Berkshire Athenaeum Hosts Golfing for Literacy Program
 The Berkshire Athenaeum will be turned into a golf course on Saturday. |
On Saturday, however, children and adults alike will once again have the opportunity to play 18 holes of miniature golf inside the Berkshire Athenaeum.
The fourth annual Links for Literacy is being held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the annual event the Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County Inc. turn the book stacks into a weaving golf course.
"Kids really enjoy it," Karen Wallace, Literacy Volunteers' executive director, said.
The event is the group's largest fundraiser. Last year, more than 250 people played a round of golf in the library. This year, Wallace said they are hoping to raise $5,000.
The course starts in the auditorium and spans all three floors. And the Berkshire Athenaeum will be open for readers as well.
"While it doesn't sound like it works," Wallace said with a laugh. "It really does."
There will also be refreshments and face painting at the library. The event is scheduled to align with the school's February break. It not only raises money for the group but also brings attention to the library.
"It's a win-win for the library and for us," Wallace said.
The literacy nonprofit provides one-on-one tutoring in reading, writing, and conversational English as a second language. There is a stigma against adult illiteracy, Wallace said, but there is a need for such programs. The group has a focus on keeping program participants' information confidential, she said.
Berkshire Gas is the title sponsor and local businesses have pledged support.
Participation costs $5 for adults and $2 for children younger than the age of 12.
Tags: berkshire athenaeum, fundraiser, literacy, minigolf,
