Director's Words

Please join us in welcoming our new library assistant, Faith Bailey! Her arrival and ability to hit the ground running allowed a couple of us to enjoy already planned vacations.  I know some of you have already had the pleasure of meeting her. Stop by to say hello!

Have you heard about The Becket Beat, Becket's new monthly newsletter? It is published by a group of residents "who see the need for a way to reach out to their neighbors; build community; share resources and events; post town updates; support local businesses and innovative endeavors; and most of all, celebrate the unique character of Becket and its residents. In short, it aims to keep the local public informed and connected." It's available digitally and printed copies can be found at locations throughout town, including at the library.

Becket Athenaeum. Author Reading & Discussion: Alexis Portillo & Jana Laiz. Thirty-Five Days to Baltimore. June 23, 4pm at the library. In 2004, seventeen-year-old Alexis Portillo embarks on a harrowing journey from Honduras to Baltimore in the hopes of starting a better life. Over a decade later, Alex recounts his story to author and activist, Jana Laiz in this bilingual retelling. This book will give readers insight into the incredible power the American dream holds for those suffering the hopelessness and violence of extreme poverty. This is a modern-day odyssey of what one immigrant faces as he makes the treacherous journey out of unfathomable living conditions. Discussion led by Matt Tannenbaum, longtime proprietor of The Bookstore in Lenox. Preregistration required: bit.ly/BA-portillo-laiz Funded by Central Berkshire Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Fairfield County's Community Foundation. 3367 Main St, Becket 413-623-5483 [email protected] BecketAthenaeum.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Our Book Sale Committee is looking for volunteers for each of the book sale dates! We need help with sorting books prior to the sales; setting up tents, tables, and materials; watching over the sales and donations; and breaking down the tents, tables, and materials at the end of the day. Plenty of tasks for everyone, whether you are able to lift heavy boxes, unload the materials onto tables, or oversee donations.

To volunteer, email here: [email protected]

Becket Athenaeum. Herbal Infusions & Tinctures with Kali Tomasi. 6-8pm at the library. June 14: Nourishing Herbal Infusions. August 2: Herbal Tinctures. Join for 1 or both! On June 14, come and enjoy nourishing, herbal infusions! Herbal infusions are packed with minerals and nutrients that support our body, mind, and spirit! This workshop will introduce you to oatstraw, nettle, burdock, dandelion, and red clover. You will meet, greet, and experience the plants, learn how to prepare infusions at home as well as acquire knowledge about their properties, uses, and more! This is an introductory course for individuals who are drawn to local plants and their medicinal qualities, those attracted to folk herbalism, and/or people who wish to feel empowered with how to nourish themselves and their loved ones. Space is limited! Preregistration required: BecketAthenaeum.org/events/herbal-infusions Tincture workshop details to follow on website. Funded by Central Berkshire Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and Fairfield County's Community Foundation. 3367 Main St, Becket 413-623-5483 [email protected] BecketAthenaeum.org Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS:

- Pre-School STEAM: Tuesdays through June 14, 1pm
- Storytime & Craft: Wednesdays, 10:30am
- Book Club: The Woman They Could Not Silence: July 5, 1:30pm
- A Discussion on the Value of Community Journalism featuring Richie Davis, Shaw Israel Isikson, and Simon Winchester: July 7, 7pm
- Cookbook Club: book TBD: July 11, 6pm
- CactusHead Puppets: Magnificent Monster Circus: July 23, 11am
- Author Reading & Discussion: Alexis Schaitkin will read from her new book Elsewhere, discussion led by Lara Tupper: July 26, 6pm
- Herbal Tinctures with Kali Tomasi: August 2, 6-8pm
- New England Birds of Prey by Wingmasters: August 20, 11am
- Storyteller Eshu Bumpus: August 20, 2pm
- Hands on Nature - Butterflies & Moths: August 23, 11am
- Wild Edibles Ethical Foraging: TBD
- Herbal Salves & More: TBD
- Pollinator Gardens: TBD