Berkshire Athenaeum Issued and Renewed More Than 500 Library Cards

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum renewed more than 500 library cards for adults and children in September, which was National Library Card Sign-up Month.
 
National Library Card Sign-up Month is an initiative of the American Library Association.
 
Marley Dias, author, executive producer, and founder of #1000BlackGirlBooks, was the Honorary Chair of the 2021 National Library Card Sign-up Month.
 
"A library card provides opportunity for discovery and access to a rich and diverse world. It empowers you to make change and experience new stories," Dias says.
 
The initiative was co-sponsored by more than a dozen downtown Pittsfield businesses that offered discounts to patrons who showed their library cards at participating locations. The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum supported the athenaeum's celebration by raffling off a Kindle Fire HD 10 to patrons who signed up for or renewed their library cards.
 

Tags: berkshire athenaeum,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories