Berkshire County Writers Recognized On The 2025 Mass Book Awards Longlists

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NORTHAMPTON, Mass. — The longlisted titles for the 25th Annual Massachusetts Book Awards, announced by the Massachusetts Center for the Book (MCB), include recognition for authors from Berkshire County. 
 
The MCB, a nonprofit established in 2000, is dedicated to fostering a love of reading, celebrating the Commonwealth's literary heritage, ensuring open access to books and libraries, and promoting literacy and learning across Massachusetts.   
 
Among the recognized authors are:
 
Eden Robins of North Adams, longlisted in Fiction for "Remember You Will Die."
 
Elizabeth Kolbert of Williamstown, longlisted in Nonfiction for "H is for Hope."
 
Harriet Ziefert of Great Barrington, longlisted in the Picture Book / Early Reader category for "Is a Book a Box for Words?"
 
The longlisted books will be featured in the coming months, and the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Massachusetts State House this October.
 
As the Commonwealth's affiliate of the Library of Congress, the Massachusetts Center for the Book supports various literary initiatives, including youth and family literacy programs like the Reading Challenge and Letters About Literature. The Center also represents Massachusetts at the National Book Festival, organizes the Massachusetts Book Awards and Mass Kids Lit Fest, and collaborates with community organizations on literary events statewide. The recognition of these Berkshire County authors underscores the vibrant literary landscape within the Commonwealth, which the MCB actively supports and promotes. 

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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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