BCC Invites Community Input on Library Renaming

Print Story | Email Story
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) is inviting students, alumni, employees, and community members to take part in the College's ongoing library renaming process.
 
As a community-centered institution, BCC values broad input and encourages the public to help shape the future identity of this important campus space. 
 
As part of the process, BCC will host a virtual feedback session to gather community perspectives on a short list of proposed library names. 
  • Virtual Community Feedback Session 
  • Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026 
  • Time: 5:00–6:00 p.m. 
  • Location: Zoom (registration required; berkshirecc.edu/conversation
During the session, members of the Library Naming Task Force will present a curated list of name suggestions developed after reviewing submissions from students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed names, which will be used to refine the list before it is presented to BCC President Ellen Kennedy. 
 
Following this review, one recommended name will advance through the College's Shared Governance process and, pending approval, move forward to the Berkshire Community College Board of Trustees and state-level review. 
Additional details, including registration information for the virtual session, will be shared in the coming weeks. Community members are encouraged to participate and lend their voices to this important decision impacting the future of the BCC Library. 
 
For updates and registration information, visit www.berkshirecc.edu/conversation

Tags: BCC,   

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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.

View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories