Berne Library Notes for Thursday, January 9, 2014

A Rube Goldberg machine performs a very simple task in a very complex fashion, usually including a chain reaction. Mousetrap, a board game from 1963, is an example. Teens will spark a reaction at their next teen advisory group meeting on Friday, Jan, 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Berne Public Library.  Design and create a video incorporating the ideas of a Rube Goldberg contraption during this fun program.

Board games

Adults will be playing board games on Sunday, Jan. 12.  Game night at the library begins at 7 p.m., and usually involves Settlers of Catan, A Ticket to Ride, or Scrabble. Any interested adult may join this group.

Holiday tradition

The result of a hammer coming down on peppermint candy is broken pieces.  Did anyone receive a peppermint pig as a gift during the holiday season?  This sweet hard candy has been a yuletide tradition in Saratoga Springs for many years.  The pink pig comes in a pouch with a little hammer.  After the holiday dinner, the pig is passed around with each person breaking off a piece by giving the pouch a firm tap.  A tale of the past year’s good fortune is told with hopes of prosperity for the coming year.

Story time

The letter P will be the focus of story time on Tuesday, Jan. 14. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to meet with Kathy at 11 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft involving pigs and the color pink.   

Lego League

Could a Rube Goldberg device be made out of Legos?  Try it at the next Lego League program on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 11 a.m.  This program is designed for grades two through eight.    

You have the good fortune to live within a library system that networks among twenty-nine libraries in Albany and Rensselaer counties.  It is a simple task to request a book from any of these libraries and pick it up at your home library.  This well-oiled machine is not complex and there is no charge to use it.  Perfect.