BERNE — The art of gift-wrapping — complete with ribbon flowers — is blossoming in Berne.

A handful of women gathered on Saturday to prepare for an upcoming fund-raiser for the Berne library.

On Saturday, Dec. 15, the Friends of the Town of Berne Library will wrap gifts at Town Hall from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Last year, Debra Bajouwa said, people, such as busy housewives and overworked men, dropped their unwrapped gifts off before going to the town’s transfer station and then picked them up on their way back.

Bajouwa, who works part-time as a floral decorator for Price Chopper, held a workshop at her Berne home Saturday to train members of the Friends of the Berne Library to make specialty bows — ribbon flowers.

On the 15th, as library supporters wrap gifts, donations will be suggested, based on a package’s size. Last year, donations of $1 to $5 were recommended.

In recent years, the town has considered moving the free library out of its crowded quarters at Town Hall, its home since 1969. Town Hall also houses the town offices, town court, and a meeting room. The Berne History Museum is located on the top floor.

Two locations — the town park on the west end of the hamlet and the Berne Masonic Lodge next to Town Hall — have been considered by town officials.

In September, the Friends of the Berne Library held a book drive at the Lutheran church in the East Berne hamlet, which was moved to the Masonic Hall in the Berne hamlet in October.
Jeannette Miller, the Friends’ president, said paperback books from the drive went to Albany County’s jail, hardcover books went to the Albany Public Library, children’s books went to Families Together in Albany County, and "ancient" books are being sold on eBay.