Berne Library Notes for Thursday, February 1, 2018

— Photo from Judy Petrosillo

In a blur of motion, a boy at the Berne Library’s story time on Tuesday emulates Jack jumping over a candlestick.

“One of the greatest gifts my brother and I received from my mother was her love of literature and language. With their boundless energy, libraries open the door to these worlds and so many others. I urge young and old alike to embrace all that libraries have to offer,” said Caroline Kennedy.

February is Library Lovers Month. That gives you an entire month to embrace your library.

The Berne Library Board of Trustees has also deemed the month as Fine Free February to show appreciation for our customers. Berne items returned to the Berne Public Library will have late fees waived.

It is the perfect time to return that book found under the couch or on your bookshelf. Maybe you have a DVD or a summer reading book that you forgot to return. It doesn't matter when you checked it out; it will be fine-free if returned in February.

Take Your child, To the Library Day

Saturday, Feb. 3, is a special day for families to see what the library has to offer. Celebrate Take Your Child to the Library Day by coming to the library between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Planned activities include rabbit bowling and paper bunny ears. Ms. Kathy Stempel will be reading “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter at 12:30 p.m. A Peter Rabbit T-shirt may end up belonging to you.  

Book talk

Members of the Sunday Book Club cherish reading and discussing books.

The conversation on “Cutting for Stone” by Abraham Verghese will take place at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11.  Please note that this is a week later than usual.  

Make jewelry

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, now is the time to make unique gifts for loved ones.

Adults and teens are invited to a jewelry-making workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 5. Create earrings with instructor Cheryl Jones. Please register by Friday, Feb. 2. There is a material fee for this program.

Story time goes underground

Story time opens the door to an underground world on Tuesday, Feb. 6.

Children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers are invited to investigate groundhogs. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, songs, and a craft. Develop pre-literacy skills and socialization in an accepting environment.

Friends meet

Friends of the Berne Library includes people who love the library so much that they are willing to work at fundraisers. This group meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.  

The conversation will focus on the photography contest and the book sale. New members are always welcome.

Photos on display

Pictures in the photography contest are now on display in the community room of the library.  Let us know which photographs you like the best  by voting for People's Choice in the adult and junior divisions.

Stop in during the month of February to view the photos and cast your vote. The winners will be announced at a reception on March 3.

Book sale

You don't have to love books to love your library because it offers much more. However, if you do love books, the Friends of the Berne Library are having its annual book sale on March 24 and 25. Start gathering books, jewelry, puzzles, and games that you would like to donate to this annual event. Stay tuned for more details.

Annual report

If you are interested in library statistics, the 2017 annual report on the library will be given at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8.  The report will be followed by the open monthly meeting of the Berne Library Board of Trustees.  

Chocolate Olympics

Teens are invited to the library when it is closed to the public. The teen action group is holding a Chocolate Olympics from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 9.

Please let Kathy know if you plan to attend by emailing . If it involves chocolate, what is not to love!