Berne Library Notes for Friday, May 20, 2016

"Shellebrate" World Turtle Day on Monday, May 23. This day was initiated in 2000 by the American Tortoise Rescue to increase respect and knowledge for one of the world's oldest creatures.

Co-founder of ATF, Susan Tellem says, " These gentle animals have been around for 200 million years, yet they are rapidly disappearing as a result of smuggling, the exotic food industry, habitat destruction, global warming, and the cruel pet trade."  

Learn more about turtles and tortoises using library resources.  

Lego League

Try making a turtle from the library's Legos during Lego League on Saturday, May 21. Meet at 11 a.m., with other children ages 5 to 12 and express your creative side.  Projects will be displayed in the library until next month when they will be disassembled and used again.

Game night

There is a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle game, but adults will not be playing that on Sunday, May 22.  During game night they are more apt to be playing Settlers of Catan or Scrabble.  If you are interested in playing board games, join this group at 7 p.m., in the community room.

Story time

Turtles will be the theme for story time on Tuesday, May 24.  Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. The children develop pre-literary skills in a fun environment and the caregivers have a chance to socialize. Story time is followed by Family Playtime until noon.    

We considered having real turtles to look at but ATF says not to bring turtles into areas with children under the age of 12.  There is a real risk of contracting salmonella, a bacterial infection, from water turtles.  Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and vomiting appearing one to three days after exposure.  Adults should wash their hands thoroughly after touching a turtle or its water.  

Library closing

The library closes at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, May 24, because the assessors are using the building for the annual Grievance Day.  If you would like to challenge the assessment of your property, please contact them at 872-1448, ext. 107 to make an appointment.  Information is available online at berneny.org, click on "Boards and Departments", then click on "Office of the Assessors."  The library's computers are connected to the printer if you need to print the necessary forms.

Inky Fingers

Have you ever received a card for World Turle Day? Enjoy designing one at the Inky Fingers program at 7 p.m., on Thursday, May 26. Come out of your shell and make greeting cards with the help of this talented group

Holiday closing

The library will also be closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.  Look for the library float during the town of Berne Memorial Day parade.  Remember that Route 443, Helderberg Trail, will be closed for the parade which starts at 9:45 a.m., from the Hilltown Senior Center and finishes at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School.

As novelist Alex Haley said, "Anytime you see a turtle on top of a fence post, you know he had some help."  If you decide to protect a turtle from traffic, be sure to move them to the side of the road they are headed toward.  Please don't put them on a fence post.