spread out two laptops and my phone. I made (quiet) Zoom calls, sent emails and wrote Yelp reviews. I was not disturbed and in my time, I didn't see many other patrons. Y'all are missing out! Study desks and free computers, books, magazines, music, movies, reference materials and a free wifi. What more do you need? [Review 18422 overall - 1142 in Massachusetts - 1944 of 2022.]

This is a stunning library. An $8 million dollar renovation was completed in 2020 when the old…read moreHadley Library (Goodwin Memorial Library) moved into this new building. There is ample space for books, games, computers, and a well-outfitted kids play area. There are large windows that let in a ton of natural light. The staff has always been very friendly. The only downside is that the hours are fairly limited so make sure it's open before you arrive. A neighborhood gem!!