Berkshire Athenaeum Announces Annual Short Story Contest

08:27AM / Tuesday, June 16, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, and the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum announced the launch of the 48th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Children and the 29th Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Young Adults.

The contest is officially open, and submissions will be accepted through 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026.

Open to ages 6 to 18, young writers throughout the community are invited to put their imaginations to work, craft original stories, and share their unique perspectives through the written word, stated a press release.

"Every year, we're amazed by the creativity, imagination, and talent displayed by our young writers," said Sara Russell-Scholl, youth services supervisor. "This contest gives children and teens an opportunity to express themselves, build confidence in their writing, and discover the power of storytelling. We look forward to celebrating the incredible voices that emerge from our community this summer."

The Library welcomes submissions through several convenient options. Entries may be delivered in person, mailed to Berkshire Athenaeum, ATTN: Short Story Contest, One Wendell Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201, or submitted by email: Children's entries should be sent to childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org, while Young Adult entries should be emailed to youngadult@pittsfieldlibrary.org.

For complete contest rules, guidelines, and submission details, visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org, email childrens@pittsfieldlibrary.org with "Short Story Contest" in the subject line, or call the Children's Library at (413) 499-9480, option 5.

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Pittsfield Committee Recommends Scanlon for City Audit

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires.com
11:59AM / Sunday, August 02, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— After the bid for a new auditing company came back more than 30 percent higher, Pittsfield will stick with Scanlon and Associates.

On Tuesday, the Auditing Services Evaluation Committee voted, 4-2, to advance Scanlon to the City Council for an independent audit. CliftonLarsonAllen also responded to the bid, but came in costing $120,000 more.

“I have to go with saving money for the city. I mean, the discrepancy is too much of a difference,” committee member Karen Kalinowsky said.

“The city could have used for that difference over the next three years.”

This process was prompted by Rule 40 of the council rules and the City Charter, where in any year the City Council votes to hold a procurement process for an independent certified public accountant or firm to audit Pittsfield's books and accounts, the city must, through its Finance Committee with the assistance of the purchasing department, solicit requests for proposals or invitations for bids before June 1.

The council in March recommended that the purchasing agent draft a request for proposals and put it out to bid.

Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, who has vocally supported the independent audit for years, said the city doesn’t have to follow a bidding process for the professional service, “We are doing this so the public knows that we're being professional and are looking for other options, looking at what the best options are, and comparing them based on what they can offer and what the cost is.”

Board member Kathy Amuso said both CLA and Scanlon have comparable reviews with high recommendations. Especially considering the budget crisis Pittsfield is in, she moved to recommend Scanlon to the full council.

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