Greenfield Public Library Foundation

04/15/2026

This evening! Local Author Talk with Martha Ackmann: Ain’t Nobody’s Fool, Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 pm Community Meeting Room
The Greenfield Public Library is pleased to welcome local author Martha Ackmann on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:30 pm for a discussion of her book Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: the life and times of Dolly Parton.

Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life.

Martha Ackmann is a journalist and author who writes about women who have changed America. Her essays and columns have appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Salon, and the Washington Post. She has been featured on CNN, the Today Show, National Public Radio, and the BBC. A Guggenheim fellow and a scholar in non-fiction at the Harvard-Radcliffe Institute, Martha was a longtime member of the Mount Holyoke College faculty, teaching courses on Emily Dickinson and non-fiction writing. She holds a Ph.D. in English from the University of Massachusetts.

Martha’s previous books include, The Mercury 13: The True Story of Thirteen Women and the Dream of Space Flight; Curveball: The Remarkable Story of Toni Stone, First Woman to Play Professional Baseball in the Negro League; and These Fevered Days: Ten Pivotal Moments in the Making of Emily Dickinson. Her baseball book was adapted for the stage and premiered at the Roundabout Theatre in New York, and in productions across the country including San Francisco, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Boston.

Copies of the Book will be available for purchase.

For more information, email us at [email protected], or call (413) 772-1544.

This program, sponsored by the Greenfield Public Library Foundation, is free and open to everyone in our community.

04/01/2026

Are you a fan of Dolly Parton’s support of childhood literacy? Music? Dolly Parton is an incredible woman—This event will feature local author Martha Ackmann’s new book “Ain’t Nobody’s Fool” and include a Q&A and book signing (books available for purchase or bring your own previously purchased copies).

The GPL Foundation is happy to bring this event to the library on April 15th. Please join us!

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Local Author Talk with Martha Ackmann: Ain’t Nobody’s Fool

Wednesday, April 15, 6:30 pm, Community Meeting Room

The Greenfield Public Library is pleased to welcome local author Martha Ackmann on Wednesday, April 15 at 6:00 pm for a discussion of her book Ain’t Nobody’s Fool: the life and times of Dolly Parton.

Martha Ackmann chronicles the life of an American Original. From her impoverished childhood in the Smoky Mountains to international stardom as a singer, songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has exceeded everyone's expectations except her own. Ain't Nobody's Fool is a deep dive into the social, historical, and personal forces that made Dolly Parton one of the most beloved and unifying figures in public life.

Martha Ackmann is a journalist and author who writes about women who have changed America.

Copies of the Book will be available for purchase.

For more information, email us at [email protected], or call (413) 772-1544.

This program, sponsored by the Greenfield Public Library Foundation, is free and open to everyone in our community.

03/23/2026

Did you read The Recorder today? Please take a look at Board member Mitch Anthony’s My Turn “Why I have ‘radical hope’ for Franklin County” for a meaningful read.

01/18/2026

Budget season—raise your voices in support of libraries.

Librarians across western Massachusetts are calling for an additional $1 million for public library aid in the state's fiscal year 2027 budget, citing increased demand and costs, and the need for libraries to remain flexible and serve their communities.

01/14/2026

“Libraries should be planned for the way we plan for schools, roads, and public safety: as long-term investments in community well-being.”

https://reader.recorder.com/story/gr-grr-20260114-demo_art0000000000000000068845324/content.html

By GPL Foundation Board Member & Greenfield resident, Mitch Anthony

06/03/2025

New Copier to Benefit All at Greenfield Public Library

May 9th saw the introduction of a new copier/“multifunctional device” at the Greenfield Public Library. Funds from the Greenfield Public Library Foundation and generous support from Gilmore & Farrell Insurance Company and other donors made this addition to the library business area possible.

Anna Bognolo, Library Director, stated “that the old copier had outlived its usefulness and demanded staff attention constantly. That fact left less time to properly serve other patrons at the library.” The new copier, with advanced technology, can be operated via a kiosk that accepts cash, copies on both sides in black and color inks, and frees up staff to work with other patrons.

A credit card reader was added to the copier system on May 30 increasing payment choices to include credit and debit cards as well as a variety of online payment platforms.

The addition of this updated technology accents the continuing need for support from the GPL Foundation as the library grows to better serve the public and provides library staff with tools to better serve patron needs. The copier, located in the second-floor business area, will be available during all library hours.

Lisa Prolman, Assistant Head Librarian said, “many of our patrons have been waiting for this new copier for a long time. We are pleased to finally have this service available.”

Greenfield Public Library

05/22/2025

A great event at the Greenfield Garden Cinema this past Monday. The panel discussion offered so much to the evening.

GREENFIELD — Library directors from across Franklin County recently shared their stories of what it means to be a librarian in 2025, a role they say often involves pivoting to tackle unprecedented challenges.

05/08/2025

Public libraries matter more now than ever. The Greenfield Public Library is a special place in our community.
Thanks Mitch!

By MITCH ANTHONYWhen I moved to Greenfield in the 1970s, downtown co

04/11/2025

This library brings so much to the community.

This week is National Library Week! We could not be prouder of our Greenfield Public Library!

Our state-of-the-art library continues to serve as a community destination for Greenfield and the region. The library's range of services provides an excellent resource for everyone in the community to take advantage of.

01/11/2025