Forbes Library, the public library for Northampton, Massachusetts, provides a wide range of information, materials and services to all of the people of Northampton and Massachusetts.  The library’s magnificent building offers a friendly, welcoming physical environment which encourages the civic, intellectual, and cultural pursuits of the public. Forbes serves as a community meeting place in which curiosity, free inquiry, and lifelong learning are supported and nurtured.

Forbes Library opened in 1894 and is celebrating 125 years of working for the common good throughout 2019. 

Directions and Parking

We are located at 20 West Street, Northampton, MA 01060.

At the intersection of Route 5 (Pleasant St./King St.) and Route 9 (Main St.), follow Route 9 west for about 2 blocks. Go straight through the traffic light at the Academy of Music, proceed about 100 feet to the next traffic light and turn left onto Route 66 (West St.). The library is on the left, a large stone building with a semicircular driveway.

Forbes has a metered parking lot behind the building. The fee is $.25 per hour, with a two hour limit on most meters. There are some 4-hour meters at the back of the parking lot. There are a limited number of 30 minute meters on the east side of the building which cost $.25 for 30 minutes. The meters take only quarters.