Berkshire Athenaeum Hosts an Early Literacy Event

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum and Pittsfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE), based out of Berkshire County Head Start, invite children ages 6 and under and their families to a free early literacy event celebrating the children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. 
 
The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, from 10:30 am to noon in the auditorium of the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library located at 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201.
 
This event aims to engage young learners and their families through a variety of fun, STEAM- based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities. Attendees can look forward to a special storytime reading of the book and hands-on activity stations designed to explore themes from the story.
 
"We are so excited to bring this classic book to life for our community's youngest readers," said Sara Russell-Scholl, Youth Services Supervisor. "This event provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a morning of literacy and play together. The STEAM activities and a visit from 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' himself will help inspire a love for reading and learning."
 
Activities will include:
  • Storytime: A dynamic reading of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
  • Activity Stations: Interactive inspired by Eric Carle's book's.
  • Character Meet & Greet: A chance to meet and take pictures with The Very Hungry Caterpillar character.
  • Book Giveaway: Every family will receive a free book to take home while supplies last.
This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required. Families are encouraged to attend and discover the joys of reading and early learning.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Summer Wrapping Up for Pittsfield, Berkshire Students

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Students in Pittsfield and beyond are enjoying their last days of summer before classes begin. 

Most Berkshire County teachers return to work this month, and students follow in late August and early September. 

For Pittsfield Public Schools, staff returns on Aug. 26 and students' first day is Aug. 31; pre-kindergarten and kindergarten begin school on Sept. 2. 

Labor Day is on Monday, Sept. 7. 

"The summer is pretty much done, and we will be ready and excited to open the doors in about two and a half weeks,” Superintendent Latifah Phillips told the School Committee on Wednesday. 

Phillips is returning this year as the permanent superintendent.  She was appointed the interim superintendent last spring, and the School Committee voted to hire her permanently in June

This year also brings the middle school restructuring, moving fifth grade to the middle school level, and the retirement of Morningside Community School. 

Welcome night for Reid Middle School students new to the building is on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.; Herberg will have a sixth-grade welcome night at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 25, and at the same time on Aug. 26 for fifth grade. 

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories