As July rolls into view and summer’s 2019 smorgasbord of delights is activated, it’s time to announce to the world July’s Word of the Month Club’s action word. It was a toss between energize and invigorate.
After an intense ping-pong match, energize came out on top. So energize it is. Energize your thoughts, your words, your journals. Energize your actions. Energize your friendships. Energize your month.
Storytime
With energizing in full swing, it’s time to get your storytime eyes and ears on. For July 2, it’s a Sky Full of Stories for the 5-and-under group. How many colors will light up the sky this week? Listen to a story, practice your oohs and aahs and participate in a craft activity. Early literacy is booming on.
Beginning the week of July 8, storytime will be happening twice a week until Aug, 1. All part of the Universe of Stories 2019 Summer Reading. Tuesdays are for Wee Explorers ages 5 and under and on Thursdays, humans of the 6 to 12 range can swing by at 1 p.m. for a Star Crew program. For July 11, the first Star Crew gathering, the group will be exploring constellations. Pick up a flyer at the library for a full listing of summer storytime themes and other events.
Summer Reading Packets
The Universe of Stories summer reading packets for all age groups, including adults, are ready for pick-up at the front desk. Packets are divided into four groups - wee readers are 5 and under, the star crew grabs 5.1 to 12 year olds, teens are next and adults round out the reading scene. Sign up for summer reading and take home a free book. Then get on the reading train of challenges for prizes, special events and other space activities.
Music in the Park
You’ll want to mark your calendar for the 2019 season of Music in the Park. Organizers are gearing up with a slate of six bands over the next several weeks. The First band to hit the stage at the Berne Town Park on July 10 at 6:30 p.m. is the Hilltown Ramblers. Admission is free, refreshments are available from the Friends of the Berne Library and the band plays on until dusk. Throw your dancing shoes on and come on down.
Holiday Closing
Please note that the library will be closed for the July 4 holiday. Regular hours resume Friday, July 5 from 2 to 6 p.m. Call 518-872-1246 if you have any questions.
Llama Llama, do you know him? He’s the cutest character with eyes that draw you into whatever emotions he may be feeling — scared, surprised, frustrated.
It seems Fuzzy Llama, his stuffed animal friend, broadcasts feelings with his eyes as well. The two have appeared in many books together. Author Anna Dewdney brought them to life in 2005 when “Llama Llama Red Pajama” hit the bookstores. The book and characters were an instant success.
After the initial publication, the Llama Llama books continued to share different life moments that young humans experience as they traverse the lines of being a kid. The author passed away in 2016 but Dewdney’s Llama Llama legacy lives on through the Anna Dewdney Trust. Her heartfelt wish was for people to take time and read aloud to a child.
The Berne Public Library’s story program does just that. Every week you can bring your 5-and-under children in to hear a story, wiggle about, and try a craft.
According to the latest news feed, a full-size Llama Llama character will be making the rounds in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School on June 24 and 25 in the early morning. After visiting school on Tuesday, June 25, Llama Llama will be clopping over to the Berne Public Library for a special visit during story time.
Llama llama storytime gets under way at 10:30 a.m. Enjoy time with Llama Llama while listening, crafting and practicing your llama walk.
Library Table
Berne Public Library director Kathy Stempel is hosting a table during the Jean Forti Fundraiser at the Berne Town Park on Friday, June 21 from 6 to 8. The following day, Saturday, June 22, Stempel will have a table at the Pucker Street Fair in Knox from 1 - 9.
Catch her if you can. You can make a bookmark, sign up for the Universe of Stories summer reading program and learn about the summer reading kickoff party on June 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Please visit the library table to say hi and snag your own bookmark to take home.
Summer Reading
About that Universe of Stories “Countdown to Blast Off” 2019 summer reading kickoff party. There will be refreshments. There will be fun with STEM activities. Everyone gets a take home thingamabob of their very own. The rising din of people having a blast is beginning to build. See you there or Readsquared June 27, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Enterprise file photo — Michael Koff
John Williams at work, using a photograph as a guide. Although many Enterprise readers know Williams as the scribe for The Old Men of the Mountain, he is also an artist. His paintings are now on display at the Berne Public Library.
Hands down, the man can paint. Octogenarian John Williams is generously sharing 12 of his paintings for all to enjoy at the Friends Art Gallery located in the community room of the Berne Public Library.
Allis Chalmers, Farmall M, Case, Jack, a special lady sitting atop an MG, and a portrait of a flower-holding mother-in-law give you a hint of the June show.
Williams has been creating art since the age of 6. Allowed freedom to dabble, he used the walls and ceilings of his room as a canvas to cover with art. Even the back of a window shade could be a medium for a scene or two. An early work in crayon of the sacred heart was one piece particularly favored by his mom.
From pastels to water colors, from oil paints to water oils, using charcoal and pencil and then deciding on stretched canvas, watercolor paper, or something completely rebelesque, much goes into the creative process.
After teaching art classes at Bethlehem for 30 years, the most important lesson Williams wanted students to learn was color. Light against dark. Cool versus warm. Shadowing in just the right places.
Favorite themes include farms, tractors, family, local people and places. After thousands of paintings, arthritis reared its aching grip. Williams had to lay down his brushes for a time.
But the call was strong and the passion to paint brought him back to the studio. Today, water oils are his favorite. Three ambulance rides, two stents and a detective M.D. steered him away from using oil paints.
But that’s a story for another time. For now, through the end of June, give your senses a treat as you view the stunning array of portraits on display.
Story time
Speaking of stories, what’s the scoop for Tuesday’s, June 11, 10:30 a.m. story time? Are you ready? Here are seven clues: blanket, paper plates, watermelon, chips, hot dogs, potato salad and fun. Any guesses? Okay then. The theme for the June 11 story time is: Picnics. Bring your favorite picnic toy, listen to a story, move like an ant and make a craft for the 5 and under group supported by their adult fans.
Reading program
The 2019 Universe of Stories Summer reading program is in the building. June 15 is the start date to begin tracking reading minutes. Sign up packets are being prepared for all ages — wee explorers to adults. Wees through teens, reach 500 reading minutes by Aug. 7 to receive a gift and a really high 5, way to go, great genius, excellent reading prowess. Adults, get your read on and be one with the book list for prizes and a food fiesta in September.
Another creative avenue available thru the 2019 summer reading Universe of Stories program is a teen video challenge. Open to teens in New York ages 13 to 18, entries are being accepted from June 1 to Aug. 2. Ask library director, Kathy Stempel for details — 5 winning teen/ teen teams will be in the running for a $200 cash prize plus a $50 gift certificate for the library from the Collaborative Summer Library Program.
Visible to those on an archaeological dig, highlighted loudly to the explorer’s eye and on the front dash of the detective in training you’ll find happenings at the Berne Public Library are like discovering rich creamy chocolate for the first time. All manner of treasures are ready and waiting for the bold, the brave, and the curious.
With your library card in hand, you have access to borrowing books, music CDs, magazines, movies, cake pans, iPads, fishing poles, board games, puzzles, books on tape, and museum passes — Clark Institute, MiSci, USS Slater and the newest addition, the Empire Pass for entrance to parks and Department of Environmental Conservation facilities.
With or without a library card, you can use a computer, have items faxed, print your latest list of positive words, and attend programs of various interests. Form a club, apply for use of the community room for meetings, suggest possible programs you’d like to attend or present an idea for a program to facilitate yourself.
It’s all available at the Berne Public Library whose mission statement goes something like this: “... Meeting community needs with resources for lifelong learning and entertainment.”
Story time
June’s remaining story time slate is entirely hush hush - a behind the scenes affair. An unveiling is scheduled for Tuesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. in the morning. It’s being billed as “June’s Surprise Story Time”. Excitement is building to a fever pitch as a guessing game of possible themes are being volleyed about. Fathers, feathers, flamingos? Arlo the Great Dane showed up last week. Find out what the genius organizers pull out of their hat in weeks to come?
The premise behind story time programs wraps around the vintage recipe of early literacy. Start young, keep them interested, make it fun, be consistent, make it memorable, encourage them to come back for more.
Summer Reading Program
Starting early provides gentle forward momentum and the Berne Public Library is giving parents a heads up for the 2019 “A Universe of Stories” summer reading program. Boosting literacy power through the summer months in a fun way. Sign up for kids and adults is happening now with prizes, kick-off events and stories under the stars. Who will be reaching the 500 reading minutes goal by August 7? How many adults will accept the challenge and cross the finish line by September 5? All are invited to hop on the summer reading train.
Art gallery
It’s a new show at the Friends art gallery residing on the south wall in the community room. A series of paintings by John Williams is in the building for your viewing pleasure. Take in the beauty now through July 1.
Book comes to life: A life-size “Bad Kitty” character will visit the Berne Library on June 8 for a family-friendly event, which includes making a craft.
It’s time to flip the page. The calendar page that is. June’s line-up at the Berne Library includes the usual suspects plus a few surprises. Book Club gets the ball rolling on the 2nd and the 2019 summer reading program fires up the rocket ship for its kick-off party on the 27th.
Before slipping into details, it’s time to share the Word of the Month Club’s chosen utterance for June. Drum roll, eyes sparkling with anticipation, and the winner by unanimous agreement is: genius. Speak genius, look for written genius, doodle genius all over the page. It’s a month for finding your genius.
Book Club
The Berne Sunday Book Club meets at 7 p.m. on June 2 in the community room. They will discuss the classic “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. Set during the French Revolution, wrongful imprisonment and struggles for justice carry the reader to Paris and London.
Dickens life was deeply affected after members of his family were sent to debtors’ prison and he took up work at age 12. The feeling of loss, injustice, and financial strain are visible in many of his 15 novels and numerous other writings. His first novel was published at 24 years of age.
Storytime
Arlo the Great Dane comes to storytime. Leslie Yolen has volunteered to bring her 1-year-old Great Dane to story time at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 4. Yolen will be reading a Steven Kellogg story starring Pinkerton, the Great Dane puppy. Children 5 and under with their caregivers will have the opportunity to meet and greet Arlo, ask questions and watch as Arlo gets comfortable during the half hour program.
Join the Friends
Interested in helping the library but not sure how? Join the Friends of the Berne Public Library as a paid member or volunteer with or without membership at one of their many fundraisers. The regular monthly meeting is being held this Wednesday, June 5 at 7 p.m. in the library’s community room. Gearing up for summer reading and the 2019 edition of Music in the Park is in the works. Everyone is welcome.
Come hang-out
A Teen/Tween Fortnite is scheduled for June 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This after hours program offers a safe place to hang out and chill with friends. Bring your devices and enjoy the evening. There are a limited number of IPads available for use.
Bad Kitty
Mark June 8, from 11 a.m. to noon, on your calendar for a special “Bad Kitty” program at the library. This family friendly event includes a life-size “Bad Kitty” character dropping in for a visit and a craft. A sign up attendance sheet is at the front desk or call 518-872-1246 to add your name to the list.
Please mark your Berne Public Library event calendar to note the following closings. Monday, May 27, the Berne Public Library is closed in observance of Memorial Day. Representatives from the library will take part in Berne’s 56th Memorial Day parade orchestrated by the Kiwanis Club of the Helderbergs.
This memorial and commemorative event kicks off at 10 a.m., passes west through Berne and pulls up ranks by the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School’s flagpole and garden where the annual ceremony is held.
On Tuesday, May 28, the library closes at 2:30 p.m. for Grievance Day. Regular library hours will resume on Wednesday, May 29, from noon to 8 p.m.
Story time
Parade story time is on deck at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 28. What ingredients are needed to have a parade? Gather some people, throw in a few costumes, fill a few bags with candy to toss to spectators. Find a wagon or five, a couple lawnmowers and a few tractors, craft some floats and pull them through town.
Or, take the 5 and under story time crowd, open up the costume bin, add marching and a few musical instruments and voila it’s parade story time at the library. Books, movement and a craft every week to inspire early literacy in new and remarkable ways.
Seed exchange
Speaking of remarkable, a new experiment is sprouting at the library. The notion is by no means unique as other libraries have sowed their own seed exchange programs. It’s called a seed library. With volunteer extraordinaire Ann Hein taking the lead, Berne is throwing their hat into the seed spreading ringer.
As a precursor to the fully planted Berne Public Library Seed program, a small sprinkling of seed packets are currently available for the taking at the library. You’ll want to be ready to toss a few seeds in the ground when the rain stops. Seeds were donated by True-Value Hardware in East Berne.
Anyone interested in helping to establish seed stockpiles in this seeds for the community program taking shape at the library please call 518-872-1246, drop by to express interest or e-mail director@bernepubliclibrary.org to get all the dirt.
Empire Pass
In the non-book items realm the library now has one Empire Pass available for a five day check out. The pass allows the holder and all occupants in the vehicle entrance into most New York State Parks and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation facilities for the day. A hearty thank you to the Friends of the Berne Library who made this addition to the Berne Public Library possible.
The month of May brings a new display at the Friends of the Berne Library Art Gallery, showcasing four mini-quilt fronts. Under the guidance of art teacher Colleen Skiff, fourth- and fifth-graders from Berne-Knox-Westerlo have added their artistic flare to the hangings.
Nine mini-squares flavor each quilt with the artist’s first name added to a cat or dog scene drawn from the student’s creative imaginings. Labeled “Pet Memorial Quilts,” these pieces, when fully completed, are destined for donation to an animal shelter.
Knit Wits
In the donation vein, every so often a small bag appears at the library stocked with a remarkable assortment of knitted items. On the bag is stapled a note: Knit Wits.
Meeting the third Sunday of each month, knitting or crocheting charitably is one of the groups focal points at various times throughout the year. All interested yarn enthusiasts drop stitch in on Sunday, May 19, 7 p.m. at the Berne Public Library to join the Knit Wits for the evening.
Share a project, conversation, ask for advice, compare notes.
Story time
Carrot story time pulls into the community room for the 5-and-under crew, and caregivers, on Tuesday, May 21, at 10:30 a.m. After a carrot story, be ready to dig in and try hands on fun in a carrot planting sort of way.
Take a bit of dirt, a pack of heirloom seeds, throw all into a container and watch the carrot story unfold over the next few weeks. What’s the best way to eat your carrots? In carrot cake, of course.
Closing
Please make note on Tuesday, May 28, that the library will be closing at 2:30 p.m. Plan your library visit accordingly.
If you haven’t seen it yet, a new look to the Berne Public Library website has hatched. Explore www.bernepubliclibrary.org to find out what’s happening at the library. Click on Berne Public Library/The library with heart logo on the top left corner to pull up library event descriptions. Need a handy reminder of library hours? Pick up a magnet at the front desk. Call 518-872-1246 with any questions.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Tim Lippert teaches Berne Library patrons about healthy eating.
Last shout-out announcement to attend “Empty Nesters,” an original play written by Jeffrey S. Van Iderstine. The Hilltowns Players present this new comedy performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 10, at the Berne Senior Community Center at 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne.
This dessert theater is hosted by the Friends of the Berne LIbrary. Suggested $10 donation per ticket or $25 per family of three or more are available at the door as well as at the Berne Public Library. Bring a few friends for a gaggle of laughter and an array of mouth-watering sweets.
Decluttering
A time change for the upcoming “Declutter Now-Save Time Later” presentation. This free program piloted by Erin Bremer will unfold at 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 11 in the Berne Library’s community room. Previous notices listed the time as 1 p.m. Apologies for any inconvenience. Call the library at 518-872-1246 with questions.
Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is celebrated in over 70 countries around the globe. Many have designated the second Sunday in May to show extra thanks and appreciation to Moms. A day for flowers, breakfast in bed, dinner, candy, cards or perhaps an out of the box skydiving adventure your Mom always wanted to experience. Also, another day of remembering those remarkable women living on in our hearts.
With May 12 being the day to honor and give special recognition to Mothers, a “Moms are Special” story time comes to life at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 14. Children aged 5 and under plus their caregivers are invited in for stories, movement, and a craft for Mom.
Hats off to Mothers around the world:
Haha no hi omedeto
Buona festa della mamma
Gratulerer med morsdagen
Gelukkige Moederdag
Happy Mother’s Day to Moms everywhere.
Shoe Drive
Girl Scout Troop 1482 is having a barrel of a shoe drive right here at the Berne Public Library:
They’d like shoes in good condition
No holes and no tears
It would be really great
If the shoes came in pairs
They fancy any type of shoe
But not ice skates or rollers
Please help them out
And drop them off in the barrel.
Art display
One more thing to add to your library calendar event listings before turning the page. Jot down a visit to view May’s new art display hanging on the south wall of the community room. Experience the artistry and talent alive in the Hilltowns.
- Photo by Kathy Stempel
Kids learn about DNA in a STEM program at the Berne Library. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math.
The Word of the Month Club has chosen remarkable for the month of May. Scouting out the word in all manner of print and smattering it around in conversation is the club’s mission. Write it on the top of your library events calendar page for May and play along.
Book Club
“Still Alice” by Lisa Genova is the Berne Sunday Book Club’s chosen read for its 7 p.m. May 5 meeting. Genova’s 2007 novel was her first.
Fashioned into a 2014 movie starring Julianne Moore as Alice Howland, a Harvard professor who is dealt an early-onset diagnosis of Alzheimer’s at age 50, the book is sure to touch off a hearty discussion. Disoriented, words just out of reach, memories hovering beyond her grasp and those words “Don’t you remember, Mom...?” becoming all too familiar to family members.
New readers are always welcome to join the conversation.
Storytime
Please note on your events calendar page the cancellation of storytime for May 7. Storytime will resume its regular 10:30 a.m. Tuesday schedule on May 14.
Trustee meeting
May’s Library Trustees meeting is set for Thursday, May 9 at 6:30 p.m. Policies, strategic planning and general library business carries the stage. All Trustee meetings are open to the public.
Original Play
“Empty Nesters,” an original play written by Jeffrey S. Van Iderstine, is ready to roll up the curtain Friday, May 10, at 7 p.m. at the Berne Community Senior Center at 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne.
Hosted by the Friends of the Berne Library, you can snatch advance tickets at the library’s circ desk or pick them up at the door for a suggested donation of $10 each.
Be ready to bust a gut as the play may run a remarkable resemblance to scenes from your own homestead. Desserts at intermission add to the delight of the evening.
Decluttering
Raise your hand if decluttering settles on the periphery of your life spaces. Paper piles instead of files, that drawer needing a good yank for a peek inside, the sock pile thrown into a corner. On May 11 starting at 1 p.m. Erin Bremer presents “Declutter Now - Save Time Later.”
Offering tips honed from years of experience, you’ll leave remarkably inspired to tackle that corner of your life mocking you. Daring you to be organized and feel free from “I really should work on that.” Please sign up at the front desk to reserve your spot or call the Berne Library at 518-872-1246 and add your name to the sign-up sheet.
- Photo from Kathy Stempel
Earth Day is celebrated at the Berne Library's story time.
Four months have peeled away just like that. Four months full of weekly story times, special events, Knit Wits, book clubs, attempting a new Scrabble night, forming the new Word of the Month Club, and the ongoing Library Moon Walk.
Participants logging their steps, miles and minutes have racked up over 75,000 miles with folks from the Berne Library area and beyond doing their part.
The goal of 238, 857 miles by April 30 was grand but, when you think about it, getting out and doing some movement improvement was the best part. Now that the weather feels better in many ways, walkers can hit their stride with new vigor.
After all, 75,000 miles is the equivalent of nearly 2,863 marathons and that’s something to bobble your head about. “Yeah, we added steps and had fun doing it. High five to that.”
Appetizers
As the last week of April fades out of view, grab hold of Monday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m. for a food event at the library: “Entertain with Healthy Appetizers” presented by Tim Lippert. Entertaining can be fun and adding healthy delicious food to the gathering increases the enjoyment meter. Grab a friend or two and prepare to tantalize your taste buds as you learn a few tips for a tasty evening.
Storytime
When it comes to story time, movement improvement is second nature. Especially when frogs take center stage. That’s right, it’s frog storytime for Tuesday, April 30 at 10:30 a.m. with bullfrogs, wood and leopard frogs, green frogs and the most famous frog of all time, Kermit. Frog stories hop in for mid-morning delight, followed by your best leap frog move and finishing with a crafty frog creation. Make like a frog and ribbit.
Performance
The Friends of the Berne Library is hosting a Hilltowns Players original production written by Jeffrey S. Van Iderstine. “Empty Nesters” will be performed at the Berne Community/Senior Center on Friday, May 10 at 7 p.m. Pre-sale tickets can be picked up at the library for a suggested $10 donation. During intermission a variety of home-made desserts will be part of the planned event. Mark your May library events calendar page for May 10 at 7 p.m.
Storywalks
Keeping pace with the storywalks installed at the Berne and Knox Town Parks, the Friends have just installed two new books. As you stroll along the Knox trail you can read “Crow Not Crow” by Jane Yolen and Adam Stemple. A book giving you bird ID’ing tips. In Berne the read follows a feather journey, how they differ and how they are used. Author Melissa Stewart gives us “Feathers: Not Just for Flying”. Add steps to your day as you peruse the storywalks for your reading and learning pleasure.