Berne Library Notes for Friday, March 18, 2016

Through the database link on the Berne Public Library's website, you can access an incredible amount of knowledge.  There is an article on goats by Robert J. Hudson from the Grolier Online New Book of Knowledge, which supplied these goat facts.  

Did you know goats are in the same hoofed mammal family as sheep and cattle?  The does give birth in the spring to one, sometimes two offspring known as kids.

Lego League

If you have kids ages 5 to 16, they are invited to the library at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 19, for Lego League.  This month, use the library's Legos to build a farm with fencing that will keep in goats.  As farmers know, that is a daunting challenge.

Book sale

Book lovers will feel like a kid in a candy store this weekend. The Friends of the Berne Library are holding their annual Book Sale Plus.  All types of books, movies, music, jewelry, fashion scarves, and puzzles are on sale at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne.  Stop in on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the best choices.  Then come on Sunday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the best deals.

Knit wits

Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated.  They are raised for their meat, milk, and hair.  Angora goats produce mohair while Cashmere goats produce cashmere fibers.  People attending Knit Wits use these yarns while working on individual projects.  The group meets at 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 20.  Anyone interested in knitting or crocheting is invited for an evening of sharing ideas and conversation.

Story time

Wild baby goats spend much of their day developing social and physical skills such as head-butting.  Storytime is where human kids develop social skills so they aren't butting heads with others. On Tuesday, March 22, goats will be the focus of story time.  Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a craft.  In addition, farmer Scott Green will bring his baby goats for a visit if the weather permits.  

Technology workshops

Are you an old goat who would like to keep up with the changes in technology? There are three recently scheduled workshops at the library for those 60 or older.  On Monday, March 21, at 1 p.m., bring your smart phone to the library to learn how to use it.  If you don't own a smartphone, attend the workshop for an overview to see if you want one in the future.  The class is limited to 12 participants. Call the library at 872-1246, e-mail , or stop by the library to register before Saturday, March 19.  

A class on tablets will be held on Monday, March 28, and a class on laptop computers is scheduled for Thursday, March 31. Attend one, two, or all three of these workshops to keep up-to-date on technology.  Trainers from MicroKnowledge Inc. will be holding the classes made possible through a grant with the Albany County Department of Aging.

Craft activity

All kidding aside, there are many opportunities at the library for expanding your knowledge and fostering creativity.  On Thursday, March 24, adults are making gift cards using a variety of techniques.  If you are interested in paper crafting, these talented people are willing to share their ideas and equipment.  The fun starts at 7 p.m.
There are two more reasons to like goats.  One is that goat milk can be made into delicious feta cheese.  The other is watching the carefree behaviors of baby goats. If you have not seen any online videos of kids playing, come to the library and use our computers or WiFi to watch these hilarious clips.  It will bring a smile to your face.