PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Berkshire Community College (BCC) invites the public to join a special Book Talk with Barbara Viniar on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 2:00 p.m., offered both in person at BCC and online via Zoom. The event is free and open to all.  

 

Viniar will discuss her debut novel, "Little Bird," a historical narrative set in early 20th-century New York City.

 

The story follows a young Russian girl who is betrothed to a wealthy American cousin as a means for her family's escape from anti-Jewish violence. As she navigates immigration, love, loss, and the pressures of tradition, she ultimately battles for autonomy and a life of her own choosing.  

 

After her talk, Viniar will take questions and participate in a book signing. Copies of Little Bird will be available for purchase at the event.  

 

Raised in the Bronx, she has held leadership roles in higher education and served as president of BCC (1994–2003), where she helped shape the development of OLLI's predecessor. In retirement, she turned to creative writing; Little Bird was published in August 2025 by Sibylline Press.