Berkshire Athenaeum Now a Fine-free Library

08:45AM / Monday, September 26, 2022Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s public library, has announced it is now a fine-free library. Patrons returning library materials late will not be assessed daily charges.

"Our Trustees have given time, thoughtful discussion, and careful analysis to taking this impactful step," said Athenaeum Library Director Alex Reczkowski.

According to the American Library Association, many libraries find that going fine-free helps erase barriers to library use. Research shows that fines are not effective in ensuring library materials are returned.

CWMARS, the consortium of 157 central and western Massachusetts libraries to which the Berkshire Athenaeum belongs, includes 126 libraries that are now completely fine free. In October 2021, the New York Public Library joined a growing number of libraries across the nation going "fine free" and explained that this policy shift was intended to offer a fresh start.

Circulation Department Supervisor Catherine Congelosi observes that the library’s semi-annual fine amnesty events proved that library patrons will return overdue library materials if they can do so without penalty.

"We’ve had fine amnesty in April and November for over 15 years and the response has consistently been wonderful. In retrospect those seem to have served as a test case for removing late fees," she said.

Reczkowski further explained that overdue fine removal is retroactive.

"Library staff are aware there are Pittsfielders who have stopped visiting the library out of fear they owe fines or may accrue fines if they return something a day or two late. Fines were counter to the overall purpose and vision of our library. We want this clean slate to be a new beginning and a gesture of welcome to those who haven’t visited us in some time."

The library continues to require that those who return damaged items or fail to return items pay the cost of repair or replacement. For questions about borrowing from the Berkshire Athenaeum, please call 413-499-9480 during library hours or email info@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

For more information, please visit pittsfieldlibrary.org

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Pittsfield Subcommittee Supports $15M for Water Plants, Files Wastewater Ask

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:06AM / Friday, March 13, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city has subcommittee support on $15 million in borrowing for water treatment system upgrades, and will return with a refined proposal for the wastewater treatment plant.

On Monday, the Finance Subcommittee supported a request to borrow $15,000,000 for upgrades to the Ashley and Cleveland water treatment plants. Commissioner of Public Services and Utilities Ricardo Morales explained that this is the very first step in a multi-phase project. It is expected to conclude in 2033.

The subcommittee filed without prejudice a request to borrow another $15,225,000 for the construction of a new administration and laboratory building at the wastewater treatment plant. There was a robust discussion about the proposal at the last meeting, with councilors focused on ensuring it is appropriately scaled, fiscally responsible, and transparent.

Morales reported that the city will take a step back and revisit the basis of WWTP design, and return with a refined proposal that addresses concerns.

"While the current design was developed from the recommendations outlined in the 2016 Facility Plan, we did not conduct a full alternatives analysis comparison," he wrote in a communication to the subcommittee.

"That analysis, along with a deeper review of building type, footprint, and value engineering opportunities, is warranted."

Subcommittee members were invited to the water treatment plants for site visits, and, on Monday, representatives from the AECOM infrastructure consulting firm detailed the scope of work and timeline.

Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso thanked the water department for the visit, explaining that she was impressed with the number of staff and their knowledge. She said it made a big difference.