Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, November 18, 2020
“The Mitten Tree,” a children’s book written by Candace Christiansen and illustrated by Elaine Greenstein, inspired the Berne Library to put up a Mitten Tree of its own. Donations of handmade or store-bought mittens, hats, and scarves trim the tree; they will be given to the Hilltown Community Resource Center on Dec. 15.
The books are wearing masks. Tributes of greatness deeming the book worthy of your attention are unseen to the prospective reader. Any front cover artwork enticing you inside is blocked from view.
The books are wearing masks, you ask? You betcha! And your only clue is the title. Choose carefully when naming your creative writing endeavors. It could leave you dusty on the shelf or worn with wear from the many visitors stepping into your story.
So how about participating in a “Books Wearing Masks in the Library” game? Just for a little diversion from the usual fare.
Setting the scene:
Two boxes of books arrive at the Berne Public library from the Poulin Project. Books gathered across New York State from independent presses through an initiative by Art Resources Transfer and the New York State Council of the Arts.
For the next three weeks, a pocket display of some of those titles are being corralled for your inspection. Just by title alone, choose the top three books you might find an interest in exploring.
Remember, the books are wearing masks and your sole criteria is the title. Come in, scan the choices, record your three. Round one done.
Donations appreciated
Where did all the flowers come from? Oops, that’s not right. Where did all the donations come from? From viewers like you wanting to participate and maybe make a difference.
Now appearing at the library for a few bits more are boxes. That’s right, boxes. Boxes to collect clothing and food donations for the Hilltowns.
Also in-house is the second annual Mitten Tree project inspired by Candace Christiansen’s 1997 book “The Mitten Tree.” A delightful read, which can be checked out with your library card.
The Friends of the Library group sponsors this endeavor to help send warmth out to the community in the form of handmade and store-purchased mittens, hats, and scarves. Tree branches are quickly filling and there’s lots of room for more.
Thank you for helping to spread the warmth. Donations head over to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center on Dec. 15.
Trim the Literacy Tree
A call from the Friends and the library is sizzling across the ether to pull in your favorite author, book, or special words of inspiration to help decorate its literacy tree. Festive foam cutouts and markers are at the ready. Drop by or call in your faves.
After your choices are captured, cutouts will be added to the tree. The Friends literacy tree will then be displayed behind the Knox Fire Department from Dec. 5 through Jan. 1 as part of the second annual Hope and Peace Festival of Trees.
Hours
Those library hours. They’re posted so you’ll see. First going in, and then going out. But know this, and be sure to spout, you can always call the library if there’s a whisper of a doubt.
Calling the library is encouraged with any questions about hours or other library related queries. It’s 518-872-1246. And be sure to check the library’s Facebook page for virtual story-time Fridays and other informational posts.