Berkshire Athenaeum Announces Summer Reading Program for All Ages

07:42AM / Thursday, June 11, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield's Public Library, announced this year's Summer Reading Program (SRP) theme for all families, kids, teens, and adults: "Plant a Seed, Read!"

The theme celebrates all things gardening, ecology, and the idea that reading nourishes minds, stated a press release.

"This year's Summer Reading Program is such a fitting theme for the spirit of our community, which is always growing, sharing, and nourishing one another at the library and beyond our walls,” stated Olivia Bowers, adult services and programming supervisor.

The adult program kicks off with a celebratory event at the Athenaeum on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 4 to 6 pm. Both the teen and children's programs launch on Monday, June 22, 2026. All kick-offs will take place at the Berkshire Athenaeum.

More information below:

ADULT SUMMER READING PROGRAM

TEEN SUMMER READING PROGRAM

CHILDREN'S SUMMER READING PROGRAM

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Summer Wrapping Up for Pittsfield, Berkshire Students

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:19PM / Sunday, August 23, 2026

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.

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