Northampton – Forbes Library and Calvin Coolidge

There are so many interesting things in Northampton. One of my favorites is the Forbes Library. It is a public library established in 1894, thanks to a bequest from Judge Charles Edward Forbes. He left a significant sum to the town specifically for the creation and maintenance of a public library. The library, designed by William Brocklesby, is a notable example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture, constructed with fireproof materials like steel and stone. 

They sure don’t build libraries like this anymore!

There is a glorious statue of Athena off to the left.

Here is the Athena Statue plaque.

Forbes Library is also home to the Calvin Coolidge Presidential Library, the only such collection in a public library. Calvin Coolidge is famous for his role as the 30th President of the United States, particularly for his presidency during the Roaring Twenties. He is also known for his reputation as a symbol of  fiscal conservatism, his strong response to the Boston police strike, and his eventual decline to run for a second term. 

Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth Notch, Vermont, on July 4, 1872. After graduating from Amherst College, he began a career in law and politics in Northampton, Massachusetts, eventually becoming Governor of Massachusetts, Vice President and President. After leaving the White House in 1929, he returned to Northampton where he lived for the rest of his life.

Here is a cute stamp from the Calvin Coolidge Library.

This is a very inspiring quote about persistence from Calvin Coolidge.

Have you ever been to the Forbes Library in Northampton? If so, what did you think?