Stop by the library this week for two stellar youth programs: Lego Group will be building on the 3rd Floor from 6:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 28th and Saturday, September 30th at 10:30 a.m. certified therapy dogs will be available for youth of all ages to read to or spend time with. Call 413-662-3133, ext. 14 for more information.
The Friends’ annual book sale was a rousing success. They will meet this afternoon (Monday) at 3 p.m. to rest on their laurels and begin planning next year’s event. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and who came out for such a wonderful community event. Many folks commented on the thoughtful organization of books and materials, the quality of their finds, and the fun of connecting with friends and neighbors. We can’t thank you enough for supporting our local library!
Overdrive is extending their loan period from 14 days to three weeks for books and audios and up to seven days (from original three) for videos. This will mean longer wait times for requests unless we all start returning our electronic materials prior to their due date (electronic materials are automatically returned when the check out session expires). To manually return your electronics before they expire check the Overdrive instructions here. Using the “Libby” app will make this process much easier for you.
Winter is coming. Be prepared for your own Game of Thrones (c) by learning to play or refresh your chess skills. Instructor Scott North will be here on Thursday, September 21 at 6 p.m. in the Heritage Room on the first floor with three regulation-sized chess boards and pieces to walk you through the strategies of this ancient game.
A reminder to families who may want to escape from all that homework or the temptation of too many electronic gadgets — we will be putting out games on Thursday evenings for your enjoyment. New this year, Unexploded Cow (a WWI adventure, don’t ask), Kerfluffle, and a giant-sized Monopoly game (with really big bills).
Anyone wishing to help our neighbors hurt by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, please consider a tax deductible donation to the Texas or Florida Library Associations.
John Dickson will present his latest work, Berkshire County’s Industrial Heritage, at the North Adams Public Library on October 5 at 6:30 p.m. The area’s rich mill heritage is celebrated in this informative volume. Come learn about the buildings you pass by every day and the lives they touched before being re-imagined by artists and visionaries in the 21st century. 
Local history buff and postman, Dick Dassatti is facilitating a book study group on three Thursday evenings in September. The 2016 presidential elections were unprecedented for misrepresentation, rumor, and charges of interference from foreign powers. We are still waiting for the dust to settle and each day brings another round of speculation. Yale history professor Timothy Snyder was concerned enough to start a series of blog posts he called “Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” and it grew into this slender book. If you want to know more about democracies and how they sometimes falter under pressure, this is a powerful read. Books are now available by the main circulation desk. Hope you join us.
Also note the new meeting date. 
If you use RB Digital for Zinio magazines or streaming video, the service will be unavailable September 20 beginning at 8 p.m. for the launch of an improved app.
