GB Libraries: Open to Visitors with Summer Reading Fun and Library Services

The Great Barrington Libraries in downtown Great Barrington and Housatonic are open with library services and summer reading programs for children and teens. Visitors of all ages are encouraged to stop in borrow books, explore program offerings and enjoy some quiet reading time.

Mason Library is open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Youth Services for children and teens are open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 1-5 p.m.

Ramsdell Library in Housatonic is open Tuesday and Wednesdy, 1-5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Computers, printing, photocopying are available for public use, and normal borrowing procedures are back in place. Outdoor pickup is still available for anyone requesting it.

Vaccinated people are not required to wear a mask but we encourage everyone, especially the unvaccinated, to wear one.  We do require masks in the children’s areas, as they are an at risk population.

The Summer Reading Program, for babies through 17 years, focuses on the theme of animals, engineering and construction and more information is available here. Programs are happening in person and online, indoors and outdoors. Some of our summer reading and activity challenges include:

Delrita the Elephant (virtual)

Forest Park Zoo with live animals (in garden)

Take-home sets and crafts

Monarch Butterflies (in garden)

I WANT TO BE AN ENGINEER (in garden & virtual)

Storybook Art with Kim (in garden)

Construction Challenges with Kim (in garden)

Beanstack is the GB Libraries' web-based reading challenge software. Readers of all ages can track their reading minutes, write book reviews, and participate in fun activities to earn virtual tickets and badges! Tickets can be entered into raffle drawings for amazing prizes! Extensive age & interest-based reading lists are available.