Berne Library Notes for Friday, May 13, 2016

According to the University of Florida's website, May 16 is Biographers Day. The day was chosen in honor of the first meeting in 1763 of James Boswell and Samuel Johnson.  Boswell went on to write Johnson's celebrated biography.  Imagine how many biographies have been written since then.The Berne Public Library has 686 biographies. With a free library card, you can access all the biographies from any library in Albany and Rensselaer counties.   

TAG

Walt Disney's biography would include information about his first animated film with a soundtrack, “Steamboat Willie,” which was released in 1928. The Teen Action Group will be discussing and experimenting with animation at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, May 13.  Since the library is closed to the public, this is a perfect time for teens to meet and express their creativity. Bring a friend to TAG and join in the fun.

Knit Wits

We usually think of biographies as accounts of the lives of leading cultural and historical figures but that isn't always the case.  If you enjoy knitting, your biography of choice might be “Knitlandia:  A Knitter Sees the World” by Clara Parkes.  Persons interested in knitting or crocheting are invited to attend Knit Wits at 7 p.m,. on Sunday, May 15. Work on your own project while sharing stories with other passionate crafters.  

“And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road,” by Margaret Roach is an autobiography that delves into leaving the big city for a life of gardening in the country.  

Story time

Gardening is the focus of story time at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 17.  Ms. Kathy leads the program which includes stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 1 to 5.  Parents and caregivers may also want to bring babies for socialization.

Legos

A biography on Ole Kirk Christiansen describes Ole making wooden toys in 1932.  He named his company "Lego" based upon the Danish phrase "leg godt" which means "play well".  Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to play well with the library's Legos at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 21. Creations will be displayed at the library until they are disassembled for next month's Lego League program.  

Photography contest

A great book for photographers would be the biography of Ansel Adams.  If you are interested in photography, the Friends of the Berne Library recently decided to hold the second annual photography contest in the winter of 2017.  Start taking photos now for the categories "Joy of Reading", "Reflections & Shadows", "Hilltowners", and "Down on the Farm".  

I was once asked for the autobiography of Mark Twain and I asked the person, "Who wrote it?"  By using the library, you can participate and capture moments in your life for a future memoir.