Berkshire Book Con Launches In Pittsfield

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

Springfield Man Arraigned for 'Senseless' Murder in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— District Attorney Timothy Shugrue said Friday's fatal stabbing was a senseless act of violence. 

On Monday, Springfield man Zyrus Jaynes, 24, was arraigned for murder in Central Berkshire District Court for allegedly stabbing 36-year-old Pittsfield man Jesse Gray to death after a disagreement on Hall Place. 

Families of the victim and defendant were present at the arraignment.  Jaynes is being held without the right to bail because he is being presented to a grand jury, and will be back in court on July 1. 

"This was seconds. That fast, that quick. Just over someone pulling into a driveway with a car," Shugrue said. 

"…This is an incredible tragedy, over this? For what? It's just very, very sad." 

According to the Pittsfield Police Department's reports, just before 10 p.m. on May 29, officers were dispatched to the area of 10 Hall Place for a reported stabbing.  Upon arrival, they found Gray with a stab wound to the left side near his armpit and began rendering aid until fire and EMS arrived. 

Gray was transported to Berkshire Medical Center and passed away less than an hour after. 

"I think he was shocked that he was stabbed," Shugrue said. 

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