Summer Reading Programs Abound at Berkshire Libraries

The kids might be out of school, but there are still plenty of opportunities to keep them learning and engaged throughout the summer.

Around Berkshire County, most libraries are participating in the summer reading program "A Universe of Energy." Following are some of the libraries' plans; be sure to check with your town's library, as well:

Adams

Adams Free Library is Hosting Danna Banana on Tuesday, June 25, at 5 p.m. to kick off its Summer Reading Program, which marks the 50th anniversary of the Apollo moon landing.  Danna Banana brings his usual wit and wackiness to all things space-related in this year’s summer theme “A Universe of Stories.”  Energetic and interactive, Danna Banana’s shows have been called “a piñata of listening pleasure” and “one big playdate to which everyone is invited.”

Dan Cohen is an award-winning songwriter, singer, and producer of music for film TV, and CD. He has extensive experience in opera, cabaret, and musical theater, as well as children’s and family music. He also teaches and offers musical workshops for a variety of educational, corporate, and personal clients.

An adult must accompany children under 8 years of age.  Library events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule of the program activities, call 413-743-8345 or visit the website.

Lanesborough

The Lanesborough Public Library Summer Reading Program will run July 1-Aug. 10. Young readers are encouraged to visit the library the week of July 1 or anytime during the program to sign up, get a reading log and schedule of fun, interactive events. Events include weekly crafts, a building extravaganza, PJ storytime and more. The kick-off event will be a "moon party" on July 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be videos of Apollo 11 footage, crafts, music, and games.

In addition, the Friends of the Lanesborough Public Library are sponsoring a raffle to benefit the program. Thanks to a generous donation from Ramblewild, the destination adventure park at 110 Brodie Mountain Road in Lanesborough, the Friends will be raffling off two park passes. Raffle tickets are $5 each or two for $8. There will be two separate drawings, each for one Ramblewild pass, during the week of July 22. The passes expire Sept. 29. For more information, call 413-442-0222 or go to the library webpage.

Lenox

The Lenox Library has five age categories for its Summer Reading Program, including one for babies. Stop by the youth desk to get a log sheet. For every two hours of reading, children will get to hang a star from the ceiling of the Youth Department. For every four hours, they can pick a prize from the treasure chest. One grand prize will be awarded to the participant with the most number of hours read in each age category. Winners announced before the final Terry a la Berry concert/ ice cream social  in Roche Reading Park on Aug.

The program kicks off with Terry a la Berry in Roche Reading Park on July 2 at 11 a.m. Patrons are invited to bring a blanket and picnic. Terry a la Berry will perform every Tuesday from July 2 through Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to noon. Terry is joined by Erin Laundry (on guitar) and Tish Merwin (on bass).

North Adams

Youths ages 3 to 12 can sign up for North Adams Public Library's Summer Reading Program, all about astronomy and space!  Throughout the summer the NAPL is offering variety of free programs, storytimes, and prizes, so pick up a list of events and drop in as often as possible. Free books will be given out at every program made possible by the SteepleCats. The library welcomes children of all abilities.

In addition to the program for children, the library is hosting an adult summer reading program with the same theme. Patrons are invited to try something new: learn new facts about space, read a new book, try a new craft, meet new people, and much more. Weekly activities begin on July 1. For more information, call the library at 413-662-3133 or visit the website.

Pittsfield

The Berkshire Athenaeum has summer reading programs for children, teens and adults. Details can be found on the library's website.

Sign-ups for the children's program begins July 1. Kids can pick up a "BragTag" and bead chain and can collect "Brag Beads" for every 15 minutes they read. The Children's Library will have weekly and special programs running through Aug. 16, including movie nights, LEGO challenges, yoga, engineering workshops, Harry Potter’s birthday party, a wild animal show, and more.

The teen program also starts July 1; an info session will be held on Tuesday, June 25, from 3 to 4 p.m. There will be pizza and all the details on how to win great prizes. Weekly programs will include  designing an escape room, introduction to Dungeons & Dragons, and an art group inspired by David Bowie's music. There also will be special events and a short story competition.

The adult program runs July 1 through Aug. 16. Patrons can stop by the main circulation desk to pick up a bingo card. Those who return completed cards to the desk will receive a reward from the Friends’ Store.

Everyone who returns a completed bingo card (or cards) also will be automatically registered for the reading raffle. Five winners will receive either a one-year membership to the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum or a Friends book bag.

Cost, Access to NBCTC High Among Concerns North Berkshire Residents

By Tammy DanielsiBerkshires Staff
06:15PM / Thursday, April 25, 2024

Adams Select Chair Christine Hoyt, NBCTC Executive Director David Fabiano and William Solomon, the attorney representing the four communities, talk after the session. 

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Public access channels should be supported and made more available to the public — and not be subject to a charge.

 

More than three dozen community members in-person and online attended the public hearing  Wednesday on public access and service from Spectrum/Charter Communications. The session at City Hall was held for residents in Adams, Cheshire, Clarksburg and North Adams to express their concerns to Spectrum ahead of another 10-year contract that starts in October.

 

Listening via Zoom but not speaking was Jennifer Young, director state government affairs at Charter.

 

One speaker after another conveyed how critical local access television is to the community and emphasized the need for affordable and reliable services, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly. 

 

"I don't know if everybody else feels the same way but they have a monopoly," said Clarksburg resident David Emery. "They control everything we do because there's nobody else to go to. You're stuck with with them."

 

Public access television, like the 30-year-old Northern Berkshire Community Television, is funded by cable television companies through franchise fees, member fees, grants and contributions.

 

Spectrum is the only cable provider in the region and while residents can shift to satellite providers or streaming, Northern Berkshire Community Television is not available on those alternatives and they may not be easy for some to navigate. For instance, the Spectrum app is available on smart televisions but it doesn't include PEG, the public, educational and governmental channels provided by NBCTC.