2026

There’s a convenient new book-borrowing option in Becket Center, offering local residents a fresh alternative for finding a summer read without having to make your way to the north end of town.

Susan Neul details Japanese Knotweed’s evolution from an admired 19th-century ornamental plant into a destructive invasive species. She highlights its aggressive root spread and introduces a novel starvation method used in Becket to eradicate it.

Adele Levine explores “Charcoal City,” a historic Becket neighborhood defined by its 19th-century charcoal industry. Despite the industry’s decline and vanished kilns, the area’s name survives through local heritage and official state designation.

A new Warming/Cooling Center is open in the Becket Town Hall Community Room to help residents combat extreme weather. Volunteer-staffed daytime operations take place during severe temperature alerts.

Becket’s Municipal Buildings Advisory Committee estimates that replacing the Highway Department facility and improving the ambulance station will cost $10–$12 million. The town approved a $75,000 feasibility study to evaluate potential sites.

The Becket Arts Center presents a full August schedule featuring yoga, dance, workshops, and free concerts at North Becket Park alongside the Athenaeum’s community reading programs and book sales. Highlights include a Sashiko workshop, the Summer Celebration of the Arts, and author readings—running through early September.