Local Roots. National Reach.

We’ve called Claremont home for over 40 years. We’re a local nonprofit built on a simple idea: things like a good book or a bag of fresh produce can truly change a person's life.

Whether we’re supporting our neighborhood farmers or mailing a textbook to a prison cell across the country, we're here to help people grow, learn, and stay connected.

The Prison Library Project

At our core is the Prison Library Project. We don't believe being behind bars should mean being cut off from learning. Every day, our volunteers pack boxes of books to send to incarcerated men and women nationwide.

For many of these readers, a book is more than just paper—it’s a way to study for a GED, find a moment of peace, or start a new chapter in life. We mail over 30,000 books a year, proving that even a small gift can have a massive reach.

The Farmers & Artisans Market

You might know us best from our Sunday Farmers & Artisans Market. It’s where our community gathers to support local growers and makers, but it also serves a bigger purpose.

The market is the engine that keeps our mission running. When you shop with us in the Village, you aren't just buying local—the proceeds go directly toward the shipping costs we need to get books into the hands of readers who need them most.

Our Story

The Claremont Forum began in 1985 when founding director Rick Moore and a group of volunteers stepped forward to continue the work of the Prison Library Project. Originally founded in 1973 through the efforts of Ram Dass and Bo Lozoff, the project found its permanent home in Claremont.

Today, our bookstore in the Village serves as the hub for everything we do. It’s where we sort books, plan our markets, and welcome neighbors like you. We’re proud of where we’ve been, and we’re excited to keep growing with you.