Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Means we use must be as pure as the ends we seek.” Whether settling differences between people or countries, a peaceful solution is the best.
Teen activity
The battle in the library on Friday, Jan. 12 is not because of differences, but a desire to have fun. Teens are invited to a Nerf Battle in the stacks beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is limited to 12 participants so register soon. Details are available on our website www.BernePublicLibrary.org.
Extended hours
The library is now open to the public on Fridays from 2 to 6 p.m. We will also be open on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Stop in for books and movies that celebrate peace and diversity.
Storytime
"Sports are such a great teacher. I think of everything they've taught me: camaraderie, humility, how to resolve differences." said athlete Kobe Bryant. Snow sports are the focus of Storytime on Tuesday, Jan. 16. Children from birth to five years should attend this pre-literacy program. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, music, and a craft.
Stone walls
Did European settlers build the stone walls in our area? Were they built as boundaries to prevent land disputes? Matt Bua expresses a different theory in his book “Talking Walls: Casting Out the Post-Contact Stone-Wall-Building Myth”. Mr. Bua presents his evidence at a program on Thursday, Jan. 18. This interesting event begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.
Photography contest
The deadline for submission of pictures to the Friends 3rd Annual Photography Contest is Wednesday, Jan. 31. Entry forms and instructions are available at the library or online. If needed, mats for submitted photos are also at the library. Categories include "Colors and Shapes", "Selfies", "Pets", and "Hilltown Charm".
Help with digital devices
If you are battling with a new digital device, let the library staff help you. Make an appointment for one-on-one instruction by calling 518-872-1246. Tuesday afternoons are best but other times can be arranged.
During this week, remember to share our similarities and celebrate our differences.
Surely you have noticed the signs along the road promoting candidates for Election Day. In addition to voting for people, the ballot also contains proposals. Be sure to turn the paper over while engaging in this important democratic right.
Lasagna dinner
If you haven't met those running for office, they may be present at the lasagna dinner and cake walk. This fundraising event for the library takes place at the town of Berne Community and Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne. Join us at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Adult tickets are $10 at the library and $12 at the door. Children ages 12 and under are $8 with a family limit of $50 (two parents and children under 18). The meal includes lasagna (meat, vegetarian, and gluten-free), salad, bread, beverage, and an ice cream sundae.
Proposal number three
Proposal number three on the 2017 ballot is an amendment that authorizes the use of forest preserve land for specified purposes by town, village, and counties. If there is no viable alternative, forest land along established highways may be used to address bridge hazards or road safety issues. It also allows bicycle paths but no new gas or oil pipelines.
Book discussion
Forest lands from Georgia to Maine make up the Appalachian Trail. Bill Bryson guides you along the path in his memoir Walk in the Woods. The Sunday Book Club discusses the book at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 5. Any adult interested in book conversations should attend.
Election Day fun
The library is open on Election Day. Children ages birth to 5 years old will vote for their favorite animal during Storytime. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7 for the story Vote for Duck by Doreen Cronin. Songs, activities, and a craft are included in this pre-literacy event.
Trustees meet
The trustees of a municipal library are not elected, but are appointed by the town board. Persons interested in positions on the library board should make inquiries to the town clerk. Attend the next meeting of the library trustees at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 9 to see what duties they fulfill.
By next week, the elections will be over. No matter who wins, it will be nice to see the highway free of political signs!
Well I'll be a monkey's uncle, the library is open on Monday, Oct. 9 even though it is Columbus Day. Stop by during our normal hours of 4 to 8 p.m. Although the library is open, remember that the town of Berne transfer station is closed.
Story Time
Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday Oct. 10 for Storytime. The pre-literacy program teaches skills in a fun environment. This week the stories, activities, music, and craft will be about monkeys.
Severe weather
Severe weather events certainly can throw a monkey wrench into our lives. Discussion of this issue and how community members can work together are the focus of the second session of Pushing the Limits. This science cafe/book club meets at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Oct. 10. Refreshments will be available. Please pick up Zeitoun by Dave Eggers for the book discussion and register for this program on climate change.
Trustees meet
The trustees of the library meet at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. There won't be any monkey business, but they will be discussing library business. This is an open meeting and community members are encouraged to attend.
TAG
The teen action group has more fun than a barrel of monkeys. TAG is having a Zombie Escape Room at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 13. Work in teams using your wits and problem solving skills to exit the room in the time allowed. The building is closed to the public but not to teens. Bring a friend or come alone and make some new friends.
Knit Wits
The Knit Wits meet at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. If you knit or crochet, stop in for an hour or so to work on your own project with the support of other like-minded crafters. Perhaps someone has a pattern for knitting a monkey.
If someone made a monkey out of you because you were lacking knowledge on a topic, it is time to visit the library and expand your horizons.
In honor of the achievements of American workers, the library will be closed Saturday, Sept. 2 and Monday, Sept. 4. Happy Labor Day weekend!
Library cards
September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month. Crime-fighting DC Super Heroes, the Teen Titans, are the 2017 honorary chairs. Everyone loves superheroes, not just because they do great things, but also because they inspire us to be our best selves. There's no better place to discover and develop your superpowers than at the library.
We are asking everyone to write down their superpower and post it at the library. Share your special talents, skills, and interests that you have developed thanks to the library.
Library friends
The members of the Friends of the Library are our heroes. They recently purchased a chair and a half that is the perfect size for an adult to read with a child. Try it out when you come to the library. This dedicated group meets at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 6 to discuss more ways to support the library. New members are always welcome.
Teen Titans
Raven, a Teen Titan, has telekinetic abilities but we will have to be satisfied with remote controls. If you are interested in driving remote controlled cars as a hobby, we have a discovery program for you. Mark Hohengasser will share his knowledge and passion at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7. This event is designed for adults and teens.
Teen Titans have the power, courage, and teamwork to rise to any challenges thrown their way. Sounds like our teen action group. All teens are invited to spend time at the library on Friday, Sept. 8 when the library is closed to the public. Join Ms. Kathy at 6:30 p.m. for TAG.
Reading program
September marks the end of summer. The Summer Reading Program for adults concludes on Sunday, Sept. 10. Bring a dish for the pot-luck supper at 6 p.m., followed by prizes and a discussion of your favorite summer reads. Pick up the book “The Water Knife” by Paolo Bacigalupi for a book club conversation after SRP.
Climate change
There is still time to be a part of the climate change conversations planned for this fall. Help make a difference. Pick up the book “The Water Knife” from the library to read for the discussion on Tuesday, Sept. 12. NOAA scientist Steve DiRienzo and library director Judy Petrosillo will co-facilitate the science cafe meets book club format. This Pushing the Limit - PLACE event at 6:30 p.m. is made possible by a grant from NOAA and the National Science Foundation. Refreshments will be provided.
Storytime
Pre-school children seem to have some of Starfire's green energy beams. Ms. Kathy is looking forward to sharing that energy on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. when Storytime resumes for the fall.
Remember, the only thing more powerful than a Teen Titan is a library card!
School's out for the summer, but learning should never stop. The best thing about summer education is there are no tests or grades. Where can you experiment and develop new ideas in a free and fun environment? Go to the local public library, of course. The 2017 summer activities are based on the theme of building a better world. Ask an elementary student which pig built the best house in the skit at the BKW Bulldog Show.
At the Berne Public Library, children from birth to 17 years old can attend events, log in reading minutes, complete an incentive game, or do any combination of these. Adults may also participate by completing a reading challenge and/or submitting book reviews. Pick up a package at the library, download the information from our website, or sign up online at bernepubliclibrary.beanstack.org.
Wee Build
The Wee Build programs are at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays for children from birth to age 5. Join Ms. Kathy on June 27 to discover how to build a better world. The event includes activities, a craft, and stories.
Building Crew
The Building Crew will meet on Thursday, June 29 at 6:30 p.m. to investigate bridges and skyscrapers. This event is for ages 6 to 12 and Ms. Kathy is sure to make it entertaining.
Beatbox and comedy show
The main kickoff event is a beatbox and comedy show for the entire family featuring Jester Jim. His special performance begins at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6 at the Berne Community and Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne. This project is made possible with funds from the Decentralization program, a regrant program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NYS Legislature and administered by The Arts Center of the Capital Region. In other words, it is worth your time to attend and there is no admission fee.
What is beatboxing? According to dictionary.com, it is "a musical style or technique . . . in which the sounds and rhythms of percussion instruments . . . are simulated by using the mouth and voice." The comedy part might include watching someone inexperienced attempt to beatbox! Don't let that dissuade you from attending; Jester Jim only uses volunteers.
While school activities decrease, the library activities increase. Be sure to check our website often at www.BernePublicLibrary.org.
When it comes to producing a tadpole, most male and female frogs leave the fertilized egg to develop on its own. One exception is the Darwin's frog found in South America. In this species, the male frog guards the eggs until they are almost ready to hatch.He then ingests the eggs and holds them in his vocal sac where they hatch into tadpoles and develop into frogs.Then they hop out of the male's mouth and spread out. Freaky!
Story walk
Show how much you appreciate the care received from your father by taking him for a Father's Day Storywalk. Read a picture book by Jennifer Ward while enjoying a stroll in the park. “What Will Grow” is posted around the Knox Town Park and “The Busy Tree” is at the Berne Town Park. These story walks are provided by the Friends of the Berne Library.
Knit Wits
Perhaps while dad is spending quality time with the kids, mom can escape to the library for Knit Wits.The program begins at 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 18.Bring your own knitting or crocheting project to work on while sharing ideas, problems, solutions, and especially conversations with other adults.
Story time
Dads, moms, and other caregivers are invited to bring children ages 1 to 5 years old to Storytime on Tuesday, June 20. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft on frogs. Plan on jumping and making ribbit sounds.
Summer events
We hop right into summer events at the library as soon as school ends.Sign up at the library or online at www.BernePublicLibrary.org. Click on the Beanstack logo in the right hand column. There is something for every age group. Attend programs, read, and earn prizes while we all work to "Build a Better World".
Comedy show
Mark Twain's literary career as a humorist was launched in 1865 with the tall tale of "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County." Humor has always been great entertainment. A professional comedian is coming to the Berne Community and Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6. Jester Jim is sure to bring smiles to the faces of all family members as he shows you how to perform beatbox. This quality performance is not in our budget but is being made possible by a grant from the Arts Center of the Capital Region.
Remember that all library programs are free of charge unless otherwise noted.
Photo — Marge Capuano
Baby ducks made an appearance at story time on Tuesday at the Berne Library.
There is a long-running debate on whether nature or nurture determines human behavior. Is the ability to write well due primarily to genetics or life experiences and environment? Authors who may have inherited good DNA from their fathers include Joe Hill, son of Stephen King; Alafair Burke, daughter of James Lee Burke; and Jesse Kellerman, son of Jonathan Kellerman.
We like to acknowledge the accomplishments of sons and daughters. Our Teen Action Group includes a group of seniors who will be graduating in a few weeks. TAG will be celebrating their successes at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, June 9. All teens are invited to participate in the fun.
Story time
Father's Day is only a week away. Children ages 1 to 5 will be preparing for the holiday during Storytime on Tuesday, June 13. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for a pre-literacy event that includes stories, activities, and making a craft for an important male.
Our ancestors
You can find information about your forefathers by researching your family's history. The library edition of Ancestry.com is available on the library's computers and it is free to use in the library. Take advantage of this wonderful genealogical resource during library hours.
Summer reading
An environment that includes reading books can lead to success. As the school year comes to an end, the summer events at the library kick into gear for every age group. Register on Beanstack to keep track of your reading, write book reviews, and earn prizes. The Beanstack link can be found in the right hand column of our website www.BernePublicLibrary.org. Stay tuned for activities that begin the last week of June.
Jesse Kellerman said, “My dad never pushed me to pursue writing or any other career; he’s a believer in forging one’s own destiny, and he has repeatedly told me that his only wish is for me to be happy. Importantly, I believe him.” This is a great example of what a father and child relationship should be.
Children's Book Week is the annual celebration of children’s books and reading. Established in 1919, it is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country. The week for 2017 runs from May 1 to May 7 and the goal is to make every child a reader.
One of the fun parts of this initiative is for children to nominate and vote for their favorite book. Votes on the finalists are accepted online until May 7 at EveryChildAReader.net. The winners will be announced on May 31st at the BookExpo in NYC.
Bowls for Books
The Friends of the Berne Library generously supplement the library's budget so that more children's books may be purchased. The money raised at the Bowls for Books luncheon is specifically earmarked for this use. Join us for homemade soup, chili, and dessert on Saturday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The best thing about this event is that you may keep the pottery bowl once you are done eating. Thanks again to Colleen Skiff for her work on these bowls.
Read to a dog
Is your child uncomfortable reading aloud to people? Try having them read to a dog. Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor will be at the library with her handler Amber Pitcher on Monday, May 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. Stop by the library and read a book to Ariel. It will help improve reading skills.
Story time
Developing children into readers is the focus of story times on Tuesdays. Ms. Kathy does this in a fun way using stories, activities and a craft to engage children ages 1 to 5. The class at 10:30 a.m. on May 2 will be celebrating Children's Book Week.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Berne Library meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3. This month's discussion will be on the results of the Bowls for Books event and the upcoming Music in the Park summer concert series. The Friends have received additional surplus road signs from the town of Berne highway department. Make a donation to the library and own a sign of your road. The updated list is at the library.
Artful You
The Artful You class for May is on making homemade greeting cards that look professional. Design unique cards for the special women in your life at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 4. Remember Mother's Day is coming soon. Kim Young will demonstrate techniques and provide supplies for your use. This program is designed for adults and young adults. Registration is requested so there are adequate supplies.
Book discussion
"Once you let a book into your life, the most unexpected things can happen" according to Katarina Bivald, author of “The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend”. This novel will be discussed at book club on Sunday, May 7. Request a book from the library and be a part of the conversation that begins at 7 p.m.
Health care maze
Parents want their children to grow into healthy, intelligent adults. If a loved one becomes ill, where do you look for information? What questions do you ask the doctor? Find the answers to these questions at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8. Specialists in navigating the healthcare maze are coming to Berne from Albany Medical College. Registration is suggested for this session. Call 872-1246 or email .
Author Mem Fox said, "When I say to a parent, "read to a child", I don't want it to sound like medicine. I want it to sound like chocolate." Borrow great children's books from your public library.
“Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson was written in 1962. In the book, Carson laid out her basic thesis that the world is interconnected. Changing the environment should be done with extreme caution if we are to avoid destroying the very systems that support us.
In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin promoted a national day to focus on the environment. Due to his efforts, we celebrate Earth Day on April 22.
Celebrate with us
Join Ms. Kathy at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22 to celebrate Earth Day. Have fun identifying clouds and learning how to be a cloud reporter in coordination with NASA. This event is designed for families with children ages 5 and up. We should all become citizen scientists and help protect our world.
Research
There is so much false news being published, especially on social media. But what about before there was social media? Did DDT really cause the decline of the American eagle by thinning the egg shells? Whenever possible, look at the original research that is published in a peer reviewed journal. It takes time and effort to get to the truth.
Story time
Storytime on Tuesday, April 25 will focus on eggs. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited for stories, activities, and a craft. This program led by Ms. Kathy begins at 10:30 a.m. and will feature some scientific facts.
Bowls for Books
Members of the Friends of the Berne Library are raising money to buy titles found on the B-K-W summer reading lists. The Bowls for Books luncheon is on Saturday, April 29 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. For a ten dollar donation, you receive a ceramic bowl to fill with many different types of soup and chili. Once you have eaten, the bowl is yours to keep and reuse. If you can help by making a crock pot of soup or chili, cookies, or brownies please contact Donna at .
Art class
Mothers tend to worry about the future of the world for their children. In honor of mothers, the next Artful You class will be making Mother's Day cards. Please register for this workshop on Thursday, May 4 at 7 p.m. by contacting the library staff at 872-1246 or email . You will be impressed by how professional these homemade cards will look under the instruction of Kim Young.
Help with medical information
Where do you find medical information that is up to date and correct? The answer to that question is the focus of the program at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, May 8. Navigating the Health Care Maze is being presented by staff of the Schaffer Library of Health Sciences at Albany Medical College. Please save the date.
The first Earth Day led to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts by the end of 1970. People may disagree with politicians, but John Kasich had a point when he said, "If we intend to provide a better life, and a better world, for future generations, we can't ignore the quality of the environment we leave them."
"If it's your job to eat a frog, it's best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it's your job to eat two frogs, it's best to eat the biggest one first." said author Mark Twain.
Doing the worst job first is one way to approach work. I hope your job has few unsavory tasks. The library staffers truly enjoy their work of serving the community. Let them know how they are doing on Library Worker Day, Tuesday, April 11.
Movie night
The last Movie Night at the library is from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. on Friday, April 7. Enjoy an animated movie on the big screen of the community room. This film was recently released on DVD and is rated PG. There are some scary images during a daring mission. Check our website www.bernepubliclibrary.org for the title. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Glazing bowls
Your help is needed in the task of glazing bowls for the Bowls for Books Luncheon. Potter Colleen Skiff will instruct you on finishing the bowls that she threw. The workshop takes place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 8. You may reserve one of your bowls for the luncheon on April 29. This is a fundraiser for the purchase of books on the BKW summer reading list.
Knit Wits
Knitting and crocheting relieve the stress of daily undertakings. Attend Knit Wits at 7 p.m. on Sunday, April 9 to work on your own project in the company of interesting adults. Share problems, solutions, ideas, and conversation. Note that this program is a week early because of the Easter holiday.
Story time
Developing skills is hard work but kids don't notice when it takes place in a fun environment. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to Storytime on Tuesday, April 11. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft celebrating National Library Week.
Genealogy
Have you endeavored to discover your ancestry? AncestryLibrary.com is a useful tool for this job and is available on the library's computers. Peg Harbour-Holland from the Capital District Genealogical Society will demonstrate how to navigate through the available information. She will be available to answer questions as you try using the database. The program is at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11. Please register with the library staff since space is limited.
Interview workshop
The most difficult part of job searching is the interview. Dr. Tom Denham from Careers in Transition will hold an interactive discussion on what to do before, during, and after an interview. This workshop is at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12. Any community member who is looking for a job or going to a college interview will benefit from this free program. Registration is required. Call 872-1246 and leave a message or email .
Board meets
The volunteers who make up the Library Board of Trustees are responsible for the welfare of the library. The next monthly meeting is at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 13. This is an open meeting and community participation is encouraged.
TAG
Teen night at the library is Friday, April 14. Although there will be lots of fun and games, there are also two tasks to accomplish. The TAG group will be deciding on furniture for the teen sitting area and planning the upcoming open mic event. Any interested teen may join Ms. Kathy at 6:30 p.m.
Tax forms
Along with a job comes the paying of income taxes. The deadline to submit your 2016 tax forms is Tuesday, April 18. Printed forms are available at the library.
"Work gives you meaning and purpose and life is empty without it." said physicist Stephen Hawking. If you need something to do, consider volunteering at your local library.