"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. The library is open 56 hours per week, and many resources are available online 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Forbes collections are large and varied including not only popular fiction and non-fiction, large arts and music and children’s departments, and an impressive art gallery, but also an extensive local history and genealogy collection for Hampshire County as well as the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library and Museum. Forbes also offers Northampton an array of programming and reference services for both children and adults, ranging from author readings, to music and dance demonstrations, dramatic readings and performances, to writing workshops, book and poetry discussion groups, internet training workshops, knitting, chess, and storytime."(sourced from forbeslibrary.org)
Support librarians with patron inquires
Shelving Books
Index and transcribe manuscripts
Pull Books for Decirculation
Support Childrens Department with Craft Events, Childrens Books
Organize materials digitally and physically
Support librarians with public events
Digitally Archiving Historic Documents
Creating Social Media Content (facebook, instagram, twitter)
Revitalisating Antique Photos
Internship Host
Informational Interview
Attention to detail
Strong organizational skills
Proficient With Social Media
Interest in historical materials
Working with the public
Preserve and Protect Historical Documents
Strong computer skills, including databases
Knowledge of local history
Proficient With Photoshop and Digital Scanning Software
Library/Information Science
History
Museums and Curation
Archivist
"My advice for future interns would be to come into the experience with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Take advantage of every opportunity to ask questions and explore new tasks. Pay attention to detail and be patient with tasks that may seem tedious, as they are often essential to the overall function of the library. Don't be afraid to speak up and offer ideas or suggestions, but also be receptive to feedback and constructive criticism." (Intern, 2023)