The art room is open and ready for viewing. June’s featured artist in the Berne Library’s community space is Colleen Skiff sharing lively framed watercolor works. Comments or questions are welcomed by the artist at colleenskiff@gmail.com.
Kickoff Event
Bells and Motley perform “15 Miles on the Erie Canal” to kickstart the library’s full array of summer events including the Rockin’ Summer Reading Program. Mark your calendars for Monday, June 25 at 7 p.m. and attend this music filled participatory show at the Berne Senior Center located at 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne. Funds from the Stewart’s Shop and the Berne Historical Society help bring it on.
As school closes down for summer, the library gears up with 2018’s “Libraries Rock” theme. Summer reading programs are underway to keep the cobwebs from settling in. Registration packets are waiting for pick-up behind the circulation desk. Read, log your minutes via paper or computer log on to Beanstack, get prizes. It’s that simple. Everyone, from wee ones to adults, is encouraged to give it a go. Any questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246 or email .
Story time
Story time rocks on throughout the summer. “Wee Rockers” of 5 and under meet Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. “Rock Crews” aged 6 to 12 join the beat each Thursday at 2 p.m.
Tuesday, June 26 the “Wee Rockers” gather in the community room for “Drumming with Dawn”. Kathy Stempel starts off with a fine tale thumping to the rhythm of an extraordinary day.
The “Rock Crew” is invited in on Thursday, June 28 at 2 p.m. to dance to percussion moves after listening to drumming in book form. Bongo, snare, bass and tabor equal a smattering of drum types to explore. Even a tambourine is considered a drum instrument wee rockers, rock crews and people of all ages can enjoy getting to know and play.
Friends photography
The Friends of the Berne Library are shouting out their January 2019 Photography contest themes. Focus your cameras on:
— Charms of the Seasons;
— All Creatures Great and Small;
— Shadows and Reflections; and
— Our History/Heritage.
Be on the lookout for that perfect shot in each category as the summer months stroll by.
There’s a new art exhibit adorning the south wall of the community room at the Berne Public Library. Colleen Skiff, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School art teacher, is sharing her watercolor paintings for visitors to enjoy.
Flowers, an icy winter road, and a bicycle pop out from the varied selections. Other subjects of interest include familiar structures and a snowy mailbox. Swing by to revel in the details of this month’s wall of art.
Summer reading program
“Libraries Rock!” is our 2018 Summer Reading program. A specially prepared flyer listing Berne Public Library’s rockin’ summer events is ready for pick-up, so everybody start your reading engines and grab the checklist. Adults, teens, wee ones and tweens are all invited to take up the reading challenge. Special packets for each group of readers are mustering near the library’s circulation desk.
Starting June 17 through Sept. 7, adults can choose books with “MUSIC” in the title, watch a DVD musical or how about a memoir of your favorite musician. Each group owns a special list of options to get those summer reading minutes in and grab the acclaim of being a certifiable reading superstar.
Special event
Pen in June 25 at 7 p.m. on your library event planner for the summer reading kick off party. Details of the Bells & Motley “15 Miles on the Erie Canal” performance which will be held at the Community Center (Senior) coming at you soon.
Knit Wits
The monthly Knit Wit ensemble assembles Sunday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in the community room. Bringing current projects to share and click about shakes up the hour with relaxing tomes waiting in the wings. “The Friday Night Knitting Club” by Kate Jacobs, available from the stacks, may hit the buzzer just right.
Story time
Story time visitors settle in at 10:30 a.m. on June 19 for a look at top ranked engineers in the animal kingdom. Beaver’s splash into view as Kathy Stempel leads a session on New York’s official state animal. Beavers build their dams from sticks, logs, stones and mud. Kids 5 and under will be “busy as beavers” while they listen, move and create during this Tuesday’s storytime. Caregivers join in the fun with a coloring sheet especially for you.
Speed dating
Just a quiet reminder to bring your favorite book to ‘Speed Dating’ this Friday, June 15 at 7 p.m. in the community room. Conversations rally around the tables of 18 and older adults connecting the dots of “So what do you do for unboredomville?”
The hillsides are greening up. Lawnmowers are on the move. Gardens are beginning to sprout. While the growth cycle of veggies start out green, resulting colors as the season glides along encompass a rainbow in living color. ABC your vegetable list starting with artichoke. You go next and put a star next to your favorites.
“Eat Your Veggies” is this week’s topic during story time on Tuesday, June 12 at 10:30 a.m. Kids 5 and under, with caregivers, will get a chance to voice their opinion on their all time top vegetable pick. Are there stories starring vegetables? Of this, you can be sure.
Public meeting
A series of public meetings presented by the Albany County District Attorney’s office wants your opinion on new marijuana laws being talked about. Legalization, public safety, recreational and/or medical use? What are your thoughts? On Monday, June 11 at 6 p.m., a community discussion takes place at the Berne Public Library. Visit www.albanycountyda.com for a look at June’s meeting schedule plus an online survey.
Board meets
The library trustees are unfurling their flag for the monthly board meeting at 6:30 p.m. on June 14, Flag Day. In case you were wondering, President Woodrow Wilson established Flag Day in 1916 with a presidential proclamation. In the world of wonderment you should also note that the Library Board welcomes public attendance.
Speed dating
Speed dating at the library? That’s right. It’s new, it’s bold and it’s happening at the Berne Public Library at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 15 . Ages 18 and up are invited. Bring your favorite book to break the ice as you speed into several three minute conversations. Maybe you could trade your favorite book for someone else’s favorite book and then discuss the read in a month or two. Stretching past boundaries and maybe a new book on your coffee table with Speed Dating or is that speed reading?
Library events
Two event flags to wave you thru the weekend. June 8 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. is the Tween/Teen triva challenge night. Safe hang out for you and your friends. June 9 between 10 and noon is the “Dare to Repair” program for bike and camping equipment. Activate your library calendar planner to take advantage of programs, books, movies and a gamut of creative opportunities.
June is here with the promise of summer’s abundant happenings. While graduations commence and vacations are thought about, another week of events unfolds at the Berne Public Library. Book reading, storytelling, Friends meetings, Teen/Tween hang out and Repair dares. What’s your pleasure? How about starting a gardening club or a meditation group? The library has a meeting room just for you and your expansive imagination.
Book club
Key to the Sunday Night Book Club is the group’s love of reading. This month’s meeting opens June 3rd at 7 p.m. in the community room. Discussing “The Story of Arthur Truluv” by Elizabeth Berg is the target. All adults are welcome.
Story time
Bug on! Bug off? That’s a firefly on your head! Story time is bugging out all over with this week’s edition at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 5. Kathy Stempel swoops in for a landing as aged 5 and under attendees and their caregivers assume story listening pose. Bug stories, bug crafts and famous bug stars. You’ve all heard of Jiminy Cricket, right? This could be the start of a young mind deciding to be an entomologist when they grow up because of “Bug Story Time” at the Berne Public Library.
Friends meet
A Friends of the Berne Library meeting wings in on June 6 at 7 p.m. With the summer reading program about to take flight and Music in the Park tuning up summer hits, there’s lots to discuss. Drop in to hear the buzz. This dedicated group of library supporters welcomes new members, new ideas, and new pudding recipes.
Teens and Tweens
It’s another Teen/Tween challenge night June 8 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Reeling in last months challenge, team leader ‘code fun’ is signaling safe landing for all 11 to 18-year-olds. A night to have the library to yourselves as impromptu quandries pop up, trivia teams take sides and/or movie scenes come to life.
Repairing
Round two of “Dare to Repair” takes on biking and camping equipment between 10 a.m. and noon on June 9. Deciding to repair rather than throw out lessens the landfill pile up. This program is free and looking for qualified languishing equipment that wants to be of use again. Contact the library with details of your desired repair by e-mailing director@bernepubliclibrary.org or calling 518-872-1246.
A bevy of Berne Library fans and supporters are funneling a united effort of creativity into their float entry for the 2018 Memorial Day Parade. Watch for familiar smiling faces atop the decorated wagon this Monday, May 28. Parade commences at 10 a.m. in Berne and rolls over to Knox for a 12 noon showing. Put a reminder flag on your calendar that the library will be closed May 28 in observance of Memorial Day.
Story time
Bringing a parade inside Tuesday May 29 for Story time is certain to bring on smile activity. Starting at 10:30 a.m. sharp, children 5 and under, with their support staff, listen to Kathy Stempel’s book pick of the day. Then ready your marching skills as you scoop up some musical instruments, grab a flag or scarf to wave and get parading. Inside, outside and all through the stacks, there’s something magical about to take place.
Overflow books
Overflowing bookshelves mean titles shifting to the bargain corner sitting behind the whiteboard announcement stand. “Check out” the many available reads waiting to find a home. Evanovich, Connelly, Patterson. Decorating, history and books for the kids. Due dates do not apply here.
Thank you for your support.
Author visit
News flash! Author visit in view for Friday, June 1 sponsored by Friends of the Berne Library. At 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., Julie Fogliano, bestselling author and book award recipient, presents two talks for children and adults. In 2013, Fogliano won the Ezra Jack Keats book award for new children’s book authors. Her winning entry, “And Then It’s Spring”, has been translated for more than 10 languages and made the New York Times bestsellers list. Get an insider’s view of generating unique storylines that teach and entertain.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
“Lots of babies came to last week’s story time,” said Kathy Stempel, the director of the Berne Public Library who also runs the story times.
There’s a new show in town now through June 7. It’s colorful, imaginative and free.
During regular hours at the Berne Public Library, stop by the community room and check out May to June’s “Art Display.” You’ll experience a variety of artistic delights during your visit.
Serving up their masterpieces, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary students present renditions everything from unicorns to soccer balls, castles to fishbowls, and future world whisperings.
Small appliance repair
Gather those small appliances and screens that have a ghost of a chance for survival. Volunteers help you “Dare to Repair” them on May 19 from 10 a.m. to noon. Please contact the library repair line at (518) 872-1246 with your intended resuscitation items so volunteers can prepare with proper repair tools.
Kit Wits
Knit Wit Sunday kicks on May 20 at 7 p.m. Needles click, projects advance, and yarns fly into the night. What kind of yarns? They could be wool or cotton or “Did you hear the one about the crocheting hippo?”
Walk and a talk
Two Story trails are available for your reading and walking pleasure. Featured stories are written by Candace Christiansen. Located in the Berne Town Park you can read “Calico and Tin Horns”. Over in Knox is “The Ice Horse”. The author will be visiting Berne on Monday, May 21. Swinging by the library for a tour and a talk at 6:30 p.m., Candace shares thoughts about her book “Calico and Tin Horns”, which is set against the background of the area’s mid 1800’s Anti Rent war. Join in the conversation.
Story time
Open up your windows as you ride past ponds or waterways and listen to the croakers. Ribbit. Ribbit. Ribbit. Frogs are coming to story time! Tuesday, May 22 at exactly 10:30 a.m. story time entertainment for 5 and under humans, plus caregivers, slide in for a half hour of riotous action. Sing like a frog, play leap frog, listen to a frog tale. Kiss a frog and meet your charming prince or princess. Story time, like the library itself, is more than just books.
Scheduled closings
As you schedule your weekly library visits, please add two closings to your calendar. Tuesday, May 22 the library closes at 2:30 p.m. for Grievance Day. Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 the library will also be closed. Normal hours resume May 29.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel, Berne Public Library director
Littlest library patrons: Kids in the pre-kindergarten class at Berne-Knox-Westerlo, making their monthly visit to the Berne Public Library, hold up their cards and books to check out. Each BKW student can now borrow items and used digital library materials through the “My Card” program, funded in part by a donation from Stewart’s Shops. “Thanks to Judy Petrosillo for all the time spent making sure the students knew how to use the My Card,” said the library’s director, Kathy Stempel.
This weather has heads spinning. Snow? Rain? Sleet? Sixty degrees, 24 degrees, and 70 degrees all in one week? Wake up to the unpredictable world of Mother Nature. You never know what’s behind that next cloud lingering in the sky.
Story time
One thing you can predict with certainty is the library’s weekly story-time show. Every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m., the time arrives to break out stories with a theme, a craft. and some wiggly moves.
On May 8, Kathy Stempel will lead children age 5 and under, with caregivers’ eyes sparkling in rapt attention, into a celebration of Mother’s Day. Officially, Mother’s Day falls on the second Sunday in May. What better time for story-time participants to create a special gift honoring moms.
Trustees meet
Another monthly calendar jump out occurs the second Thursday when library trustees gather in the community room. On May 10, the trustees meet to discuss library business. Join in for a listen at 6:30 p.m.
Night at the Library
This is where predictability makes a sharp turn when a “Night at the Library” gets underway on Friday, May 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Humans, aged 11 to 19 years old, are invited to seek entry.
This will be a night challenging mind, teamwork, and ingenuity. Or maybe music or magic or cooking? Who knows what the mistress of ceremonies has in store. One can only imagine. However the night unfolds, it is certain smiles will abound.
Support appreciated
Speaking of smiles, the Friends of the Berne Library want to thank you in advance for clicking on the Amazon smile logo located on the right side of the Berne Library’s home page. Register, and choose the non-profit “Friends of the Town of Berne Library, Inc.”
As you go about purchasing Amazon items, the Friends receive a percentage for their numerous projects. Your support is greatly appreciated.
— Photo from Donna Gwin
The Berne Public Library recently welcomed Kathy Stempel as its new director. She had been the Youth Services Librarian for many years, coordinating teen programs and weekly story-time activities. She continues in that role and now also manages the library.
— Photo by Kathy Stempel
It's hands-on at the Tween Escape Room at the Berne Public Library.
— Photo by Kathy Stempel
A bowl of tomato soup made from dough is displayed by its creator at the Berne library's story time.
Enterprise file photo — Marcello Iaia
Bruce Dearstyne will speak at the Berne Public Library on Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. about 200 years on the Erie Canal.
A week of world, national, and state events. That’s an apt description of plans kicking up dust in the library newsroom. Earth Day, the world over, bustles in on April 22.
Story time
Story time at the Berne Public Library gets underway, Tuesday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. Kathy Stempel’s story-time radar zooms in on Earth Day in library speak.
Draw a globe, paint a tree, swirl an ocean, grow a bean, learn recycling in a flash as you separate your trash. Kids age 5 and under plus caregivers will experience books, songs, and crafts. Bring an item for the recycle bin.
Celebrating the Erie Canal
Resourceful and resilient describes builders of a state canal. The Erie Canal traveling exhibit is calling all visitors to the library’s community room. Sign the guest book and help us reach our 201-visitors goal.
Developed by the Western New York Library Resources Council, the display began its journey in July 2017. Canal history banners and images abound. Come explore this incredible feat of engineering built in the mid-1800s.
Local author, historian, and professor Dr. Bruce Dearstyne shares his canal history knowledge on Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. In Dr. Dearstyne’s book, “Spirit of New York — Defining Events in the Empire State’s History,” one chapter relates the Erie Canal’s story.
The Berne Historical Society partners with the library for a “Night at the Erie Canal.” Leave your mules at the door.
Release the poet within
It’s “Poetry Café” night on April 25 at 7 p.m. Talents abound with stanza sharing during April’s National Poetry Month.
Locally grown poet and philosopher known only as Avery, exudes his energy and love of the written word. Tipping points of interest include: ‘get your poem out’ workshop, aerobic performance poetry, refreshments, and a “You’re a poet and didn’t know it” open-mic opportunity.
Do you have a favorite poem you’d like to share? Bring it to the Poetry Café or put it in your pocket. April 26 is “Poem in Your Pocket Day.”
Release the poet residing within as Sandra Leigh did with this poem:
Spill a landscape vision across your brow
Locate books to help you heal and dance
Fold paper cranes, origami style
Build an orangish purplish kite to fly
Or run a race
And dream awhile
With words that jump across with smiles.
What do you get by combining a lock, a ditch, and a bowl? How about adding poetry, steaming crocks of soup, giggles and a handful of knitting needles? Minds swirl to unlock mysteries hidden and seen as you swing through the library doors.
National Library Week
National Library Week culminates in the community room with Bowls for Books. Saturday, April 14 between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. fill a handmade bowl from steaming crocks of soup and chile. Bowls are $12 per adult and $10 for ages 12 and under. A variety of special desserts is an added bonus at the Friends event. It’s a fundraiser buying summer reading books and welcome party to the new chief all rolled into one. Hail to the chief, Kathy Stempel, manager and storytime wizard.
Escape room
Speaking of wizards, time is of the essence while 10 to 13-year-olds puzzle their way through the Escape Room Friday, April 13 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Magic, ingenuity and clue solving surround participants as they triumph over the locks to Escape the Library before time runs out.
Knit Wits
Calling all Knit Wit fans Sunday, April 15. The monthly gathering of needlers gets underway at 7 p.m. Do you have questions about technique, project snags or how-tos? Drop in for solutions, advice or inspiration.
Poetry month
April is National Poetry Month. Storytime attendees, join Kathy on Tuesday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m. for gallopping giggles and poetry pizzles. A pizzle is a puzzle with an I instead of u. “I’m a book, I’m a cook, I’m a learner, I’m a nook”. Ages 5 and under bring caregivers and a pizzle to share and take a look.
Exhibit
Splashing along the Erie Canal with my mule named Sal, it’s “Low bridge, everybody down”. Familiar words written by Thomas Allen in 1905 are part of New York’s canal history. From April 16 through May 4, a traveling bicentennial exhibit takes up residence in the community room. Help us reach our goal of 201 visitors by viewing the Erie Canal exhibit and signing the guest book. Once dubbed “Clinton’s Ditch”, the canal proved to be an economic boom for the times. Dr. Bruce Dearstyne is scheduled to speak on the subject April 23 at 7 p.m.
Viewing the community calendar on the Berne Public Library’s website shows a quick glimpse of scheduled activities. This week starts off with the Sunday Book Club meeting on April 8 at 7 p.m. Interested in what the group is reading? Add to your reading list and see what the buzz is about.
Pottery glazing
A pottery glazing workshop gets underway Monday, April 9 under the tutelage of Colleen Skiff. Previously carved bowls will be transformed. A variety of glazes and colors brought to the table allows participants limitless creative expression. Please designate your glazing time slot between 5 to 6 p.m. or 6 to 7 p.m.
After carving, glazing and holding those pottery bowls, it’s time to enjoy the finished masterpiece. Announcing: the Friends “Bowls for Books” appetizing fundraiser on Saturday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets for the lunchtime affair are $12 per adult, $10 for children 12 and under.
Pre-purchased tickets available at the library. Home-made chilis and soups will fill the hand-made bowl of your choice. In addition to rated G beverages, desserts round out the offerings. The Friends dedicate a part of this event to welcoming the library’s new manager, Kathy Stempel. Monies raised will be used for summer reading books and activities.
Story time
Drum roll, please, for story time at 10:30 a.m. this Tuesday, April 10. Kathy’s play-dough bowls are front and center with 5 and younger children plus caregivers. After puppets and book reading and dancing and energy currents swirling, oozing into play-dough feels just right.
Trustees meet
The library trustees converge for their monthly meeting April 12 at 6:30 p.m. Did you know the public is welcome to attend? It’s true.
Escape the library?
What’s that about? A tween event unlocked for April 13 at 6:30 p.m. gives 10- to 13-year-olds chances to test their skills. The community room becomes a place of unraveling clues and piecing puzzles to gain freedom before time runs out.
Cooperation, sharing knowledge, making split decisions may be your only chance to “Escape the Library.” Interested escape artists please register with the library warden.