By Wendy Pearson, Director and André Bernard, President, Board of Trustees
As of this writing, just three weeks into 2024, the Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives has welcomed 1,101 visitors. Last year over 23,000 people streamed through our doors—to borrow books, attend concerts and readings by celebrated musicians and authors, look at art and historical exhibitions, learn flower arranging, bring their kids in to sit together for story time, exchange recipes and tips in the cookbook club, and even, once, to meet the real, actual, genuine Santa Claus. The Library is a thriving element on Stockbridge’s iconic Main Street, a lively and welcoming attraction for tourists and local patrons alike.
What makes the Library such a draw? Part of its appeal is the staff, a small and friendly group of book lovers; among them we should single out Cathy Buffoni, who just celebrated her 50th year behind the checkout desk. Come in to say hello and congratulate Cathy on her amazing and ongoing tenure—she’s now checking out books for the children and grandchildren of the people for whom she checked out books when they were kids!
Most asked-for books currently? James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store and Daniel Mason’s North Woods, a sweeping novel set in the Berkshires. Recent author appearances? Pulitzer Prize winners Marty Baron and Linda Greenhouse and bestselling cookbook writer Madhur Jaffrey (coming up soon: Lincoln scholar Harold Holzer and famed graphic artist Alison Bechdel, author of the Broadway hit Fun Home). Favorite recent activities at or sponsored by the Library? The Stockbridge Pumpkin Walk, carols sung by the Marian Fathers on the front steps, the Community Dog Show, and the Ice Festival, featuring live ice carving. And, partnering with a local business, we even hosted, for the third year in a row, a herd of sheep and a shearing show on the Library’s front lawn. The Library will work with local merchants whenever the opportunity arises—we always keep the community front and center and are eager to join forces with local businesses.
The Town of Stockbridge contributes towards our maintenance, but, unlike any other library in the Berkshires, most of our funds come from directly you, our customers, in the form of small donations, for which we’re so very grateful. You keep us going, year after year, as we try to offer the community a widely varied, exciting slate of events and activities. Please drop in, say hello, browse, and join in. We welcome everyone.
