Libraries, Bookstores, & More: Northampton, MA
Smith College’s Neilson Library
Paradise
In the vibrant city of Northampton, Massachusetts, lies the illustrious academic institution, Smith College. Tucked away in the town’s center, since its inception in 1871, the College has been home to some of the finest womanly scholars in our nation. Notable graduates of Smith include Sylvia Plath, Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, and Gloria Steinem.
Known as “Paradise City,” Northampton, Massachusetts like many New England cities was first inhabited by the Algonquian Native American tribes. Called Norwottuck or Nonotuck by the Indigenous of the land, Northampton was first settled by Europeans in 1654, and incorporated as a city in 1884.
As a countercultural hub, Northampton earned its moniker from opera singer, Jenny Lind, when she proclaimed the city to be the “Paradise of America.” This is largely due to Northampton’s history as a home to transcendentalists and abolitionists like Sojourner Truth—who worked with the Northampton Association of Education and Industry. The city is also notable for its inclusion, collegiate community, arts, and music; through entities such as the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech, which was once headed by Alexander Graham Bell and Grace Coolidge, respectively, as well as a myriad of festivals and action towards building community.
The Library
There are many libraries in the world—some are grand and stately, while others exude beauty through its simplicity. However, nothing prepared me for the exquisiteness of Smith College’s Neilson Library. Since its establishment in 1909, the library has serviced the women of Smith in becoming some of the most prominent and influential women in history. Commissioned by architectural designer Maya Lin, the library underwent a full remodeling in 2017, with doors opening in March 2021.
On my visit to Northampton, I was able to get a glimpse of the newly launched library. Combining old and new, Lin designed an architectural masterpiece that showcases comfort, clean lines, and beautiful simplicity. The large windows bring in a wealth of openness and airiness that are both calming and welcoming. While the many books lining the shelves lends an inviting atmosphere, making you want to immerse yourself in them.
Walking in, you are presented with four levels of literary wonderment. On the first floor, you’ll find the Browser room and Central Service Point; along with a large mural that is beautiful and inviting. If you follow the stairs slightly downward, you’ll also find the Compass Café; where you can load up on coffee and to-go treats to fuel your reading and studying sessions. Throughout the second and third floors you’ll find special collections, and private study and reading rooms. For those in need of self-reflection, you can find your peace in the Reflection Room provided, where you can meditate or bask in tranquility and quiet. If you’re in need of the outdoors while you read and work, head up to the fourth floor where you will find the outdoor terrace. Lastly, please, when you visit, take some time to wander around the small exhibit collections of works, literature, and journals of Smith College alumnae; there you can view displays showcasing the college’s history and development.
Smith College’s Paradise Pond
The library isn’t the only thing of beauty on campus. Like the city it’s housed in, Smith College is surrounded by beautiful Northern Red Oak, Hemlock, and White Pine trees. While campus buildings allude to the area Colonial and Victorian roots—lending visitors a glimpse through time.
Set within its scenic forestry and New England architecture, is Paradise Pond and boathouse. The private pond flows into a small waterfall created by a dam that flows into the Mill River. The body of water is not only striking, but also soothing. During the Fall and Spring months, you will find many students kayaking, canoeing, or row boating on the pond. Although visitors can’t take a turn around the pond, you can still sit and enjoy the scenery.
The Garden
If you’re in the mood to explore beyond the library walls, the Smith College Botanic Garden and Art Museum are wonderful places to visit. When entering the gardens, you are met with scents that tickle your senses. From delightful smells of beautiful flora, to intoxicating citrus, the visual and fragrant vegetation that’s housed in the gardens is sure to be pleasing to all.
Smith College Art Museum
After stopping in the Botanic Gardens, take a walk to the Smith College Art Museum. From the ancient world to contemporary masterpieces, the art museum has something for everyone to enjoy. And as an educational institution, the museum offers interactive and immersive exhibits for even the youngest of visitors.
Play, Eat & Stay
For the Kids
Outside of what Smith College campus has to offer, visitors to Northampton with small children can find a myriad of places to enjoy. If your little one(s) needs to expend some energy after a day of learning and exploring, then take them to Pulaski Park or Look Memorial Park. While Pulaski Park has a more urban feel and is free of charge, Look Memorial Park houses a splash pad, miniature golf, pedal boats, tennis and pickleball, playgrounds, and a steamer train and wildlife center. A small fee of $5 per vehicle from Monday through Thursday, and $10 on the weekend is needed to enter the park. However, if you have a military ID, entry into Look Memorial is free. Also, be sure to grab an ice cream cone at the Sweet Shoppe, if visiting during the summer months.
Solis Splendor Books
Books & More
What would a library visit be without a trip to a bookstore? As a cultural hub and academic centered community, Northampton has numerous bookstores that would please any bibliophile. For me, my favorites were Splendor Solis Books, Booklink Booksellers, and Raven Used Books.
From first edition copies of American classics to books on 19th century philosophy, Splendor Solis Books has all, for readers who enjoy the old, new, and unusual. When you walk in, you’re greeted with that wonderful “old book smell,” that book lovers long for. While small, the shop is quaint and inviting. And the owners are kind and well-versed on the books in their shop. My children absolutely loved it there and found an old pop-up book that they’ve come to enjoy.
Like Splendor, Raven Used Books is a shop that holds books of all varieties. The basement shop is modest in scale, but consists of winding mazes of books that are stacked from floor to ceiling. However, unlike the other shops, Booklink Booksellers holds more contemporary and newer works. The shop is also in Thornes Marketplace—a place with many boutiques and places to grab a quick bite.
Play
Even the most prolific bibliophile needs a break. So, take some time to explore Northampton’s downtown— where you’ll find all that you desire. There you’ll find many small businesses, boutiques, galleries, and eateries that will be sure to please everyone. Our most favorite spots to drop in on was William Baczek Fine Arts and R. Michelson Galleries. I will say that our greatest find, while exploring their downtown shops was A2Z Science and Learning Store for the kids, and a fairtrade shop called, Ten Thousand Villages, for us.
Noodles
Eat
Now on to the food. As mentioned before, Northampton has a wide variety of places to eat to choose from. However, we preferred places like Noodles for its kid-friendly atmosphere. While waiting for our food and drinks, the restaurant provided us with books and games. It was a much better distraction for our young ones than using a device and provided us with some great fun and family time.
We found that the best pizza came from an unsuspecting place—Filos Greek Taverna. Their pizza and Greek specialties were delicious. If you have a taste for Moroccan food, then try the Mosaic Café. For snacks and light bites, we enjoyed The Roost—a coffee house that offers pastries (please get their brownie and chocolate cake), and some fantastic drinks.
If you’re in the mood for dinner and night life, I recommend going to The Tunnel Bar or Tellus Restaurant. While The Tunnel Bar is a lounge with great bar food and small desserts, from 5pm to 10pm, Tellus functions as a full- running restaurant from Wednesdays to Saturday. Once the dinner rush is done, it turns into a club.
Stay
Although there are many places to stay in the surrounding area, none compare to a stay at The Hotel Northampton. It is a beautiful hotel with a historic tavern, that has hosted many notable guests, such as Oprah Winfrey. If that isn’t for you, then try your hand at The Ellery, a Colonial-style B&B.
So, go visit Northampton. Where you’ll become enthralled with New England’s city of paradise.
