DALTON, Mass. — For the Dalton Free Public Library, a library serves as a welcoming place that supports literacy and, with its new programming, it is achieving just that.

 

Nearly a year into her position as library director, Janet Forest has worked with library staff, trustees, and the Friends of the Dalton Library to implement a variety of programs aimed at increasing library participation and accessibility.

 

"We have so many people that come into the library and they'll say, 'I haven't been here in 30 years' or 'I haven't been here since my kids were here,' and a lot's changed in those years, depending on how old they are. So, I think it's important for people to come in and see what libraries do now," she said. 

 

It's a cliche, but a library is the heart of a community, Forest said. 

 

Dalton has a strong sense of community and that is highlighted in the work done at the library, she said.

 

The town is known for being on the Appalachian Trail, previously being described as a utopia to many hikers because of the amenities readily available along the trail. 

 

The town's library is no different thanks to its trail magic box sponsored by the Friends of the Dalton Library, which is filled with supplies and treats for hikers. Hikers can take what they need or leave items for others. 

 

Libraries have evolved beyond offering books to include a variety of services, including films, art programs, and a space for local initiatives, Forest said. The Dalton Library embodies this transformation.

 

In the last year, the library has introduced numerous programs for its patrons, including expanding on its technology services such as implementing a projector and screen to enable film screenings and presentations. 

 

With the closing of Staples in Pittsfield, the library took this as an opportunity to pick up the printing services that were left behind and invested in a new printer that the community named "Print Eastwood." 

 

"He is doing a great job. He now copies in color and black and white on 8.5-by-11 or 11-by-17. All our public computers now print there. You can print from a public computer or a device, either a phone or a laptop. He can scan to email, and he can also fax," Forest said. 

 

This year, it also introduced the streaming service Kanopy, which gives patrons free access to more than 30,000 TV shows and films. 

 

Library members get 25 credits a month. Each film, or television show episode costs up to four credits but there's some movies and shows that are as low as zero credits.

 

The library also welcomed the language learning platform Mango Languages, which prepares learners for realistic conversations and communication in more than 70 world languages, including Spanish and American Sign Language.

 

For some languages the program features movies in the language, mindful meditation, and interactive reading that give readers a glimpse into the nationality's culture. 

 

Forest emphasized that if people need help setting up these services, staff are more than willing to help.

 

Additionally, the library hosts a slew of community programs, including some hosted by community programs, including educational workshops, film festivals, craft nights, writing workshops, and more. 

 

This year, the library is screening the 28th Annual Manhattan Short Film Festival, featuring a line-up of 10 short films that explore a wide range of topics. 

 

The festival is an international event across 500 venues in six continents. 

 

The screening will showcase short films from the 10 finalists, which will be shown simultaneously around the world for one week. The best film and best actor awards will be determined by ballots cast by audiences at each participating venue.

 

Dalton's screenings are free and will feature popcorn. 

 

"Every screening is exactly the same. So, it's not like a film festival in that you come on different dates. We're showing the program four times," Forest said. 

 

She heard about the festival during her last position at the Nantucket Atheneaum. 

 

"I'm excited to just introduce it to the Berkshires. I don't know if it's been done out here before it is something that happens around the world. So, there's people that maybe have heard of it or live someplace else and have attended it before," Forest said. 

 

"You can go to the website and see all the different venues in your area doing it. So, I wouldn't be surprised if we get a few patrons who have been to the festival at a different location and are excited, hopefully to see it here at the Dalton library." 

 

The screenings will take place Sept. 25 and 27 at 6 p.m., Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. and Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. 

 

The festival introduces people to the format of a short film because the creators have to tell the story very differently, she said. 

 

Filmmakers in the festival come from all over. This year's finalists come from Spain, Israel, United Kingdom, Norway, The Netherlands, Belgium, and Mexico, alongside three films from the USA, the festival website said. 

 

"I've seen films that were made in America, Iran, Scotland, China, they're from all over the place. So, people are going to be exposed to all kinds of stories that they wouldn't otherwise," Forest said. 

 

The library is also more accessible than ever thanks to the implementation of an ADA-compliant entrance. 

 

Patrons can park in the handicap accessible parking places, go up the ramp, and click the handicap push plates to enter. 

 

"Something people, I think, don't realize about ADA compliance, is that when you make things accessible for a certain group, you make it accessible for lots of other people as well. And this is the only accessible entrance into town hall," Forest said.