NORTHAMPTON — As it prepares to hire a new director, Forbes Library will hold a public forum Wednesday at 7 p.m. to discuss the future of the library.

The forum is meant to help a search committee as it goes about hiring the library’s next director.

Janet Moulding, the library’s current director, is planning to retire at the end of the year.

The forum will focus on two questions: what are the most important priorities facing the library in the coming years? And, what are the most important qualities the new director should possess?

The public can also send comments by email to Search Committee Chairwoman Marjorie Hess at hesstal@crocker.com.