PITTSFIELD, Mass. The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's public library, is observing Women's History Month this March with displays from the library's adult and children's collections, as well as a list of recommended readings.

 

"The athenaeum collections offer works by and about women throughout history and today —their diverse stories, experiences, and accomplishments. We encourage readers to select materials from our physical and digital collections that speak to these themes," said Outreach Librarian Alicia Hyman.

 

Women's History Month began in 1980 as a week in March proclaimed by President Jimmy Carter, who remarked that "too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well."

 

In 1987 Congress declared the weeklong event a month-long observance in perpetuity.

 

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 or questions about accessing library services or materials, please call 413-499-9480, Ext. 4 or email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org.