Berkshire Book Con Launches In Pittsfield

01:14PM / Tuesday, February 24, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Readers, writers, and book lovers from across the Berkshires are invited to the inaugural Berkshire Book Con, a one-day celebration of reading and writing, taking place Saturday, April 18.

The event is hosted by the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, Hot Plate Brewing Co., and Indie Readery & Records.

This program is funded in part by a grant from the Pittsfield Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

According to a press release:

Designed for adults, Berkshire Book Con brings the community together through a shared love of books with a full day of engaging programs, including an author talk, creative contests, and opportunities to connect with fellow readers and writers.

Adults across the Berkshires are invited to take part in a Community Read by reading a shared book before Berkshire Book Con.

This year's Community Read selection is "Rules for Ghosting" by local author Shelly Jay Shore.

The day will kick off with an author talk, Q&A, and book signing at the Berkshire Athenaeum, offering attendees the chance to hear directly from Shore and discuss the book together.

Following the author talk, participants can explore an exhibit hall, browse a book fair, and participate in activities designed for readers and writers.

Highlights include a short story contest, an alternative book cover contest, trivia night, and a social hour designed to spark conversation and connection.

Berkshire Book Con is a new annual event celebrating the vibrant literary culture of the Berkshires, and everyone who loves to read, write, and share stories is invited to take part.

For more details, including event schedule, contest guidelines, and Community Read information, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org/bookcon.

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Pittsfield Considers Repairing East Part Cemetery

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
06:57AM / Friday, October 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Historical Commission will consider grant opportunities for repairs to East Part Cemetery.

A resident reached out to the city with concerns about degradation in the half-acre burial ground at the top of Williams Street. East Part Cemetery was established in the early 1800s and has about 300 interments.

“It's a nice old cemetery, and basically, (the resident) had had concerns that the stone wall had taken some damage, the gravestones have taken some damage, and was wondering if there's anything that could be done to repair the gravestones and the wall," City Planner Kevin Rayner told the commission on Monday.

In cooperation with cemetery leadership and residents, the Historical Commission will consider applying for Community Preservation Act funds to support repairs. West Part Cemetery, on the other side of Pittsfield, has previously used CPA funds for revitalization work.

The 1080 Williams St. property is owned by the city and managed by the Pittsfield Cemetery Commission. Rayner presented photos of broken and overgrown gravestones, parts of the stone wall collapsing, and knocked-over obelisks.

Some aspects could use general maintenance and restoration, he observed.

According to the Pittsfield Cemetery and Crematory's website, East Part Cemetery was established around 1808 on land owned by Nathan Webb, who permitted and authorized its use as a public burying ground.

In 1842, Nathan Webb's son, also named Nathan Webb, deeded the property to the Methodist Episcopal Society of Pittsfield as a public burying ground, and in 1893 the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Society transferred their control of the cemetery to the Proprietors of the Pittsfield Cemetery. Their action was confirmed by the Berkshire Probate Court.