The Berkshire Athenaeum is the public library for the city of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Incorporated in 1872, it is a non-profit organization which, like many New England libraries, started as a private organization. Operating solely as a library for thirty years, the Athenaeum assumed the responsibility for the newly created Berkshire Museum, located a block away on South Street, in 1903.
For several years the Athenaeum was both a public library and museum until the latter organization spun off to form its own distinct operation in 1932. The current library is located in the center of Pittsfield, two doors away from the original Athenaeum building it replaced in 1975. The Athenaeum is governed by a fifteen member Board of Library Trustees.
ADMINISTRATION LOCAL HISTORY & GENEALOGY
ADULT CIRCULATION LITERACY VOLUNTEERS
CHILDREN'S DEPARTMENT MONTHLY NEW BOOK LIST
DIRECTIONS & MAP REFERENCE DEPARTMENT
FRIENDS OF THE BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
LIBRARY DIRECTORY (FLOOR PLAN) JOB POSTINGS
LIBRARY FACILITIES TECHNICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT
LIBRARY POLICIES YOUNG ADULTS DEPARTMENT

ADMINISTRATION:

The Library Director is Ronald B. Latham.
ADULT CIRCULATION DEPARTMENT

Berkshire Athenaeum borrowing cards are issued free of charge to any resident of Massachusetts with identification showing a current address.

In addition to books, the Athenaeum lends compact discs, video and audio cassettes, LP records, music scores, and CD ROM software.


CLICK HERE to see the current edition of our monthly NEW BOOKS list.

CLICK HERE for detailed information about our borrowing procedures and policies, including overdue fines and other charges.
To Top of Page

CHILDREN'S LIBRARY

The Children's Library at the Berkshire Athenaeum services children from preschool through Grade 6. The Department offers books (both fiction & non-fiction), magazines, videos and audio cassettes for circulation. Additionally, the Department offers computer usage for children featuring educational software for all age levels, videos for viewing in the library, and a listening center for audio cassettes.

Throughout the week a wide variety of programs are offered. These include story hours, films, crafts, library instruction.

The Children's Library offers class visits to all schools and home school groups. Teachers can call in advance to reserve a special time and date. Library instruction and tours will be conducted upon request and availability. Teachers are encouraged to have students apply for library cards at the time of their visit.

The Children's Library is located on the basement level of the library and is open and staffed whenever the Berkshire Athenaeum is open.

CLICK HERE to see a schedule of our upcoming programs offered in the Children's Library.



CLICK HERE to view links to recommended Internet sites for children.
To Top of Page

FRIENDS OF THE BERKSHIRE ATHENAEUM

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum is an organization of volunteers who help support library programs and services for the entire family. Donations from the Friends sponsor the summer reading club for children, fund special music and art programs, and purchase library equipment and furnishings not available through local funding sources. A small yearly fee will make you a Friend.

Click here for a membership application

Click here to learn about the Friends' Store.

LIBRARY FACILITIES

The Berkshire Athenaeum has two public program rooms, photocopying machines (for paper and microforms), a public typewriter, microcomputers available for public use, and an Internet Connection. The library is handicapped accessible.
To Top of Page


LOCAL HISTORY & GENEALOGY DEPARTMENT

Radiating from its strong focus on Berkshire County and Western Massachusetts research materials, this collection offers histories for nearly every town in the Commonwealth and neighboring areas. A strong point is its fairly comprehensive collection of state and local genealogical resources covering most of New England. Materials from this collection do not circulate. This collection is available at all times the library is open.

Local History, Geneology, and Berkshire Authors web pages
To Top of Page

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS

Literacy Volunteers of Berkshire County operate out of the Athenaeum, tutoring non-readers and non-English speaking adults on a one-to-one basis. Referrals are welcome; and volunteers are always needed.


YOUNG ADULTS

The Young Adult Department, located on the Main Floor, offers specially selected materials for students in grades six through twelve. Click here for Young Adults Art Exhibit 1999. or 1998 or Young Writers' Club


Activities for Young Adults
To Top of Page