Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, February 24, 2021

— Photo by Al Ravenna, World telegram photographer, Library of congress

The March 2 birthday of Theodor Seuss “Ted” Geisel — best known as Dr. Seuss — was the inspiration for the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day celebration. Here, in 1957, Geisel draws the Grinch.

That’s a wrap, people. The stage is set. Have you called 518-872-1246 or emailed director@bernepubliclibrary to R.S.V.P. yet?

Over the last few weeks you’ve been introduced to seven personalities. Two pastors, Robert and Jay; Nancy the storyteller; and Kevin, a young college student with artists and dreamers on his mind. There’s Avery, king of the blue oyster mushrooms; Fox, a Scout for all seasons; and John, the lifelong learner. 

Get ready to experience the sharing of wide-ranging passions during “TEDxBernePublicLibrary’s — Life on the Hill” event this weekend. Tune in on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1 to 3 p.m. and meet who’s talking at the library’s first ever TEDx show.  

Limitless

March mindset 

While the library’s TEDx presentation remains high on their radar, the Word of the Month Club members also know its time to hail their focus word for March. After hearing about the National Education Association’s Read Across America Day celebration on March 2, the Word of the Month Club collaborated on a little research.

It became clear the NEA organization had a grand idea when it chose to spotlight the well known children’s book author, Dr. Suess, and his March 2 birthday, as an initiative to get kids excited about reading.

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go,” said Dr. Suess.   

Out of the initiative grew National Read Across America Day. Since launching in 1998, March 2’s National Read across America Day remains the pivotal banner for National Reading Month. Some start the March reading party by getting their favorite Seuss books out and donning a Seuss character outfit. This is right up the Word of the Month Club’s alley. Always ready to celebrate anything big or small.

Waffling between “quotidian” and “limitless,” club members settled their sights on “limitless” as they thought about Dr. Suess and the limitless places you could go. Eric gave a stirring speech on adopting a limitless mindset toward limitless possibilities and limitless explorations in our quotidian existence.

Raise your glasses to hip-hip-hooraying with Sneetches and Grinches and Hortons and Whos. Here’s to a limitless March mindset full of reading, learning, sharing, and exploring. Cheers!

Reading Party 

And here’s to saying yes to reading and celebrating National Reading Month with the library by joining the “Midway to Spring Reading Party.” See how many pages, books, or minutes you can log in for March.

People of all ages can participate; all reading time is valuable; and reading possibilities are limitless. Call 518-872-1246 and add your name to the guest list.

“Living With Intent”

To start your intentional reading party, parlay this view of “Living With Intent” by Mallika Chopra into a win. Chopra chronicles her struggle to find balance and meaning in her everyday.

Adding knowledge gained from interviewing established thinkers in the field, the path to wholeness and purpose slowly unfolds. Stunning epiphanies you won’t find. You will find relatable intentional living suggestions and reflection exercises wrapping each chapter.

There’s a mind map tool and a balance wheel. Plus, there’s a great afterword by her father, Deepak Chopra. “Living With Intent — Incubate, Notice, Trust, Express, Nourish, Take Action.”  

No fines

Other noteworthy news: An extension of Fine Free February spills over into March. Another full month to get those Berne Library items back on the shelves, fine free.