Berkshire Athenaeum Expands World Languages Collection

08:23AM / Monday, May 22, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, invites members of the city's Spanish speaking population to browse and borrow from the library's new Spanish Bookshelf.

The library has just added more than 75 Spanish titles for adults, building on a group of over 150 Spanish titles for children. These new books include something for many reader interests: general fiction, horror, historical fiction, magical realism, mystery & thriller. Also available are some memoirs, self-help, spirituality, and business titles.

The Athenaeum's librarians worked with Latinas413, an advocacy organization for Pittsfield area Spanish speakers.

A partner on this project, Connie Bergs of the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, expresses her thoughts:

"Driven by the desire to assist immigrants facing language barriers, we embarked on a mission to provide accessible resources for those who may not have the opportunity to learn English due to their demanding work schedules and family obligations. Today, as our Spanish bookshelf stands proudly in our community, we invite all to join us on this transformative journey. Let us be the steppingstone that paves the way to something wonderful, fostering understanding, bridging cultures, and nurturing the dreams of those who

seek knowledge and empowerment. Together, through the pages of these books, we are shaping a brighter future for all."

The Athenaeum's Circulation Department Supervisor, Catherine Congelosi, said:

"We are committed to growing our World Languages Collection, continuing to buy Spanish language books; and patrons should feel free to ask library staff to request additional titles through the Interlibrary Loan service."

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Pittsfield Seeks CPA Funds for Bike Racks, AED

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
07:17PM / Sunday, October 25, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city plans to apply for Community Preservation Act funds for park bike racks and an AED machine at the pickleball fields.

On Tuesday, the Parks Commission endorsed Pittsfield’s applications for CPA funds.

"Both of those projects are certainly, relative to CPA funds, low cost but high benefit," Commissioner Anthony DeMartino said.

Through CPA, bike racks are proposed for a few city parks, and the Berkshire Mountain Pickleball league is looking to place an automatic external defibrillator at the Benedict Avenue pickleball fields.

Parks, Open Space, and Natural Resources Manager James McGrath and Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer presented the two small project applications, which will go through an eligibility period before full consideration in the spring of 2027.

During the city’s free, six-week, summer playground program, it was observed that many kids access parks by bicycle. The plan is to buy between six and eight racks to be placed at Durant Park, the Common, and Clapp Park; other parks are being considered as well.

McGrath explained that the three parks hosting the playground program don’t have bike racks, and they wind up on the ground and sometimes become a distraction.

"The ancillary benefit to having bike racks is that it encourages that mode of transportation for folks that want to come to the park on their bike," he said.

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