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.

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!!

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.

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

A great local library. Having grown up in Springfield with the incredible library there, I always…read morefound local libraries limiting, but the ability to get any resource quickly through the CW Mars Library system and its collection of more than 150 libraries makes this limitation no longer a problem. It is a bright, open building and the few of the dam over the Connecticut river is stunning. Bring a camera on a where the river is rushing south. It is a thrill. I read the review of the person who did not receive good service and I think this was an anomaly; I have found the staff to be very helpful.

I really like this library. It is very historical and it has some cool stuff at the library…read more There's a permanent display of military weapons as well as a really cool bear sculpture. The Children's library is really nice downstairs. The library staff are nice people and the atmosphere is really old but really kept up spotless.

Easthampton's Emily Williston Library and I go back 35 years, and the staff is unfailingly polite…read moreand helpful. The building is an architectural gem, and its collection seems well curated. Being able to request materials using the cwmars system gives access to a large network of libraries, so building size is not important to me. The location is convenient, and parking is generally easy except when school gets out. They were good sports when I added B to the start of their READ sign one April Fools day.

Cute library tucked away in the wooded 16 acres lot. It was quiet, comfortable, with a group of…read moreolder women whispering to each other as they knitted. They have a good selection of books for it being a smaller library. I especially appreciated how they had certain books standing out front and center so you could readily pick them up. Both of my book selections were like this, and they were really great reads. If there's a book you're looking for and they don't have it, ask and they'll order it for you. Cozy, comfortable, quiet, and inviting, everything you want in a library.

Wonderful, child friendly staff!! Always go above and beyond! Nice and quiet for reading!read more

Love this clean, bright, welcoming public library where locals are getting tutored, using the…read morecomputers, reading, generally taking advantage of a valuable community space together. Always glad to see public libraries doing well.

I've frequented this library quite often since moving to CT. Mainly because they have a children's…read moresection at the lower level. We took the elevator to this level; there is a tween/teen, toddler, and baby section. The baby room is locked from the outside but you can reach over to unlock the door; this is for babies and crawlers. They had some baby toys and books in there. The toddler section has a mini kitchen, fake groceries, baby dolls, doll house, Legos, and toy cars which kept my toddler busy. We put away the toys we played with before we left just to be courteous. We had to print out some paper and it's 10 cents a page. Keep in mind when putting the quantity in the computer, it doesn't specify dollars or pages; it's actually quantity of dollars not pages. This location is nice because it's walking distance to all the stores and restaurants. Overall, a clean and organized library!

Yelp says this is a place to get documents notarized. There is a librarian who is a notary. However…read moreshe's very busy and they really want you to get an appointment to get something notarized. See their website for details: https://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org/p/2070/Notary-Services

I kind of can't believe there are not any reviews of this place yet. Maybe I missed something?…read moreWell, OK here goes - First of all, let's talk about the fact that this is one of those newfangled glasses, steel constructions. No, it's not the quaint old hundred year old, yellow building that everyone in Greenfield has loved for generations. You know what that means? It means it is energy efficient. It also means it's quiet. They also means it has great light. I can't really speak to the collection because I do most of my library borrowing online but what makes libraries really important these days is an entire room for children & an entire room for teens. And that means there a workplaces and tables and books for everybody else other places that are quiet and available. There is an entire hallway of nice spacious, clean all gender, bathrooms. Thank you. And a big parking lot. Not that e we are supposed to drive anymore, but you know a lot of us need to get here.