PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Blades, the Boston Bruins mascot, made an appearance at the Berkshire Athenaeum on Tuesday.

 

Oh, and the commonwealth's first lady Lauren Baker was there too.

 

The pair came to the library to collect pajamas to give to the children in the care of the Department of Children and Families. The annual program collects pajamas throughout the state through libraries. It was formed by former Bruins Forward P.J. Axelsson and his wife Siw in 2007. This year's goal is collect 15,000 pairs statewide.

 

"It is a program in collaboration with the Boston Bruins and the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners," said Samantha Cesario, the library's children's and youth services supervisor.

 

Cesario said all of the donations collected stay local. The Berkshire Athenaeum participated last year, too, but more quietly. This year, the library promoted the collection and arranged the Tuesday's program in which Baker read a book to the children and staff held coloring, trivia, and cornhole games. 

 

"Last year we had a small collection. This year we are hoping for 100 pairs," Cesario said.

 

The library is accepting donations until March 15. Those looking to donate new pairs of pajamas can drop them off in both the children's and adult sections. 

 

The event also gave the library the opportunity to show off its services to members of the Board of Library Commissioners who attended. Following the program, library officials led Baker and the commissioners on a tour.

 

"When they offer to come out here and do all of this, we're really grateful," Cesario said.