Winter 2015

Vol. 26, No. 1

The

Friends

Please donate your gently used books for our book sales

of the

Berkshire Athenaeum

Newsletter

From the President Once again we have had a very successful book sale. A sincere thank you to our volunteers and to the purchasers. We obviously couldn't do it without you. Where is the money raised being spent you may ask? Hopefully, you are enjoying the new landscaping at the Bartlett Ave entrance. We now have paved entries over the median and plantings that will look beautiful in the Spring. No more jumping over the snow mounds to get into the library—all done with funds raised by the Friends. A special thank you to His Honor Mayor Bianchi and Commissioner of Public Works Collingwood for their correcting the drainage problems at the entrance (the moat is gone). In January the auditorium will be getting new lighting, sound equipment and a projector. The Friends are paying for all of it. You may have noticed that some of the bookplates on new acquisitions have the Friends logo. This reflects our new initiative to buy books for the library. We also continue all of the other programmed events for adults and children which now include refreshments. There are numerous other projects we currently have ongoing at the library. If you want more details see the minutes of the Executive Committee meetings that are published on the library web site. Thank you members, volunteers and library supporters— The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum—enhancing your library experience. Florian Ptak --- Presidentt, FBA [email protected].

Auditorium Light and Sound The Friends recently contracted with Wood Brothers to provide a major upgrade to the light and sound system in the library auditorium. This will enhance the quality of the many productions that use the auditorium. It should also allow a greater range of programs to be presented. The Friends will also be purchasing a phone-charging station for the Food Zone. Editor’s Note

Please read Ron Latham’s important note (above the Library Closings) about the gas conversion. The Book Sale volunteers will be working very hard to keep it from affecting the book sale. Ross Shuart — [email protected]

Fall Book Sale Success Again, we set another record for a fall book sale, making over $13,800. We thank all of our donors and our customers for your continuing support. A special thank you to our year round sorters: Bob Bresnahan, Jeanne Bresnahan, Helen Busby, Bob Cancilla, Elaine Cancilla, Jeanne Cornell, Bea DaSilva, Vicki Donahue, Dusty Dunham, Samdy Gero, Judy Gitelson, Margaret Hintz, Ed Jurczyk, Art Larsen, Sharon Larsen, Marilyn Manning, Marilyn McAlister, Barbara Milensky, Joan Peronto, Rosamond Rice, Helen Mary Shaffer, Jane Stevens and Ann Trabulsi. We work every Monday and Wednesday morning, in the Friends' room and garage, sorting, pricing, arranging, etc. We also stock the lobby with low price goods that have been through at least one regular sale. We also thank RSVP and Friends volunteers who help us during the sale: Marjorie Allen, Jan Cullen, Ella Deane, Jim Dellea, Dorothy Greco, Alice Jonas, Michael Margolis, Ann Marie Menard, Sue Posthauer, Florian Ptak, Celia Rock, Elaine Soldato and June Stewart. We really appreciate all the lugging that our Soldier On volunteers, Jerome Pierce and Gerald Mayo do helping folks take their purchases to their cars. Gas Conversion – from Library Director Ron Latham As strange as it sounds, the Berkshire Athenaeum, which was constructed in 1974, is an all-electric building. You can imagine that the City has an astronomical monthly electric bill. In an effort to save money and energy, the library building is undergoing a gas conversion, so that much of the building’s heat will be provided by gas. To that end, the Friends are sacrificing space in their book sale room so that two gas boilers may be installed. To make up for that lost space, the book sale operation will capture the hallway adjacent to the book sale room. All this construction is scheduled to take place between the beginning of February and the end of May, and in the middle of all this is the book sale scheduled in March. Bear with us as we strive to make this all happen smoothly.

LIBRARY CLOSINGS: New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1 Martin Luther King's Birthday, Monday, January 19 Washington’s Birthday, Monday, February 16

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter Schedule of Computer Classes: Winter 2015 Space is Limited and Preregistration is required. Register with your library card at the library’s website or by contacting the Reference Department [email protected] or (413 499 9480 ext 202) during regular library hours. We accept your registration as a commitment to attend a session; and we hold a spot for you. If you later find you will not be able to attend, we request you let us know so we can alert someone on our waiting list. Those who habitually reserve a spot and then don’t show may be denied the opportunity to register for future sessions. Thank you.

Computer Basics An introduction to using a laptop computer, which will cover the following topics: What’s on a computer keyboard; how to use the mouse and touchpad; what is a browser; how to visit a website. (Taught by Katherine) Offered in two sessions; please register for one session only. Friday, January 16, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens December 26 Thursday, February 19, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens January 29

Email We will set up a web-based email account on a free service. (Taught by Katherine) Offered in two sessions; please register for one session only. Thursday, January 22, 2 – 3:30 pm – Registration opens January 2 Thursday, February 12, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens January 22

Smartphones for Beginners What is a Smartphone? Why might I want one? How does it fit into my life? This session includes an overview to apps: What are apps? How do I choose apps? We’ll cover the different platforms available. Smartphone users are welcome to bring their devices; however detailed platform-specific questions may not be addressed. (Taught by Andrea) Thursday, January 29, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens January 8

Smartphones & Tablets: Troubleshooting Workshop Using my iOS Device: Basics This class is for users of iPhones, iPads, and iPods who are having trouble with "the basics." This class will cover common troubleshooting questions like "how do I install an app", "how do I delete an app", "how do I get myself connected to WiFi" and other issues that are raised within class. We ask that our users have gone through the basic set up of their individual devices prior to the start of class. If you are having difficulty in this process, please stop by the Reference Desk before class start. (Taught by Andrea & Madeline) Tuesday, February 3, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens January 13

Page 2 do I delete an app", "how do I get myself connected to WiFi" and other issues that are raised within class. We ask that our users have gone through the basic set up of their individual devices prior to the start of class. If you are having difficulty in this process, please stop by the Reference Desk before class start. (Taught by Andrea & Madeline) Tuesday, February 10, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens January 20

Cloud Computing Series Cloud Computing: An Introduction You’ve probably heard the term "Cloud Computing" but perhaps you are a bit foggy on its meaning. This conceptual class will cover: How is computer data stored? What is Cloud Computing? Why do people use it? What are its limits? How can I use it in my life (Do I want to?) The instructor will be happy to field questions on this vast topic; but she may not be able to address personal troubleshooting issues.(Taught by Andrea). Tuesday, February 24, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens February 3

Cloud Computing: Services & Concepts This class is to help those explore the concepts and principles behind Cloud Computing that were discussed in Cloud Computing: An Introduction. We will use Dropbox and Google Drive in class to demonstrate how to load, store and transfer data across mobile devices. As a class, we will explore Apple's iCloud and Microsoft's OneDrive and some of the unique features of these services. Test accounts for these services will be provided. However, if you do have personal devices set up to use with these services, you're welcome to bring it them to class for your own enrichment. (Taught by Andrea) Tuesday, March 3, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens February 10

For QuickBooks Beginners QuickBooks: A General Introduction Some basic principles of accounting; how accounting works behind the scene in QuickBooks; the QuickBooks interface; entering transactions. An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of the session. (Taught by Alex) Tuesday, March 10, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens February 17

QuickBooks: An Introduction to the Sales Process Setting up customer records; recording sales receipts; recording customer invoices and payments; entering bank deposits. An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of the session. (Taught by Alex) Tuesday, March 17, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens February 24

QuickBooks: An Introduction to Tracking Revenue

Using my Android Device: Basics

Processing customer returns and credits; writing off bad debts; creating customer statements; creating sales reports; collecting sales tax. An optional guided half hour of practice will be available at the end of the session. (Taught by Alex) Tuesday, March 24, 9:30 – 11 am – Registration opens March 3

This class is for users of Android Devices who are having trouble with the basics. This class will cover common troubleshooting questions like "how do I install an app", "how

Funds for the purchase of QuickBooks software is from an LSTA grant, a federal source of library funding, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter

Schedule of Adult Events

Page 3 research/Introduction to the Census 1-3: Repeat of morning session

Auditorium

March 19, Thursday: All programs are free.

10-12: Using Vital Records/Beginning Immigration Research

Saturday, January 10 at 2 PM : Anna Maffett : “Service Dog Advocacy- Buddy’s Law.” Talk with power point. Thursday, January 22 at 7 PM : Doug Schmolze, guitar, and Eric Martin, violin/viola, present “Boom and Bust Sing-a-Long”, a program of vintage American songs Thursday, January 29 at 7PM : Dr. Andrew Vidich: “Meditation for Total Health and Happiness.” Instruction and meditation session. Wednesday, February 7 at 7 PM: Stephen G Donaldson: Travel Photography, Power point and lecture Saturday, February 28 at 2 PM: Tom Tyning returns with TURTLES. An entertaining, educational afternoon for the whole family.

Cinema of Law Tuesday, March 3 at 6 PM: Cinema of Law: “Thou Shalt Not Sin: Sex, Sin and Censorship in Pre-Code Hollywood” (2008) Introduced by Attorney Lou Oggiani Tuesday, March 10 at 6 PM: Cinema of Law: “Runaway Jury” (2003) introduced by Attorney Mike McCarthy Tuesday, Match 17 at 6PM: Cinema of Law: “Roshomon” (1950) introduced by Attorney Judge Joan McMenemy Tuesday March 24 at 6 PM: Cinema of Law: “The Rape of Europa” (2006) introduced by Attorney Paul Rapp

Genealogy Classes Three Workshop sessions for Novices:

1-3: Repeat of morning session March 26, Thursday: 10-12: Introduction to Ancestry.com 1-3: Repeat of morning session Instructors for these sessions will be Janet Rogge and Angela Rifkin, along with Vera Silva. No pre-requisites required. You may sign up for one or all of these sessions. Please specify a time. You may bring your own laptop or use a library one.

4-week Workshop on Continuing your Genealogy Research using the Census and other Resources Over 4 consecutive Tuesdays March 31st, April 7th, 14th, and 21nd. Instructor Alan Horbal will present techniques for continuing to pursue your genealogical research. Participants may choose either a morning session [10AM to noon] or an afternoon session [1PM – 3 PM]. You must have an established email as a pre-requisite for these sessions. We ask that you attend all four classes. You may bring your own laptop or use a library one. Registration opens February 1st. Register online at http:// www.eventkeeper.com/code/events.cfm? curOrg=PITTSFLD (on the Calendar of Events page on the Berkshire Athenaeum website) or call the Local History Department at 499-9480 x6.

March 12, Thursday: 10-12: Organizing your records and planning your

DONATE! Gently used books, movies, music, puzzles, and games are always welcome at the Friends’ Book Sale. The Spring book sale is in March. Sorting and organizing are already underway, but there is still time to get your donations in. The Friends need your donations of gently used material. We will take books, CDs, DVDs, Audio books, cassettes, VHS tapes, puzzles, games etc. Please leave at the adult or children's circulation desk. If it is a large load please alert the library staff or the Friends who are available Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM to 12 PM. We have limited pickup capability if you are unable to deliver to the library. Please don’t leave donations on the loading dock; they can get rained on. Please ask at the Children’s Dept. desk to have the garage door opened.

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter Friends Donations The Friends have recently made a significant contribution to the library to purchase new books, especially young adult books and best sellers for adults. Come check them out (pun intended) and be sure to look for the Friends bookplate (pictured below) that identifies the books the Friends have contributed to the library's collection.

Page 4

CHILDREN’S 2015 Winter Activities All programs are free. Story Times resume Tuesday mornings at 10 AM: January 13, 20, and 27 February 3, 10, and 24 March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 April 7, 14, and 28 Preschool movies resume Friday morning preschool movies 10 AM January 16, 23, and 30 February 6, 13, and 27 March 6, 13, 20, and 27 April 3, 10, and 17 Film programs are about 20-30 minutes. No registration required ** Groups welcome! Play & Learn Group Thursday mornings at 10 AM, with Jenn Faulconer: Pittsfield Coordinated Family and Community Engagement: January 8, 15, 22, and 29 February 5, 12, 19, and 26 March 5, 19, and 26

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum would like to gratefully thank all our loyal and generous members for their support which makes it possible to make this important investment in our library. The Friends also bring you free programs for children, youth and adults throughout the year, as well as other equipment and supplies for the library. Join the Friends to help us continue these programs and contributions into the future. Your donation is tax deductible. We also recycled thousands of books through our March, July and November book sales and our lobby book sales. The Children’s Department has benefited from a donation by the Friends. The children are enjoying the new toys purchased with the funds. Please pass on our appreciation to all the friends.

April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Saturday morning Play & Learn with Jenn for preschoolers and toddlers 10:30 - noon These will include STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) presentations for families, caregivers, teachers January 17, February 14, March 21 and April 18 Lego Club Lego Club is the third Wednesday of the month 3:30-4:30 January 21, February 18, March 18, and April 15

Special Programs Special programs for school vacation: For children ages 5 and up: Tuesday February 17, 2015 at 1:00 PM: Michael Zerphy presents Cahoots Clowning Around Tuesday April 21, 2015 at 1:00 PM: The Creature Teachers present Animals Around the World

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum Newsletter

Page 5

SPRING BOOK SALE Mark your calendar! Thursday, March 12

Friday, March 13

Saturday, March 14

4 - 8 PM Friends Night (Open exclusively to members.)

10 AM - 4 PM

10 AM - 4 PM

Get the best selection — become a Friend — join at the door! This is a local sale—all proceeds benefit your local library. Keep your money in the Berkshires.

Afghan Raffle Raises Money Ann Tierney and class are thanked for raising $300 for the Friends efforts by raffling off an afghan. See the photo below.

What Happens after the Book Sale? Material that does not sell after two book sales plus two more in the lobby are offered to local groups who need books. Donations have been made to Berkshire Place, Soldier On and the Berkshire Correctional Institution. Children’s books have been donated to South Congregational Church for distribution at their Meals for the Hungry, Project Reconnect, Berkshire Family and Children, Kiwanis. Teen Parent Program and Head Start

We need book donations. DVD movies and videotapes are also welcome. If you cannot bring books to library, we have limited pickup capability. Call Florian at 413-447-9115 to schedule a pickup.

Volunteers Needed Please help. We need volunteer help for the book sale, publicity, poster design, membership. Call Florian 447-9115

The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum 1 Wendell Avenue Pittsfield, MA 01201

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 121 Pittsfield, MA

Don’t miss the Spring Book Sale (see inside)

Please Join the Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum If you like what the Friends do for the library, consider becoming a member in one of the following categories:

Name _______________________________________ Address _____________________________________ City/State/Zip _________________________________ E-Mail Address ________________________________ Phone Number ________________________________ New Member

□ Renewal Membership □

I would like to volunteer for one of the following committees:

□ Book sale □ Membership □ Publicity □ Programming □ Executive

□ Friend $10.00 □ Family 25.00 □ Supporter 50.00 □ Patron 100.00 □ Benefactor 200.00 □ Lifetime Member 500.00 □ Other ___________ Please tear off and return with your check payable to Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum

Your contribution is Tax Deductible

Mail to: Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum, 1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield, MA 01201