BCC Invites Community Input on Library Renaming

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is inviting students, alumni, employees, and community members to take part in the College's ongoing library renaming process.
 
As a community-centered institution, BCC values broad input and encourages the public to help shape the future identity of this important campus space. 
 
As part of the process, BCC will host a virtual feedback session to gather community perspectives on a short list of proposed library names. 
  • Virtual Community Feedback Session 
  • Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 
  • Time: 5:00–6:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Zoom (registration required; berkshirecc.edu/conversation
During the session, members of the Library Naming Task Force will present a curated list of name suggestions developed after reviewing submissions from students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed names, which will be used to refine the list before it is presented to BCC President Ellen Kennedy. 
 
Following this review, one recommended name will advance through the College's Shared Governance process and, pending approval, move forward to the Berkshire Community College Board of Trustees and state-level review. 
Additional details, including registration information for the virtual session, will be shared in the coming weeks. Community members are encouraged to participate and lend their voices to this important decision impacting the future of the BCC Library. 
 
For updates and registration information, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/conversation

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Rebrands as 'The Center'

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Christian Center is becoming The Center, and assures the community that while the logo and name have changed, "Our heart has not." 

The rebrand was announced on Tuesday after months of listening sessions, community conversations, and surveys.  It was emphasized that the organization's heart, mission, and commitment to the community are unchanged. 

The Center will host its annual Community Day, including a name change celebration, on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"While our name is shifting, our core purpose remains steadfast. Alongside our new name, we are introducing our defining tagline—Nourish. Empower. Connect.—which reflects the three principles guiding everything we do," Executive Director Jessica Jones wrote in a newsletter. 

"Whether through our food pantry, meal program, free clothing boutique, or community events, our work remains focused on helping our neighbors access essential resources, build connections, and thrive."

The new logo features a fork, carrot, heart, and shirt, representing the pillars of The Center's service. 

The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974, but it dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission, founded by the Methodist Church. 

Today, its main focus is food insecurity, but it also provides clothing, household items, and sanitary supplies to those who need them.  The Center operates a food pantry, upstairs free shop, and serves breakfast and lunch, as well as offering assistance in accessing resources. 

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