NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The public library is halting its curbside pickup of library materials and printouts and is encouraging patrons to use its online resources.
"We know how much the public appreciates it, and our staff has been happy to do it. At this time however, following the recommendation of the Massachusetts Library Association, we have decided to discontinue this service, with the last pickup being Friday, March 20," said Library Director Sarah Sanfilippo release announcing the changes. "Stopping this work goes against the work ethic of all library staff, but we feel it would be irresponsible of us to continue encouraging people to travel to the library and exchange materials in the midst of this global health crisis."
Sanfilippo wrote that the priority is to protect the health of patrons and staff and that could not be guaranteed if library materials continued to circulate: "We can only minimize risk, not eliminate it."
The library is also suspending returns; patrons should not use the book drop but keep what material they have until the crisis is over. Patrons will not be charged for overdue materials.
There are still library services you can access through the website, and more ebooks and emagazines are being added soon by CW MARS. A Streaming Storytime is being planned and other online projects are being discussed. Wifi is still available outside the building; just remember social distancing rules.
In addition, the Boston Public Library allows all citizens and people who work in Massachusetts to obtain an eCard and access online resources. Details for signing up are at the link above.
Remote Reference assistance is still available by phone or email as staff will continue working. Call 413-662-3133 or email reference@northadams-ma.gov.
Services that have been suspended:
Loans and returns of library materials
All programming and access to the library building
Printing and Faxing: We know faxing is important to users, but do not have a way to do this while limiting personal contact – please try the Corner Market on River Street, or the UPS Store in Williamstown.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
Your Comments
iBerkshires.com welcomes critical, respectful dialogue. Name-calling, personal attacks, libel, slander or foul language is not allowed. All comments are reviewed before posting and will be deleted or edited as necessary.
No Comments
Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
click for more