Berne Library Notes for Thursday, March 1, 2018

A wooden plaque was given to me by Kathy Stempel after I announced my retirement. The quote is from the book “365 Days of Wonder: Mr. Browne’s Book of Precepts” by R. J. Palacio. Hanz, age 13, said “I’ve learned that life is like a book. Sometimes we must close a chapter and begin the next one.” I end my chapter as manager of the Berne Public Library with this article.   

In the same Palacio book, Dustin said, “You were born an original. Don’t become a copy.”

Original and creative photos were submitted to the Friends of the Library Photography Contest.  Winners, including People’s Choice, will be announced during a reception at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 3.  All are invited to attend.

“The Other Einstein”

Imagined lives are found in copies of fiction books. Discussing how those lives are important to us is part of a book club conversation.

The Sunday Book Club meets at 7:00 p.m. on March 4. The talk this month is about Mileva Maric from the novel “The Other Einstein” by Marie Benedict.

“What Pet Should I Get?”

Although retirement is associated with old age, Dr. Seuss said, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” Story time is at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 6.

The focus for this week is on the picture book “What Pet Should I Get?” by Dr. Seuss. Children ages 1 month to 5 years are invited to join Ms. Kathy Stempel for stories, activities, music, and a craft. Bring your favorite stuffed animal or a picture of your pet.  

My next life chapter includes being a member of the Friends of the Berne Library. These volunteers support the library with their time, skills, and fundraising efforts. Their next meeting is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7.

The agenda includes the upcoming book sale on March 24 and 25. Start boxing up books, jewelry, puzzles, movies on DVD, and games that you would like to donate. Drop them off at the Town of Berne Community and Senior Center from 9 a.m. to noon on March 17.

If needed, the items may be brought to the library during hours.  Please do not leave them outside the doors.

Welcome, Manager Stempel​

Kathy Stempel is also beginning a new chapter. I am pleased to inform you that the library board appointed her as the new library manager. She brings experience and a creative flair to the job as well as a love of community.

Her first official meeting with the trustees is on Thursday, March 8. A core training for trustees and director is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. followed by the monthly open meeting.

Teen Hangout

Kathy has arranged with the Berne Youth Council to offer afternoons of Teen Hangout. The community room of the library will be reserved for teens from 2:45 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays beginning March 7.

Enjoy refreshments, playing video games or board games, using the WiFi, and hanging out with your peers after school.

Tax help

Only in the early chapters of life can you avoid paying taxes. If you need federal or state tax forms, the library staff will print them for you at no cost.

Unfortunately, we cannot supply printed instruction manuals. They may be viewed online on the library’s computers or iPads.

Bittersweet

Thank you for your support over the last nine years. It has been a pleasure serving the community. The things I will miss the most are not things at all. They are the people: co-workers, patrons, volunteers, and board members. Each person enriched my life and made work enjoyable.

I am starting my next chapter with a bittersweet feeling. But as American comedian GloZell said, “There will be another book, more stories, more life experiences, so I'm ready; bring it on!”

Don't worry, I will not start wearing green lipstick!