Berkshire County Writers Recognized On The 2025 Mass Book Awards Longlists

07:30AM / Tuesday, May 13, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — The longlisted titles for the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards, announced by the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB), include recognition for authors from Berkshire County.

The MCB, a nonprofit established in 2000, is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, celebrating the Commonwealth's literary heritage, ensuring open access to books and libraries, and promoting literacy and learning across Massachusetts.

Among the recognized authors are:

Eden Robins of North Adams, longlisted in Fiction for "Remember You Will Die."

Elizabeth Kolbert of Williamstown, longlisted in Nonfiction for "H is for Hope."

Harriet Ziefert of Great Barrington, longlisted in the Picture Book / Early Reader category for "Is a Book a Box for Words?"

The longlisted books will be featured in the coming months, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House this October.

As the Commonwealth's affiliate of the Library of Congress, the Massachusetts Center for the Book supports various literary initiatives, including youth and family literacy programs like the Reading Challenge and Letters About Literature. The Center also represents Massachusetts at the National Book Festival, organizes the Massachusetts Book Awards and Mass Kids Lit Fest, and collaborates with community organizations on literary events statewide. The recognition of these Berkshire County authors underscores the vibrant literary landscape within the Commonwealth, which the MCB actively supports and promotes.

Tags: books,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

Save & Earn with Greylock

3.30% APY 6-month certificate. Click to learn more! Insured by NCUA.

www.greylock.org

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Neal's Office Among Those Targeted by Suspicious Mailings

Staff Reports12:28PM / Wednesday, October 21, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — U.S. Rep. Richard Neal was among congressmen apparently targeted by someone mailing suspicious envelopes.

According to a report in The Berkshire Eagle, an envelope containing a powdery substance was discovered by postal inspectors before reaching Neal's Pittsfield office in the Silvio O. Conte Federal Building.

Nearly 40 members of Congress have received envelopes containing white powder, according to The Guardian. More than 100 letters are thought to be in the U.S. mail system and the FBI, Capitol Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service were investigating the mailings that have also been sent to elections officials in various states.

The mailings have been sent to both Republican and Democrat officeholders and several congressional district offices had to be evacuated in the last week or so after envelopes were opened in them.

Earlier today, my Bronx district office received an envelope delivered by mail that contained a suspicious substance. Local law enforcement responded swiftly and, after investigating, determined the substance to be non-hazardous.
— Rep. Ritchie Torres (@repritchie.bsky.social) October 16, 2026 at 3:10 PM

The Guardian reported that the FBI is warning officials to look for envelopes processed through a north Texas center and that carry a postmark or stamp stating "Thinking of You."

The Eagle states that Neal's office was alerted on Saturday that it might be getting a suspicious package; inspectors seized the envelope at the Fenn Street post office on Monday.

View Full Story