The Easthampton Library hosted a seed swap as part of the kick-off of the All Hamptons Read program.
Reminder Publishing file photo
All Hamptons Read 2025 has officially kicked off and throughout the rest of April, libraries across Hampshire County are collaborating on community events in celebration of reading and literature.
The multi-community reading program is centered around Ross Gay’s poetry book, “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude,” as part of the National Endowment for the Art’s “Big Read” in partnership with the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and the Montague Public Libraries.
Throughout April, the public is invited to join for poetry readings, book discussion, writing and art workshops, and more. All remaining programs are free and open to the public, although some require pre-registration due to attendance limits.
Spearheaded by the public libraries in Northampton, Florence, Easthampton, Southampton, Westhampton and Williamsburg, All Hamptons Read gives readers throughout the region the opportunity to come together annually for discussion and exploration around the themes of a book.
Forbes Library Director Lisa Downing told Reminder Publishing All Hamptons Read is a great celebration of reading and literature for a county that adores them.
“I feel like if you’re a reader it’s less visible than some other things that can be attributes about yourself,” Downing said. “Both people that are currently reading or people who have in the past and want to get back into it, this is designed for them. For us to come together around a common book, celebrate that love of reading, explore it through the programing that happens, connect to one another which is so important. So to me it’s all about community and connecting with people who love to read or want to get back to reading.”
Downing added she is excited to see the turnout for events at Forbes as well as the county’s other libraries involved. She added that each event is focused on not just reading, but also writing, and said a lot of great discussion and lessons come from these workshops.
“I think that’s one of the other aspects of these programs is that it not only encourages reading, but writing has always been a component. I think those are intertwined,” Downing said.
- Some of the All Hampton Reads events featured the rest of the month include:
- Forbes Library, April 18, 1 p.m.: A hybrid book discussion on Ross Gay’s book.
- Forbes Library, April 16, 2 p.m.: Voices of Poetry, an afternoon of poetry featuring a roster of distinguished poets.
- Lilly Library, April 19, 2 p.m.: Soundbath with Jess Frey, an immersive event.
- Westhampton Library, April 22, 7 p.m.: National Poetry Month Book Group.
- Edwards Library, April 16, 10 a.m.: How to Maintain a Native Plant Garden. Registration required.
- Lilly Library, April 27, 1:30 p.m.: Gratitude Poetry Event.
For a full list of remaining events part of this year’s All Hampton Reads, visit tinyurl.com/mvcvjn5r.
All Hamptons Read is supported by the participating libraires of All Hamptons Read and by the National Endowment for the Arts along with the Springfield Public Forum, the Care Center and other libraries, organizations and businesses in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties.
Downing said the excitement behind an event like All Hampton Reads showcases the unique love and passion Hampshire County has for literature.
“We’ve been at this for 20 years through different iterations and I feel like its only just grown in terms of the number of communities involved at this point. I think to me that shows the fact that we are a learning, education and literature focused community,” Downing said. “And also realizing that the arts — whether you’re exploring that through writing or reading — all of these venues you can explore and learn and be connected around the printed page in all these unique and artistic ways. I think that’s a really big reflection of our community and the kinds of cool people that are here and willing to dig in and try new things.”
