Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, March 3, 2021

In Jean Craighead George’s book, “One Day In the Woods,” Rebecca, a young explorer, searches the woods near her home for the elusive Ovenbird — a bird her Uncle Luke claims is a wizard, writes Sandra L. Kisselback this week in her Berne Library column as she urges readers to notice nature.

Blooming poinsettia plant, readers! Now is a fine time to appreciate the power of the potted plant. Or, to get your seeds started in your indoor containers.

Here in the library, a poinsettia named Brightstar is in her third year of residency sprouting her reds once more. As any gardener knows, the thrill of a blossoming plant is pure joy.

“It’s true, Poinsettias will grow their red bracts again,” according to Broccoli Spear, Seed Garden organizer extraordinaire. “They need 14 hours of darkness each day to bring on the reds again.” Who knew?

March is hedging us closer to spring with each sunrise. Daylight hours are lengthening and Broccoli Spear is encouraging all garden enthusiasts to get your plans in gear and figure out what you’ll grow in your gardens. 

For seed ordering, go to www.bernepubliclibrary.org and click on the Seed Library’s “read more” icon. After the “read more” click, you’ll find two separate links to access the seed inventory as well as an order form to submit seed orders.

There, the seed is planted. Now it’s up to you to benefit from the free seeds made available through the efforts of Broccoli Spear.

Notice nature

With seed ideas bubbling to the surface you might also be adding notes and drawings to your nature journals. This is a great time of year to notice quiet changes moving about you.

In Jean Craighead George’s book, “One Day In the Woods,” Rebecca, a young explorer, searches the woods near her home for the elusive Ovenbird — a bird her Uncle Luke claims is a wizard. Rebecca spies several wizards during her day in the woods as the author subtly introduces you to the forest inhabitants Rebecca meets.

Mingles

Moving indoors after your outdoor journaling, readers and writers have mingles to get to. On Sunday, March 7, at 7 p.m. the Berne Sunday Book Club meets to discuss “The Kitchen House” by Kathleen Grissom.

You’ll meet 7-year-old Irish orphan Lavinia. Her parents die on board their ship transport to America. The Captain, James Pyke, makes Lavinia an indentured servant at his tobacco plantation under the charge of Belle, his illegitimate daughter.

Skipping over to Tuesday, March 9, the writing group, Journeys On the Page, shares personal-experience writings, research projects and the gift of support through listening.

Journeys On the Page, where words and ideas grow. Mingle at 7 p.m via GoToMeeting. Interested in joining? Give the library a jingle to join the mingle: 518-872-1246.

Jumping to Thursday, March 11, the Library Board of Trustees convenes at 6:30 p.m. for its monthly business meeting. 

In-person visits

Library news flash for March: As of March 1, limited in-person visits of 15 minutes are back. Hours are Monday to Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Also, fine-free March is here for all returned Berne library items.