Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, February 26, 2020

— Photo by Kathy Stempel

“Thirteen chefs and four brave judges participated at The Berne Public Library's sixth annual Jr. Chef Challenge,” reports Kathy Stempel, the library’s director.

Donations are being sorted, categorized, dusted, boxed, and piled. It’s a short few weeks before the Friends of the Berne Library’s book, multimedia, puzzle, and jewelry fundraising sale.

Mark your calendars for this annual two-day shopping blitz at the Berne Senior Center on March 28 and 29.

A drop-off date for donations is set for Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Interested in getting involved? Stop by the Friends meeting on March 4 at 7 p.m. to learn more of their library-support story. Join as a member or just volunteer. All hands are appreciated.

Reading Celebrations

The National Education Association started the “Read Across America” movement in 1998. After choosing Theodor Seuss Geisel’s (aka Dr. Seuss) March 2 birthday for the annual starting date, reading celebrations kicked off across the country in libraries, schools and homes. 

Are you familiar with Dr. Seuss books about cats and things, and sneetches and whos and hortons wondering or running a zoo?

With all this in mind, March boots Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss storytime into the starting gate for March 3 at 10:30 a.m. Be a part of the positive reading experience for the 5 and under kids and their caregivers. Along with movement and a take home craft, the formula’s a winner week after week. Join in and be a part of “Read Across America” day.

March Mondays

Bowls to make, carve and glaze during March Mondays. Four pottery workshops are being offered by BKW art teacher Colleen Skiff from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the BKW Elementary art room on the first four Mondays in March. Sign up for one, or sign up for all. Each class can accommodate 23 bowl shapers. Please register at the Berne Library or call in to reserve your spot 518-872-1246.

Prepared bowls will be part of the Bowls for Books fundraising event on April 25.  This annual feast fills the library with enticing soup aromas and brightly colored pottery bowls to sample the offerings.

Census program

“Count Me In!” at 6 p.m. on March 5 in the library’s community room. You are invited to listen in on a census program facilitated by Robert Scardamalia, a Partnership Specialist for the United States Census Bureau. Learn what to expect when you receive the invitation to be counted in the 2020 census. Bring your questions and Mr. Scardamalia will have the answers.

Seed Library

While your garden plans are floating in your dreams, remember the Seed Library is open and ready for the picking. String Bean has filled the drawers with seed packets to get your plants ready and growing. Broccoli Spear has raked in several new donated varieties from amaranth to zucchini. The drawers are bursting with promise for your 2020 gardens. It’s time to rock those dreams to life.