The store offers thousands of titles in good condition.
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — A new store on Spring Street is providing a second chance for thousands of tomes to find their way to eager readers.
Chapter Two Books, operated by Friends of the David and Joyce Milne Library, held its grand opening on Thursday at its location at 37 Spring St. with a ribbon cutting celebrated by local officials, library employees and Friends.
"Today was a celebration of our community and its love for all things book-related," said Dr. Michael Sussman, president of the Friends. "We have enjoyed welcoming community members through our doors, whether as donors, customers, or volunteers — and frequently as all three. Today was an opportunity to celebrate their contributions.
"And we can't overstate the importance and generosity of our grand opening sponsors. Their contributions underwrote a substantial portion of startup costs associated with our new store."
The weeks leading up to opening Chapter Two Books were spent outfitting the store, fully stocking its shelves and training volunteer staff. From conception to opening took only four months.
Since opening its doors in early November, Chapter Two has sold more than 2,500 books while keeping its shelves stocked with at least 4,000 more. Thousands of more books are being processed in the donation center.
All proceeds from the nonprofit store benefit the public library; all items for sale in the store have been donated by community members, and the store is completely managed and staffed by volunteers.
"The quality of donations has been remarkable,” said Ginny Sheldon, coordinator of the Friends Book Donation Center, located inside the Milne Public Library. "We have received an outstanding collection of books in excellent condition, reflecting the wide range of interests of our community members."
Sheldon said donations have been steady since early September. Titles range from recent releases, local authors and local interest, children and young adult books, cookbooks, hobby and special interest books and vintage and collectibles.
"We have more than 75 very motivated volunteers involved in the book donation process, from sorting at the library to staffing the store," she said.
The event was underwritten by David and Wende Carver, Overland, TD Bank, Burnham Gold, Donovan O'Connor & Dodig, Dr. Karen Lartin and Goodnight Kitchen.
"It was our hope to create a year-round place for the community to come together and enjoy browsing and meeting by chance. From the response we've received, we think we may just have hit the right note, accomplishing a warm and inviting store," store manager Susan Pike said, adding they were grateful for the volunteers' commitment.
About 40 volunteers staff each week allow the store to be open seven days. The Friends say they are optimistic that the store and some small-scale sale events will help increase its support of the library.
Director of the David and Joyce Milne Public Library, Pat McLeod, was on hand for the event.
"We are excited about what this new enterprise on Spring Street could mean for our library," said director Pat McLeod. "Besides its role in promoting literacy and raising needed funds for the library, the store represents an exciting new partnership with the Friends that will help raise awareness about our programming and the services we make available to the community."
Chapter Two Books is open Monday through Saturday from 10-5 and Sundays from 11-4. Store phone: 413-884-6322.
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Williamstown Charter Review Panel OKs Fix to Address 'Separation of Powers' Concern
By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter.
The committee accepted language designed to meet concerns raised by the Planning Board about separation of powers under the charter.
The committee's original compliance language — Article 32 on the annual town meeting warrant — would have made the Select Board responsible for determining a remedy if any other town board or committee violated the charter.
The Planning Board objected to that notion, pointing out that it would give one elected body in town some authority over another.
On Wednesday, Charter Review Committee co-Chairs Andrew Hogeland and Jeffrey Johnson, both members of the Select Board, brought their colleagues amended language that, in essence, gives authority to enforce charter compliance by a board to its appointing authority.
For example, the Select Board would have authority to determine a remedy if, say, the Community Preservation Committee somehow violated the charter. And the voters, who elect the Planning Board, would have ultimate say if that body violates the charter.
In reality, the charter says very little about what town boards and committees — other than the Select Board — can or cannot do, and the powers of bodies like the Planning Board are regulated by state law.
The Charter Review Committee on Wednesday voted unanimously to endorse an amended version of the compliance provision it drafted to be added to the Town Charter. click for more
Developer David Traggorth asked the trustees to make the contribution from its coffers to help unlock an additional $5.4 million in state funds for the planned 54-unit apartment building at the south end of the Cable Mills site.
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The donors, who wish to remain anonymous, say the gift reflects their desire to not only support Williams but also President Maud S. Mandel's strategic vision and plan for the college.
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Neighbors of a proposed subdivision off Summer Street last week asked the Planning Board to take a critical look at the project, which the residents say is out of scale to the neighborhood. click for more