Throughout the month of February, Forbes Library is collecting toiletries to support local residents who are experiencing homelessness. The following supplies are needed: deodorant, shampoo, shaving materials, lip balm, small bar soap, hand or foot warmers, men’s underwear (new in package), small packages of tissues, small packages of Bandaids, snack bars, and insulated water bottles with tight seals.
If you're following along with the Massachusetts Center for the Book Reader's Challenge, it's almost time to pick your March book! March's theme is a Mass Book Awards Honoree. You can also submit your February entry, and sign up for the February Shout & Share on Monday, February 27 to talk about your reading and hear what others have been enjoying.
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.
Join us in the community room for an afternoon of creativity! We'll have everything you need to use your imagination and make an open-ended craft. Ages 4+.
Do you want to deepen your understanding of the American presidency? Then join the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library & Museum's new Presidential Book Group! We will be tracing the history of the presidency, beginning with George Washington, and watching how American democracy evolved in ways the Founders never anticipated.
We look forward to seeing you for an invigorating conversation with highly acclaimed author Sadeqa Johnson as she talks about her brand new novel, The House of Eve!
In The House of Eve, Fifteen-year-old Ruby Pearsall is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college, in spite of having a mother more interested in keeping a man than raising her daughter. But a taboo love affair threatens to pull her back down into the poverty and desperation that has been passed onto her like a birthright.
Eleanor Quarles arrived in Washington DC with ambition and secrets. When she meets the handsome William Pride at Howard University, they fall madly in love. But William hails from one of DC’s elite wealthy Black families, and his parents don’t just let anyone into their fold. Eleanor hopes that a baby will make her finally feel at home in William’s family and grant her the life she’s been searching for. But having a baby—and fitting in—is easier said than done.
The lives of these two women collide in the most unexpected way as they both face life altering decisions. The House of Eve is a fast-paced, harrowing story that hinges on what it means to be a woman and a mother, and how much one is willing to sacrifice to achieve her greatest goal.
Drop in to play games and meet other families! Enjoy collaborative games like Snug as a Bug and Busy Town, as well as turn-taking games like Spot It!, Hiss, and Zingo. 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 atAsMiller@northampton-k12.us
Enjoy a virtual lunchtime lecture from the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site in Brookline, entitled "Olmsted's Life and Legacy." While the world knows him today as the foremost American landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted would live a full life well before designing open green spaces. From a childhood in New England, Olmsted went on to practice farming, journalism, administration, and a number of other professions. Despite trying on many hats, everything Olmsted did in his life prepared him to become a landscape architect. Examine Olmsted's life from his early years up until his final days. Led by Community and Youth Engagement Coordinator Isabel Schulman.
Join us for a chat and pick next month's read! This meeting is for teens only and will take place via Zoom; contact mbishop@forbeslibrary.org for the meeting link.
"For fans of Love, Simon and I Wish You All the Best, a funny, honest, messy, completely relatable story of a girl who realizes that love can be found in many ways that don't involve sex or romance."
Slavery and Christianity
College Church invites you to Slavery and Christianity: Jonathan Edwards’ Journey from Slaver to Early Abolitionist Sunday February 26 at 1PM
Two local historians, Historic Northampton's Elizabeth Sharpe and Forbes Library's Elise Bernier-Feeley will delve into the history of slavery in Northampton, and tell the fascinating story of how Jonathan Edwards views on slavery evolved over the course of his life. Q & A time will follow and refreshments will be served. Free and open to the public!
In the Hosmer Gallery
Paintings by Margaret Lloyd, Kate Marion Lapierre, and Lydia Kinney
MARGARET LLOYD Ascending and Descending Worlds Margaret Lloyd is both a visual artist and a poet. She is a Welsh immigrant and received a Ph.D. from the University of Leeds, England. All of the oil paintings in the exhibition are concerned with the creation of “place.” Some evoke the mountains, sea, and sky of Wales; others were inspired by the landscapes and seascapes of Homer’s Odyssey—the ancient world. All of these paintings reflect an internal state. Tension, energy, and passion forge the places that finally emerge—wild expanses of water, wind, and land. At times these paintings dwell more in the realm of abstraction than realism—never before seen, yet they strive to be as organic and palpable as the world we live in.
KATE MARION LAPIERRE Kate Marion Lapierre creates colorful abstract paintings and has sold her work locally and internationally through online galleries. Her paintings can be complete abstraction or expressionist landscapes and florals. Because this show is in March, Kate will be displaying more of her paintings with Spring colors and themes.
Kate creates in the moment in a very spontaneous way and considers herself an intuitive painter. She is drawn to a color, mood, and mark making and often paints without any preconceived plan. Her goal is to have each viewer interact with the art and interpret it on a personal level. Formerly, Kate had been an illustrator, art educator, and art therapist and continues to draw on those experiences while enjoying the painting process.
LYDIA KINNEY Lydia Kinney is a painter based in Greenfield, Massachusetts. She graduated from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in 2014 with a BFA in Painting, and was the recipient of department honors and the 2013 Rob Moore award. Lydia shows regionally throughout New England, often in the Pioneer Valley.
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Forbes Library 20 West St Northampton, Massachusetts 01060 (413) 587-1011www.forbeslibrary.org