Berkshire Athenaeum Celebrates Black History Month

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, is observing Black History Month with displays for readers of all ages and a curated reading list.
 
"February is Black History Month and it's a time to recognize, celebrate, and honor the rich history and critical achievements of Black Americans. At the athenaeum we recognize that Black history is American history," said Outreach Librarian Alicia Hyman. "We encourage readers to explore titles by Black authors, both fiction and nonfiction, offering authentic depictions of what it means to be Black in our country today and throughout history."
 
The displays are located on the adult main floor and in the Children's Library.
 
Please feel free to ask for staff assistance in locating additional books, movies, or downloadable content.
 
The athenaeum is open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday – Thursday; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday.
 
For more information, please call 413-499-9480 during library hours, email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org, or visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org.

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Possible Measles Exposure at Boston, Logan

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health confirmed Wednesday that an out-of-state adult visitor who spent time in Boston and Westborough earlier this month was diagnosed with measles and was present in a number of locations.
 
This could have resulted in other people being exposed to measles virus.
 
The visitor arrived at Logan International Airport on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, on Dec. 11 at 2:39 p.m. They stayed at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Boston-Westborough in Westborough and departed the state on Dec. 12 via Logan at 9:19 p.m. on JetBlue flight 117 to Las Vegas.
 
DPH is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local partners to identify and notify those who may have been exposed to measles from this individual.
 
"Measles is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which has increased significantly in the United States because of the unfortunate decrease in vaccination rates. It is also a preventable disease," said Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein. "This current situation serves as an important reminder of the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our communities. While Massachusetts has not had a measles case this year, 2025 saw the highest number of nationwide cases in more than a decade — nearly 2,000 in 44 jurisdictions, and sadly, three deaths. 
 
"Fifteen years ago, measles had been considered eliminated in the United States, but that tremendous progress is at risk. Vaccines are one of the most important public health interventions ever — they are safe, effective, and lifesaving."
 
Measles is very contagious. However, the risk to most people in Massachusetts is low because the vaccination rate in the state is high. People who are not immune and visited any of the locations on the following dates and times may be at risk for developing measles.
 
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