North Adams Public Library Announces Updated Early Literacy Programs for Families

03:26PM / Monday, April 14, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Youth Services Department of the North Adams Public Library has announced updates to its weekly early literacy programs.

Beginning Tuesday, April 15, "Wigglers & Crawlers" will be held for families with children aged 0-2 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Library Assistant, Ms. Nancy, and will take place weekly at 10:30 AM.

According to the announcement, "The Wigglers & Crawlers program is ideal for babies and toddlers from birth to 2 years old. Caregivers are encouraged to bring a small blanket, a favorite toy, and be ready for a cozy, joyful experience. Participants can expect gentle stories & rhymes, songs & movement, interactive play and bonding time. This program is replacing the current Tuesday “Toddler Time” program."

On Wednesday, April 16, "Junior Story Time" will be held for families with children aged 2-5 years. This program will be led by Youth Services Librarian, Ms. Holly, and will also take place weekly at 10:30 AM.

The announcement states, "Junior Story Time is ideal for children 2 to 5 years old. Ms. Holly will read engaging stories to captivate their young imaginations, sing songs, play games and create a craft based on the day's story to take home. This program will intentionally build language development, fine and gross motor skills, encourage critical thinking, strengthen early literacy skills to build a solid foundation and promote healthy social skills while preparing children for the pre-k and kindergarten setting. This program is replacing the current Wednesday 'Story Time' program."

The library is reportedly collaborating with the North Adams Public School district to align program goals with the school curriculum for school readiness skills.

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North Adams Unveils Renovated Armory Basketball Court

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:04AM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Two years after a sprinkler malfunction flooded half of the North Adams Armory's gym, and after a lengthy back-and-forth with the insurance company, the city has unveiled the gym's long-awaited new flooring.

Children, families, and elected officials gathered Friday to break in the court during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. While 9-year-old Noah Morrissey scored the first basket, the city obtaining the funding to replace the gyms flooring was a score of its own.

When the city first submitted its claim to the insurance company, Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association, it was initially denied, prompting the city to file another claim, Mayor Jennifer Macksey said.

"We pushed harder on them. Then they came back and said they wanted to replace half the floor. How do you replace half of a basketball court?" she said.

So, the city challenged the insurance company's vice president to visit the gym and to do a few laps on it, after which he saw what the paperwork couldn't convey: the gym floor had dead spots and ripples, meaning the entire floor needed to be replaced.

The city brought in Dupee Flooring to help make its case to the insurance company for a full replacement. Once approved, the company installed a new subfloor to level the surface and refinished the court lines.

Following the $300,000 renovation, the gym now has layouts for three pickleball courts, one volleyball court, and a basketball court. It is also the home of North Adams Youth Basketball League and other teams from Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School in Adams and Buxton School in Williamstown.

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