Pikachu, where are you? Pokemon fans, time to pull all in for the Pokemon Tournament from 1 to 3 p.m. on Jan. 25. Name your top 10 electric, dragon, and generation 6 Pokemon. Gather your cards and flock to the library to join the fun. Refreshments are part of the plan.
Storytime
You’ve heard the stories. You’ve seen the pictures. Yeti climbing the mountaintop as day fades to night. Tall, hairy and sometimes scary. Yet helpful, caring and quietly sharing in their unique Yeti way.
Storytime Yeti at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 28 invites those 5 and under, plus their caregivers, to join Miss Carrie as she weaves a Yeti tale, slombers around the room in a Yeti dance and yetis a craft of abominable proportions.
Book discussion
Participants of the winter reading challenge, “Get Cozy@Your Library With Health Stories', meet for their first of four activities at 4 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31 in the library community space. A book discussion of “This Heart of Mine” by C.C. Hunter swims around Leah’s dealings with her ailing heart, transplant, teen romance and a murder mystery.
Upon receiving a transplanted organ, think about whether the receiver takes on some characteristics of the donor. Would you suddenly have a never before felt longing for friending a unicorn?
After the discussion there will be a lesson on how to use the MedlinePlus website to look up medical facts.
Planting Party
It’s just the right time to be dreaming about your 2020 garden. Broccoli Spear and the seed team have meticulously sorted through, catalogued and tagged a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers to help your garden grow. Clean your starter pots, choose some seeds from the Seed Library and get this planting party sprouted. Berne’s Seed Library is open and ready for pick-me-ups.
Photo Exhibition
The photo submission deadline for the Friends Photo Exhibition is Friday, Jan. 31 at 5:30 p.m. A quick reminder of categories include Travel, Memories, Critters and Reflections on Water. You bring the pictures, and the Friends will happily hang them for February’s display.
Library Day
Heads up for the annual “Take your Child to the Library Day” on Saturday, Feb.1 from noon to 3 p.m. This will be Berne’s fifth installment welcoming children to explore special crafts and activities set up just for them. Swing by and let your kids creativity soar and use the library.
Three tiny knit wits baked up a pie. Skeins of red, yarns of gold threaded through the sky. Add some sugar-laden eyelets, round and round they go. A recipe for knit wits for their next successful show.
Join the Berne Library Knit Wits at their January meet-up starting at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19. All yarn lovers are invited to join in, ask questions, and share projects.
Story time
Let’s hear it for story time mustaches at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Practice wiggling your upper lip where those whiskers like to hang out. Look around and see how many faces are donning a tash.
Enjoy a few hairy stories, pretend play famous detectives sporting their lip dressing and make a mustachio craft for the ride home. Every week is a brand new show.
Pokemon
Generations of Pokemon have been coming on the scene since 1995. Players have their favorite dragon, water and adorable Pokemon. You can play video games, read Pokemon case files and order the “Pokemon Detective Pikachu” DVD from the library for your home viewing pleasure.
Another Pokemon option is to grab your Pokemon cards and a few friends. Then head over to the library on Saturday, Jan. 25 to participate in this month’s Pokemon card game installment. Be here at 1 p.m. to enjoy like minded Pokemon traders and players. Refreshments will be served.
Photo Contest
Calling all photo entries...the last day to enter your photos in the Friends Juried Photo Contest is Jan. 31. All entries will be displayed during the month of February with the option of viewing and voting for your favorite shot. Tick tock, click click, grab this opportunity to share a treasured scene. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Can you feel it? Powers of the new year are filling the room with potential. Potential to read, watch movies, start a new hobby, make fresh recipes for those get-healthy resolutions, begin training for your marathon, sign up for some library programs.
You may embark on a journey to learn everything there is to know about figs. Or start an in-depth study of histoplasmosis. Begin exploring with your Berne Library card and fan the flames of your most curious self.
Escape Room
If you are looking for something for your Tweens to do, how about the Teen/Tween Escape Room? Friday, Jan. 10, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.,
Ten to 18 year olds are invited to try their puzzle solving skills in a safe and friendly space. Refreshments included.
Story time
Story time Tuesday is taking a vacay Jan. 14. Free play is on during the 10:30 a.m. time slot with legos, magnet play, and whales of books to choose from for your home story read parties.
Regular story time is back on Jan. 21 featuring mustaches. Your assignment is to brush up on some of the most famous mustaches of all time. Create one for wearing at the next round up.
Photography Exhibit
In the photo realm is the fifth Juried Photography Exhibit sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library. Capture your best shot. Pick up some entry forms. Drop off your photos Jan. 11 through 31 during regular library hours.
Adult entries are $5 per photo. The Junior division entries are free.
Themed categories include Reflections in water, critters, memories and travel. Throughout the month, while dropping off your captivating moments, please enjoy the gallery of photos on display by Noreen Powell.
Woodworking
Woodworking 101 - A shelf. Do you have an appetite for building things out of wood? Is there sawdust in your blood? Brian Stempel, local wood guru, will be your guide on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. to navigate participants through the crafting of a simple desk shelf. This may be the start of a new hobby for you. Please sign up at the front desk.
Reading Challenges
The all age reading challenge popped when 2020 opened its eyes. Jan. 1 to March 31 is the range and 500 minutes of reading is the game.
Sign up on READsquared when you read this. And, say the second you read this is January 11. Read a hair over 6 minutes a day through March 31. Voila, challenge complete. Sign up today and become a winter reading champion. Questions? Call 518-872-1246.
Health Stories
Get Cozy@Your Library with Health Stories is a challenge series for readers 50 and over. There are TEDMED videos, two “Laughter is the Best Medicine” drawing sessions led by artist Tom Payne, a zine creation and Medlineplus Ipad explorations. “This Heart of Mine” by C.C. Hunter is the feature for book discussion at 4 p.m. on Jan. 31. Be a part of this unique program.
— Photo from Noreen Powell
Noreen Powell will share her paintings at the January art show at the Berne Library. Her mantra is: “Creating art is my passion. Teaching art is my joy.”
Noreen Powell is displaying her paintings at the Friends’ Art Gallery starting Jan. 7, 2020 at the Berne Library. Teaching art, creating art, and sharing art aptly describes Noreen’s career trajectory. When she was a child growing up in Tonawanda, New York, whispers of a future path showed up in early paint dabblings.
The artistic journey led her to build a graphic-design major at the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Moving east in 2002, she began teaching art full-time. At the University at Albany, she received a master’s degree in education with an art concentration and New York State teaching certification.
In 2012, Noreen spread her teaching wings to include painting workshops for adults. Venues include the Hudson Valley Home School Consortium, the Art Center of the Capital Region, and St. Agnes Cemetery. Continuing her involvement in the local art scene, she is the director of shows for the Colonie Art League.
She finds inspiration during long walks with her dogs and communing with nature. Noreen’s mantra: “Creating art is my passion. Teaching art is my joy.” Check out her virtual gallery at noreenpowellart.com, then treat yourself to the January show.
Book Club
Sunday Book Clubbers meet Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. to mull over storylines from the November and December reads. Made into a movie to be released in 2020, “The Woman in the Window” by AJ Finn was the November pick.
“Winter Stroll”, the second in the Nantucket “Winter” trilogy, left readers looking to digest book three after closing the last page.
Story time
Regular story time resumes in the new year on Jan. 7, at 10:30 a.m. with robots. Every week storytime promotes reading literacy with active listening and positive book reading experiences. Also, kids get up and move using dance, parading or parachute play. Rounding out the half hour is a take home craft.
Friends meet
Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. finds the Friends of the Berne Library storming the community room to prep for the 2020 fundraisers. First up is the fifth juried Photo Exhibit. Enter your best shots in the following categories: Reflections in Water, Critters, Memories and Travel. Photos accepted from Jan. 11 to 31, will be displayed for viewing during February.
Board meets
The Library Board of Trustees have their first meeting of the year on Jan. 9 starting at 6:30 p.m. All meetings are open to the public.
Teen event
Escape Room 2020 unlocks its secrets at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. This Tween/teen event for 10 to 18 year olds tests puzzle skills in a comfortable and safe environment. Bring your friends and your wits to try escape before the clock runs out of room.
Winter reading
Winter reading challenges are set up for any and all takers. Check into the babes to adults sign-up at READsquared found at www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
This 500 minute reading challenge goes from Jan. 1 to March 31. Earn badges, certificates and prizes.
A second program, Get Cozy@Your Library, wants to reel in adults 50 and up. This menu offers reading, writing and drawing snippets with a focus on health. Take this winter, add a book, visit your library and get hooked. Sign up and join the reading circle.
Have you had your fill of spunky festivities?
How about one more to add to the score?
Try an Eve Year Noon celebration
On December 31st
Twelve hours before the evenin’
10, 9, 8 — counting begins
Be here at 11:30 in the morn
For a family-friendly
Noon Year Eve celebration
Feted as countdown to noon
This may well be your first
Party hats, confetti, crafts, and some food
You’re all invited
To help the countdown begin
Library Celebration
Sign up or show up for the Berne Public Library’s Noon Year’s Eve Celebration at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31. This special program bumps story time. Mark your activity-tracking device, whatever that may be, and be here to get this party started.
Art Gallery
The Friend’s December Art Gallery features Eleanor Graves - traveler, explorer, photographer, artist. A 30 x 40 canvas print bringing you to an ocean view by following a rock tiered dive to the shore welcomes you. Add that to twenty six photos of exquisite scenery and you’ve struck art appreciation gold.
Take this opportunity to travel across the state and over into Maine, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and the Dakotas. Check out a snap of Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse and the Corn Palace. See Lighthouses, an osprey taking flight, sunsets and peaceful waters. Now until the first week in 2020 visit the art gallery and experience part of Eleanor’s world.
Word of the Month
“Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!” Wiggling around in her seat, hand held high, Leigh wanted to be the first one to be heard. It was the Word of the Month Club’s huddle to kick off 2020 with a mighty Thor roar.
“There, there Leigh. Relax. We’ll be getting to the word in a minute” Sasha playfully responded. “First, a toast.” Raising their mocktails of pineapple and watermelon slush, Sasha proclaimed “Here’s to appreciating our energetic Festivus celebration this year. Now let’s hear the word for January 2020. Take it away Leigh.” Leaping out of her chair Leigh shouted Potential, Potential, Potential to a room full of smiles.
Reach for your inner potential this month. Scrawl potential on the top of your amaze me list. Look for potential as you read, write, actionate. Channel your potential in January from start to finish.
Reading Challenge
Excitement is brewing! Winter’s reading challenge is at the starting gate. From Jan. 1 through March 31, all ages are invited to sign on for the 500 minute winter reading challenge. It’s a snap to sign up on Readsquared, which can be accessed from the library website: www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Register, pick out some books, track your reading, earn a certificate. Questions? Call the 518-872-1246.
Get Cozy@Your Library, a separate reading program cycling in January, focuses on health and stretching your inner potential for 50+ humans. Details coming soon. Happy New Year, happy reading.
— From incrediblelarry.com
Incredible Larry, will tell jokes, juggle, and do daredevil balancing acts at the Berne Library on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 1 p.m.
December quickly fills with shopping; a few bah humbugs; holiday parties and special foods like beets, eggnog, latkes, groundnut stew, and fruitcake. How many celebrations have you attended so far this month?
There’s always room for more. How about whooping it up at the first day of winter picnic. That’s a great reason to celebrate, when the daylight hours shine longer and longer with each new sunset.
You could throw a traditions pile-up mixer with Hanukkah, Christmas, Boxing Day, and Kwanzaa. Or, maybe you’ll be invited to a spunky December weekend wedding? Or, here’s a thought, plan on attending the Incredible Larry, crazy-fun juggling, joke-laden, circus kind of show?
Story time
Before bringing in the circus, let the 5-and-under kids and caregivers prepare for holiday story time on Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. So many holidays to choose from, where to begin? Let the stories tell the tales from holidays around the world. Dial up the jingle bell dance music and grapevine up to the craft table for your take home creation from storytime.
Family Program
Now to bring on the Incredible Larry show. This family-friendly program will delight and amaze you with juggling, jokes, and daredevil balancing acts. Check out Incredible Larry’s Facebook page and then plan to come to the library and experience his show in person. Thursday, Dec. 26 at 1 p.m. Incredible Larry will be getting the midweek party started. Sign up and reserve your spot today with a call to 518-872-1246 during regular open hours.
Holiday Hours
Speaking of hours, there are shortened hours to announce for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The library will be open 10 a.m. to 4 pm on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31. Then the all closed sign will be up Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Normal hours resume Dec. 26 and Jan. 2. You got all that? Please mark your calendars for the nipped hours and closings.
Photo bonanza
Newsflash for the Friends annual photo bonanza. The Friends Photography Exhibit entry form is now available for pick up at the library. Categories for the fifth juried photo exhibit include Reflections in Water, Travel, Memories and Critters. Photo entries will be accepted from Jan. 11 through 31 during regular library time.
Amazon
Another flash. You can raise money for the library while shopping by going to www.bernepubliclibrary.org and click on Amazon smile. With this single click from the library’s website, a wee percentage of your shopping dollars go directly to the library. Thank you for supporting the Berne Public Library with this simple tool
Last month’s Pokemon gathering was such fun, Berne’s library director, Kathy Stempel, decided to ring in another round. This Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m., Pokemon fans are asked to corral their trading cards and bring them to the library for Pokemon Tournament time.
Tell your friends, grab your cards. Choose energies and trainers and enter the Pokemon universe with Pikachus ready for anything. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Sharing yarns
Attention all Knit Wits. Shake out your projects and warm up the car. The December meeting starts at 7 p.m. on Sunday the 15th.
What’s your favorite yarn? Is it the one about the skein of green sparkly yarn that wanted to grow up to be a three-dimensional Christmas tree? Beginner yarners are welcome to join at any time for help with a project or present their own yarning favorites.
Reindeer rock
Hey there, how about adding a Reindeer Street visit to your library events calendar? Reindeer are rocking their heads and stomping to the beat in hopes of seeing a big 5-and-under crowd, with their caregivers, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 10:30 a.m. during Reindeer Story Time.
Rudolph is lighting the way
with a couple of books to share.
Dasher and Dancer are practicing
their flash mob freeze routine.
Prancer and Vixen are setting up
their favorite antler crafts.
And the rest of the crew are scaring up
some hot chocolate and biscuits
For a snowy day treat.
Remember, it’s stories, prancing, and crafting with the Reindeer staff this Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. See you there.
Holiday treats
A couple of entertaining look-aheads to mention for your consideration during Christmas break. On Dec. 26, known to some as Boxing Day, Incredible Larry will be at the library. Before the library opens, between 1 and 2 p.m., everyone is invited to experience Incredible Larry’s family comedy and juggling act. Mark your calendar now while it’s fresh in your mind.
Then, for Dec. 31 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join the library for a Noon Year’s Eve celebration for families with party hats, noisemakers, crafts, and snacks for your partying pleasure. Start practicing the countdown disco and add a party sticker to your library events calendar for Dec. 31.
Please reserve your spot for these events by calling the library at 518-872-1246.
It appears the Word of the Month Club members were so busy appreciating themselves and others during November, they forgot their mission. It was a scramble as Genevieve screeched, slapped her cheeks, and quickly called everyone in for an emergency meeting.
“I thought Eric was presenting the list of eligibles this month,” Sasha charged.
“It doesn’t matter a spiff,” replied Genevieve. “We’re here now, so let’s choose December’s word of the month.” With a clink of glasses, toasting the occasion, Leigh spun the wheel.
Click, click, click...click...click...click...and the winner is: Spunky.
Look for opportunities to show your spunky side. Add a little spunk while writing your 2020 plan; delve into spunky readings from around the world; put a little spunk in your walk as you share food, dance, and songs with joyful intention. Dare to be a little spunky during the month of December.
Frosty tales
Skiing in with a spunky salute to Winter Story Time at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10, take a peek inside. Ooooh, it’s a frosty, shivery, snowman, bob-sledding, hot chocolate, figure-skating, chestnut-roasting kind of day.
Full of fun winter tales, ice-skating moves, and a warm wintery craft. Inviting the 5-and-under kids and their caregivers in for Winter Story Time.
Paint party
After Tuesday morning’s storytime, folks will be gathering at 6 p.m. for the Dec. 10 paint party in the community room. Reservations filled the slate early, so let the masterpieces unfold with each careful stroke of the brush.
Interested? You can call 518-872-1246 to ask about possible cancellations freeing up a last-minute slot. Cost of the program is $20.
Trustees meet
The library trustees will be putting their spunk to the test on Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. with the usual and unusual in library trustee-ing. What’s it like to be a trustee? Hey, you can find out because these monthly meetings are open to the public.
Pokemon Tourney
Pokemon, Pokemon tell me a story. The Pokemon craze all started in Japan over 20 years ago. The phenomenon morphed into cartoons, books, clothing, Pokemon Go, and trading cards just to mention a few.
On Saturday, Dec. 14, at 1 p.m. the second Pokemon Tournament is happening at the library. Bring your trading cards; bring your friends.
Graves’s photos tell
of places near and far
Art finds a welcome place at the library with monthly features. The Friends’ December art wall showcases the photography of Berne native Eleanor Graves. Having a dark room available to develop pictures while attending Berne-Knox-Westerlo was an excellent hands-on opportunity. — a great assist in fueling Eleanor’s passion behind the lens.
Progressing from capturing photos of family and pets to the world around her was a natural segue to include journaling her travels through the eyes of her camera.
For several years, Eleanor and her husband traveled by motorcycle, visiting places in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. Recent visits to Carter Cave in Kentucky, Mt. Rushmore, and Crazy Horse moved their adventures westward.
Hitting the road after retirement with camera in hand is on the agenda. Visit Eleanor’s exhibit now through the beginning of January 2020 as she pulls you in for a tour of local and across-state-lines photo stories.
Labor of love: Women make mittens out of old seaters at the Berne Library.
Foxes will visit story time at the Berne Library for a make-up engagement on Tuesday morning, Dec. 3 at 10:30. They double-booked on Nov. 12 so had to reschedule.
Foxes are sly
Foxes are small
Foxes run fast
Foxes see far
They have bushy tails
They live all over the world
Their range of colors, a sight to behold.
All children ages 5 and under and their caregivers are invited to follow the fun of Foxy story time. Hear some stories, try a foxy dance, and gather ’round the art table for a take-home fox-inspired craft.
Book giveaway
Gather ’round, there’s some news to share. It involves free books of your very own to take home for reading again and again.
A book giveaway and holiday craft is set for Saturday, Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and everyone is invited to attend. Just in case you didn’t hear that the first time: Everyone is invited to attend.
This December event partners with the Helderberg Family and Community Organization as part of its Hope and Peace weekend.
Along with the giveaway, an “add to it” decorative ornament is being offered between noon and 3 p.m. Let your creative juices bubble up and splash about by adding your own personal swaggletock.
Part of the Hope and Peace weekend activities include the Festival of Trees tree-lighting ceremony behind the Knox Town Hall between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. The Berne Library’s decorated Literacy Tree will be one of the 40 trees on display. After oohing and aahing over the lights and decorations, enjoy the HFCO’s dessert reception in Knox’s firehouse.
Community Caregivers
Mid-week, on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 12:30 to 2 p.m., take a break and dive into an informational meet-and-greet orientation. Gain insight about the successful volunteer program managed by the Community Caregivers.
This is an opportunity to learn all the buzz surrounding volunteer opportunities with the group recognized by its slogan, “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.”
Do you have visions of volunteering but are unsure of how, when, or where to begin? This invitation from the Community Caregivers goes out to all persons interested in the rewarding activity of volunteering.
Sign up today to reserve your seat. Refreshments are on the schedule. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Magical experience
There are only a handful of days left to enjoy the powerful photography of Chuck VerStraeten. Sixteen photos grace the south wall of the community room’s Art Gallery.
Alive with gentle movement or a roaring splash, glinting sparkles or a soft surface all enrapturing the observer toward peaceful contemplation. Viewing the array is a truly magical experience.
Thank you to Chuck and all the artists who share their passion. Your talents are sincerely appreciated. And thank you to Broccoli Spear for arranging the monthly shows.
Let the Thanksgiving countdown begin. Start your stomach-stretching exercises to fit as much of the feast in as you can. The United States and Canada both celebrate the holiday, which is steeped in a tradition of gratitude. Canada’s version takes place the second Monday in October.
Some other countries recognizing celebrations of appreciation include Japan’s Kinro Kansha no Hi — “Labor Thanksgiving Day” held on Nov. 23, Germany’s Erntedankfest — “Harvest Thank Festival” on the first Sunday in October, and Malaysia’s Kaamatan festival that is celebrated in May. All celebrations weave the common thread of being thankful with their own unique background stories.
Story time
With multitudes of thanks, gratitude, and Thanksgivings dangling about, would you care to toss a grand guess on Carrie’s story-time theme Nov. 26 at 10:30? Could it be, is it possible, do you think it might be Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? Nice try, but that would be a no.
Story time Tuesday has Thanksgiving traditions warming up the books for the 5-and-under crowd and their faithful transporters. What’s your favorite food at Thanksgiving? Stuffing the half-hour full of stories, a kid-size Thanksgiving Day parade, and a take-home craft for the family, your attendance is always welcome.
Holiday schedule
That rings the dinner gong wake-up call to share the holiday schedule. The library will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Regular hours resume Friday Nov. 29 from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Happy Turkey Day everyone.
Mitten Tree
Also, the Library’s Mitten Tree continues to accept donations of homemade mittens to fill the tree. Your generosity is hugely appreciated. Bringing warmth to the community one pair of mittens at a time.
Community Caregivers
Future scan of programs coming up in December include the Community Caregivers Volunteer Orientation presentation from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Dec. 4. Are you interested in being part of this network of “neighbors helping neighbors”? Have you been contemplating diving into some volunteer activities?
The Community Caregivers have been helping people in local communities for 25 years and counting. Reserve your seat at this informational program today by calling the library at 518-872-1246. Or stop in to add your name to the sign-up sheet. Refreshments will be served.
December Events
Other December happenings include a Holiday Craft and Book Giveaway on Dec. 7 and a Paint Party Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. Plus the monthly Book Club meet on December 1st at 7 p.m. The Berne Sunday Book Club will be digesting their thoughts about their lastest read “The Woman in the Window” by A.J. FInn.
Just a few events to rev up your slide toward Christmas.