Pittsfield Folks Find It Takes
A Village to Keep a Library

Since 1901, the Roger Clark Memorial Library in Pittsfield has been managed and staffed by volunteers, performing every facet of maintaining the library from book cataloging, grant writing and computer maintenance to floor sweeping and bathroom cleaning.

In October of 2006, faced with declining visits and circulation, the board of trustees voted to close the library doors. It was an attention-getting move that spurred the community to action. With the knowledge, energy and guidance of 30-year library veteran Susie Martin, a roster of new volunteers has emerged to support the trustees and join long-time volunteers.

The past year, efforts have focused on building community connections, with family game nights, book club meetings, potluck picnics, story and craft times, and the addition of Saturday morning hours. There is now a library blog at www.pittsfieldlibrary.vox.com and just this week, a new computer with high speed internet access was added for patron use.

The library’s collection has been refreshed with hundreds of books on loan from the regional library. To invigorate the adult reading collection, book donations are quickly cataloged and placed on the shelves. Dated books from the permanent collection are being set aside for the first annual book sale to be held at the Pittsfield Bazaar September 29. Donations are gratefully accepted.

October brings the celebration of a Children’s Literacy Foundation book grant, the launch of an after-school program for kids in grades 2-6 on Tuesdays, and special treats (and maybe some tricks), for costumed children Halloween night.

There will be a fundraising four-course dinner November 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Swiss Farm Inn. Proceeds will fund children's books and programming. Contact the Swiss Farm Inn at 746-8341 to purchase tickets.

To volunteer or share your ideas, contact Marion Abrams at 746-8122. The library is open Tuesdays, 3-5 p.m.; Thursdays, 5-7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9-11 a.m.

____________