Berne Library Notes for Friday, May 27, 2016

Although Veterans Day honors all United States military personnel, Memorial Day was established as a day for remembering those who died during their service. This includes over 405,000 persons who gave their lives during World War II.

Holiday schedule

The library is open on Saturday, May 28, but closed on Monday, May 30, in observance of Memorial Day.  Look for the library float in the parade down Route 443 which begins at 9:45 a.m.  The road closes from the Hilltown Senior Center to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo School during the parade so please plan accordingly.

   On Memorial Day, there will be a yard sale at Dr. Kolanchick's home diagonally across from the library.  Anyone wishing to set up their own table and sell items may use this space under the condition that the proceeds go to the library.  For buyers, you can find treasures and support the library at the same time.

Story time

Red, white, and blue is the theme for story time on Tuesday, May 31. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to participate in this pre-literacy program.  Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m.,  for stories, activities, and a craft.    

Friends meet

The Friends of the Library group meets on Wednesday, June 1. This group gives an Olympian effort toward all its fundraisers. Plans are being made for the Music in the Park concerts in July and August and your help is needed.  Even if you would rather not attend meetings, paying dues to become a member is a great way to support the library, and gives you a vote in how their money is spent. Offering to work at the food booth during the concerts or making baked goods would also be appreciated.  Contact President Donna Gwin at .

Movie night

In 1931, Berlin, Germany was chosen for the site of the 1936 Olympics.  The Nazi Party rose to power in 1933 and its racist policies led to an international debate about a boycott of the Games.  The Nazi party blatantly promoted their vision of the superiority of the Aryan race; yet Jesse Owens, a black American, took home four gold medals in the track and field events.  

Movie night at the library is at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, June 3.  This month's movie centers around those 1936 Olympic events.  The film is rated PG-13 for thematic elements and language.  Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Make this your weekend night out in the Hilltowns. Visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org to see the movie's title or contact the library at 872-1246.

Book discussion

The book club meets at 7 p.m., on Sunday, June 5, to discuss “The Lake House” by Kate Morton.  Any adult interested in discussing this novel is welcome. The book for next month is a true story, “Boys in the Boat:  Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold” at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown.  Request a copy soon so you can finish reading the book before the next meeting on July 10.

The 1940 and 1944 Olympics were cancelled because of  World War II.  Despite the devastation caused by the war, London held the summer Olympics in 1948.  Rationing was still in place in Britain and no new venues or Olympic village were erected.  Because of this, the 1948 Olympics came to be known as the Austerity Games.

Learn more about World War II and the Olympics by using the resources from your library.