Author Talk at the Milne Library

03:37PM / Monday, May 06, 2024Print Story | Email Story

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Thomas E. Johnson, Jr., author of "Common Place: The Public Library, Civil Society and Early American Values" will speak at the Milne Library in Williamstown on Saturday, May 11, at 2:00 p.m.

Part of the library's 150th anniversary celebration, the topic of this free lecture is: Massachusetts Libraries, Past and Future.

In addition to covering the history of libraries in western Massachusetts and the future of public libraries in general, Johnson will also discuss the Milne's new strategic plan.

According to a press release:

Johnson's book tells the stories behind early libraries in America – where they are located, who created them and why. Vignettes of sixteen public libraries located in New England focus on smaller localities where the presence of a library can have a significant impact. He examines the future of the public library by comparing the current historical period with the Progressive Era. He also explores the relationship between libraries and community wellbeing, as well as the potential role of the institution in lifelong learning as American's economy evolves and the population ages.

Johnson served 25 years as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer in countries around the world. Since retiring in 2012 he and his wife have made their home in Western Massachusetts. There will be a book signing following the talk.

The events and programs of the Williamstown Library's 150th anniversary are made possible through generous funding by lead sponsor MountainOne, your local Berkshires bank.

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Williamstown Housing Trust Agrees to Continue Emergency Mortgage, Rental Programs

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires Staff
04:14AM / Tuesday, December 30, 2025

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The board of the town's Affordable Housing Trust at its December meeting voted to extend its mortgage and rental assistance programs and discussed bringing in some consultants early next year before embarking on any new programs.

Chair Daniel Gura informed the board that its agreements with Pittsfield's Hearthway Inc., to administer the Williamstown Emergency Rental Assistance Program and Williamstown Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program was expiring at the end of the year.

Gura sought and obtained a vote of the board to extend the programs, born during the COVID-19 pandemic, through the end of January 2026, at which time the board plans to sign a new long-term agreement.

"In 2024, we distributed $80,000," through the programs known as WERAP and WEMAP, Gura said. "This year, to date, we gave $16,000, and Ihere's $17,000 left. … It's a little interesting we saw a dropoff from 2024 to 2025, although I think there were obvious reasons for that in terms of where we are in the world."

Gura suggested that the board might want to increase the funding to the programs, which benefit income-qualified town residents.

"If you look at the broader economic picture in this country, there's a prospect of more people needing help, not fewer people," Thomas Sheldon said in agreeing with Gura. "I think the need will bump up again."

The board voted to add an additional $13,000 to the amount available to applicants screened by Hearthway with the possibility of raising that funding if a spike in demand is seen.

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