The Berkshire Athenaeum Announces Annual Summer Reading Program

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, announced its annual Summer Reading Program, "Level Up at Your Library," running from Monday, June 23 to Saturday, August 9. 
 
The program is free.
 
"Level Up at Your Library" offers diverse program options designed to appeal to every age group, fostering a love of reading and promoting continuous learning. The initiative is generously supported by The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Massachusetts Library System, Boston Bruins, and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
 
"We are incredibly excited to launch 'Level Up at Your Library' and welcome the community for another summer of reading adventures," said Olivia Bowers, adult services and programming supervisor. "Our summer reading program is a cornerstone of our community engagement, providing a fun and accessible way for individuals of all ages to stay connected to literature and learning. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors for their continued support in making this vital program possible."
 
Visit www.pittsfieldlibrary.org for all the details on how to sign up, including information on Beanstack, the Library's reading tracker app.

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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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