PITTSSFIELD, Mass. - The Berkshire Athenaeum hosted a Health & Wellness Fair with local organizations on Tuesday.

The library said events like these help to educate residents about services, they may not even know exist, in their community. 

Representatives from about a dozen local organizations met with visitors in the library auditorium. Berkshire Health Systems played some health-related trivia and had tables set up for blood pressure screenings.

Library reference services supervisor Madeline Kelly said hosting the day of introductions and education is part of the library’s commitment to the community.

“Being a public library, part of our role is to provide information," Kelly said. "And so, we felt getting them all together in one space where people can casually come up, chat, find out what's offered, is something that's important to us. We see folks in the community who perhaps don't know the support that's available and connecting is part of what we do."

Like many communities, Madeline said the residents of Pittsfield have many needs, which is why the library wanted to offer a wide range of representatives.

“We’ve themed this Health and Wellness," Kelly said. "So, in some cases preventative, in some cases support for those who are struggling, in some cases, you know, playing physical simple needs like the folks from WIC and SNAP provide folks from them, provide connection to insurance and housing for those who need it.

"Folks at NAMI provide support for those who are either suffering or are related to or in a family with those who are affected by mental illness. So, we defined it very broadly, and these organizations were happy to come and be part of our event.”

The library said to reach out to them if you or anyone you know needs help getting connected with services. Madeline also said to keep an eye out for similar events in the future. You can find their monthly schedule here.