Berne Library Notes for Thursday, December 15, 2016

In about a month, the 2017 Caldecott Medal winner will be announced.  This award is given to the artist of the most distinguished picture book for children published in the United States during 2016.  Chris Van Allsburg won this award in 1982 for Jumanji and again in 1986 for The Polar Express.

The Polar Express was published in 1985, released as a movie in 2004, and has become a Christmas classic.  As the story goes, a young boy is lying in bed on Christmas Eve awaiting Santa's arrival when he hears the sound of a train outside his home. He is invited by the conductor to come aboard the Polar Express which is heading to the North Pole.  The young boy is picked by Santa to receive the first gift of Christmas and he chooses a simple, silver bell from Santa's sleigh.

If you have silver bells to add to mittens or scarves, the Knit Wits group is meeting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18.  Bring your own projects to knit or crochet while enjoying conversations with other adults. This will be your last chance to finish 2016 holiday gifts.

The focus of Storytime on Tuesday, Dec. 20 is The Polar Express.  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.  In keeping with the story, refreshments will be served.  Perhaps Santa will be there to give a gift!

Polar Express train rides have become wildly popular events in December.  The ride usually features a telling of the magical story complete with hot chocolate and cookies, just like in the book.  In our area, the Catskill Mountain Railroad and the Saratoga and North Creek Railroad often have a sold out schedule for these events.  

Are your plans for the holiday complete or do you need some last minute cards?  Creative Hands will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 22 to make cards and tags.  Registration is requested so there are adequate supplies but it is not required.  Contact the library staff  by calling 872-1246 or emailing .  We will be discussing potential art projects for next year so please come with ideas to share.    

For your planning pleasure, note that the library will be open Saturday, Dec. 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again on Monday, Dec. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.  A Vacation Makerspace for ages 5 to 12 is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 2 p.m.  All aboard for fun events at the library.