According to the University of Florida's website, May 16 is Biographers Day. The day was chosen in honor of the first meeting in 1763 of James Boswell and Samuel Johnson. Boswell went on to write Johnson's celebrated biography. Imagine how many biographies have been written since then.The Berne Public Library has 686 biographies. With a free library card, you can access all the biographies from any library in Albany and Rensselaer counties.
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Walt Disney's biography would include information about his first animated film with a soundtrack, “Steamboat Willie,” which was released in 1928. The Teen Action Group will be discussing and experimenting with animation at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, May 13. Since the library is closed to the public, this is a perfect time for teens to meet and express their creativity. Bring a friend to TAG and join in the fun.
Knit Wits
We usually think of biographies as accounts of the lives of leading cultural and historical figures but that isn't always the case. If you enjoy knitting, your biography of choice might be “Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees the World” by Clara Parkes. Persons interested in knitting or crocheting are invited to attend Knit Wits at 7 p.m,. on Sunday, May 15. Work on your own project while sharing stories with other passionate crafters.
“And I Shall Have Some Peace There: Trading in the Fast Lane for My Own Dirt Road,” by Margaret Roach is an autobiography that delves into leaving the big city for a life of gardening in the country.
Story time
Gardening is the focus of story time at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, May 17. Ms. Kathy leads the program which includes stories, activities, and a craft for children ages 1 to 5. Parents and caregivers may also want to bring babies for socialization.
Legos
A biography on Ole Kirk Christiansen describes Ole making wooden toys in 1932. He named his company "Lego" based upon the Danish phrase "leg godt" which means "play well". Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to play well with the library's Legos at 11 a.m., on Saturday, May 21. Creations will be displayed at the library until they are disassembled for next month's Lego League program.
Photography contest
A great book for photographers would be the biography of Ansel Adams. If you are interested in photography, the Friends of the Berne Library recently decided to hold the second annual photography contest in the winter of 2017. Start taking photos now for the categories "Joy of Reading", "Reflections & Shadows", "Hilltowners", and "Down on the Farm".
I was once asked for the autobiography of Mark Twain and I asked the person, "Who wrote it?" By using the library, you can participate and capture moments in your life for a future memoir.
Amidala was the mother of Luke and Leia Skywalker and the grandmother of Kylo Ren. If you are not a fan of “Star Wars,” this information is of little interest. However, “Star Wars” aficionados might like to know who would be honored on Mother's Day.
The last program of the “Star Wars” celebration takes place on Friday, May 6. Movie Night at the library begins at 6:30 p.m. with a science fiction adventure film that is rated PG-13. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The drawing for a 31-inch Stormtrooper will take place after the movie. Consider giving a small donation to the Friends of the Library for a chance to win this collectible.
Book discuss
Amy Dunne, the main character in “ Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, will be an unreliable mother at best. Discussion of the book will take place at 7 p.m., on Sunday, May 8. Conclude Mother's Day at our book club surrounded by those who enjoy reading and conversing.
Story time
Mothers and other caregivers are encouraged to bring their children ages 1 to 5 to story time. The pre-literacy programs are held on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. On May 10, Ms. Kathy will honor mothers with stories, activities, and a craft.
Board meets
All of these programs are possible because of the library’s board of trustees working to increase the budget. The next open meeting of the trustees is at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, May 12. All community members are encouraged to attend these monthly meetings when library business is discussed.
Teen night
American journalist Franklin P. Jones said, "You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance." If you need some time away from your teens, they can go to the library. Teen Night is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Friday, May 13. Check our website to see what Ms. Kathy is planning for this month.
Digital help
Did you recently receive a new tablet, smart phone, or laptop? Bring it to the library on Tuesday afternoons for digital help. Judy can show you how to download free e-books from the library's website and answer questions on how to use your device.
Remember that the library has many great stories about the love of mothers. Happy Mother's Day.
The Every Child a Reader organization is dedicated to instilling a lifelong love of reading in children. They join with the Children's Book Council to sponsor Children's Book Week which is the week of May 2.
A love of reading
The 2016 Children's Choice Book Award winners will be announced during the week. This is the only national book awards program where the winners are selected by kids and teens. The last day for voting was April 25 but you can still celebrate children's books and reading by visiting the library to check out the nominees.
Adults attending the Sunday Book Club definitely have that lifelong love of reading. Due to Spring Break, they will meet May 8 instead of May 1. The group will be discussing the psychological thriller, “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. All are welcome to attend this program that begins at 7:00 p.m.
If your child prefers to read to a nonjudgmental audience, our canine friend Ariel will be at the library from 4 to 6 p.m. on Monday, May 2. Read one of the award winning books aloud to our tail-waggin' tutor and her handler, Amber Pitcher.
Storytime
“Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras” by Duncan Tonatiuh is one of the Choice Book nominees. The story is about the Mexican artist Jose Guadalupe Posada. Children ages 1 to 5 will be investigating Mexico during Storytime on Tuesday, May 3. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft making a maraca.
Low-maintenance gardening
How do you maintain a garden and still have time to read books? Master Gardener Judith Fetterley from the Cooperative Extension Service has the answer. On Tuesday, May 3 at 7 p.m., she will be discussing low-maintenance gardening. Learn how to grow the most with the least amount of effort. If you are interested in gardening, this program is a must.
Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4. Any person interested in supporting the library is invited to attend. The agenda includes the recent Bowls for Books event and the upcoming Music in the Park series. The Friends are currently looking for donations to purchase state books for the junior non fiction section of the library.
The Fourth Awakens
Wednesday, May 4, is also Star Wars Day; May the fourth be with you. The library has a 31-inch storm trooper which will soon belong to some lucky person. Stop at the library to find out how that winner could be you. The new owner will be announced during Movie Night at the Library on Friday, May 6. You should be able to guess which movie, recently released on DVD, will be shown. The adventure, rated PG-13, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Be sure to stay tuned for the 2016 winning books and authors of the Children's Choice Book Award. They were chosen by the most qualified critics around: our children.
According to Earthday.org, the first Earth Day was in 1970 when human energy was officially channeled toward environmental issues. Forty-six years later, we continue to observe the day with the power of example. What are you doing on April 22, and every day, to help create a greener, more sustainable future?
Earth Day will be the focus of storytime on Tuesday, April 26. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. Learn what even the youngest of humans can do to help the Earth.
Kiwanis members discovered a lot of litter during their highway clean-up. Consider acknowledging Earth Day by collecting garbage along a section of your road with family members. Hopefully, this task will encourage them not to litter.
Pajama story time
A Native American Proverb says, "We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children." Put your children in their pajamas on Tuesday, April 26, and head to the library to learn more about being green. Ms. Kathy is holding a pajama story time at 6:30 p.m. for children ages 1 to 5. Members of the pre-school book club will receive their ribbons.
Vacation Makerspace
Ecologist Barry Commoner said, "The proper use of science is not to conquer nature but to live in it." Science is the theme of Vacation Makerspace at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, April 27. During the school break, engage in hands-on activities including soldering and examining remote controls. Work on a flying aircraft with other youth ages 10 to 18.
Inky Fingers Club
The three R's — reduce, reuse and recycle — all help to cut down on the amount of waste we throw away. Participants of the Inky Fingers Club definitely follow that mantra. They make outstanding handmade cards from scraps instead of purchasing cards at a store. The club meets at 7 p.m., on the fourth Thursday of each month. Join them on April 28, as they share equipment and techniques. If you are interested in seeing what types of cards they make, visit their incredible display in the community room of the library.
Low-maintenance gardening
Growing your own produce contributes to a more sustainable Earth. Save Tuesday, May 3, at 7 p.m., to learn about low-maintenance gardening. Judith Fetterley, a master gardener from the Cooperative Extension Service, will present this program.
Thank you
A huge thank you goes out to all those who helped with the Friends Bowls for Books event. The chili and soups were delicious and being able to take home the bowl was an extra bonus. The library books purchased with the proceeds will add to our junior nonfiction collection.
Libraries are definitely green since they loan out books over and over again. Help save trees by using your library.
When someone mentions March Madness, it is difficult to determine if they are talking about basketball, politics, or the weather. Perhaps they are referring to all the activity at the library.
Thank you to those who supported the Friends of the Berne Library at the yearly book sale by donating, purchasing, and/or working. The fundraiser was definitely a success. Start saving your books and jewelry for March 2017.
Glaze and decorate
The Friends' next fundraiser is Bowls for Books on Saturday, April 16. Colleen Skiff's art students are making the bowls while learning how to use a pottery wheel; but we need your help to decorate and glaze them. Work sessions are being held at the library on Thursday, March 31 between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. and again on Saturday, April 2 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Stop in anytime during the sessions but please let the library staff know you are coming so we have sufficient supplies.
Using your device
The first NCAA tournament was held 77 years ago in 1939. Only eight teams competed for the title, with the Oregon Webfoots emerging victorious over the Ohio State Buckeyes. Facts on March Madness were gathered from the Best Schools Magazine 2016 website.
Do you know how to find this type of information online? The Albany County Office of the Aging is sponsoring technology workshops for those 60 or older. Trainers from MicroKnowledge, Inc. will be at the Berne Library on Monday, March 28 at 1 p.m. for a workshop on tablets. They will be there again on Thursday, March 31 at 1 p.m. for a laptop computer workshop. The class is limited to twelve participants so please register with the library staff as soon as possible by calling 872-1246 or emailing . Attend one or both of these events.
Trademark madness
The phrase “March Madness” was not associated with the NCAA until 1982 when sportscaster Brent Musburger coined the term during his coverage of the tournament. The phrase had been used previously in an Illinois high school tournament and a trademark battle ensued. The court decided to grant a dual use trademark allowing both groups to continue use of the term.
Sprung
Despite the weather, Spring officially began on March 20 with the vernal equinox. Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to Storytime on Tuesday, March 29 to explore springtime ideas. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft.
Movie Night
The madness of power is the theme of Movie Night at the Library on Friday, April 1. Check the library's website for the title of the film. The movie begins at 6:30 p.m. and is rated PG-13 for action and violence. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Sunday Book Club
Finish off the month of March by reading “Big Little Lies” by Liane Moriarty. The novel will be discussed at the Book Club on Sunday, April 3. Join other adults at 7 p.m. for a conversation about the power-crazed parents of kindergartners.
Don't expect to fill out a perfect March Madness tournament bracket. The chances are 1 in 9.2 quintillion of picking out all the winners. You have a much better chance of finding a book you would like to borrow from the library with your free library card. Stop in and see.
Through the database link on the Berne Public Library's website, you can access an incredible amount of knowledge. There is an article on goats by Robert J. Hudson from the Grolier Online New Book of Knowledge, which supplied these goat facts.
Did you know goats are in the same hoofed mammal family as sheep and cattle? The does give birth in the spring to one, sometimes two offspring known as kids.
Lego League
If you have kids ages 5 to 16, they are invited to the library at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 19, for Lego League. This month, use the library's Legos to build a farm with fencing that will keep in goats. As farmers know, that is a daunting challenge.
Book sale
Book lovers will feel like a kid in a candy store this weekend. The Friends of the Berne Library are holding their annual Book Sale Plus. All types of books, movies, music, jewelry, fashion scarves, and puzzles are on sale at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne. Stop in on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the best choices. Then come on Sunday, March 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the best deals.
Knit wits
Goats were among the first animals to be domesticated. They are raised for their meat, milk, and hair. Angora goats produce mohair while Cashmere goats produce cashmere fibers. People attending Knit Wits use these yarns while working on individual projects. The group meets at 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 20. Anyone interested in knitting or crocheting is invited for an evening of sharing ideas and conversation.
Story time
Wild baby goats spend much of their day developing social and physical skills such as head-butting. Storytime is where human kids develop social skills so they aren't butting heads with others. On Tuesday, March 22, goats will be the focus of story time. Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a craft. In addition, farmer Scott Green will bring his baby goats for a visit if the weather permits.
Technology workshops
Are you an old goat who would like to keep up with the changes in technology? There are three recently scheduled workshops at the library for those 60 or older. On Monday, March 21, at 1 p.m., bring your smart phone to the library to learn how to use it. If you don't own a smartphone, attend the workshop for an overview to see if you want one in the future. The class is limited to 12 participants. Call the library at 872-1246, e-mail , or stop by the library to register before Saturday, March 19.
A class on tablets will be held on Monday, March 28, and a class on laptop computers is scheduled for Thursday, March 31. Attend one, two, or all three of these workshops to keep up-to-date on technology. Trainers from MicroKnowledge Inc. will be holding the classes made possible through a grant with the Albany County Department of Aging.
Craft activity
All kidding aside, there are many opportunities at the library for expanding your knowledge and fostering creativity. On Thursday, March 24, adults are making gift cards using a variety of techniques. If you are interested in paper crafting, these talented people are willing to share their ideas and equipment. The fun starts at 7 p.m.
There are two more reasons to like goats. One is that goat milk can be made into delicious feta cheese. The other is watching the carefree behaviors of baby goats. If you have not seen any online videos of kids playing, come to the library and use our computers or WiFi to watch these hilarious clips. It will bring a smile to your face.
Limerick is the capital of County Limerick, one of the 32 counties making up Ireland. A limerick is also a comic verse, frequently nonsensical, explained as follows:
What is a limerick mother?
It's a form of verse, said brother,
In which lines one and two
Rhyme with five when it's through
And line three and four rhyme with each other.
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The Teen Action Group will meet at the library on Friday, March 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. View the completed SRP video with Ms. Kathy and then have some nonsensical fun making up limericks and playing games.
Book sale
In addition to limericks, the Irish have produced serious quality literature. William Butler Yeats, James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw, John Banville, and Anne Enright are all Irish authors.
Whether the books you own are by Irish authors or not, the Friends of the Berne Library are interested in them. Donations for the annual book sale may be brought to the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. Jewelry, fashion scarves, puzzles, audio-books, movies on DVDs, and music CDs are also being accepted.
Albany parade
You should have enough time to drop off donated items before the Saint Patrick's Day parade begins in Albany, at 2 p.m. However, if March 12 is not a convenient day, contact Judy to make other arrangements by calling the library at 872-1246 or e-mailing .
Board games
Fidchell was an Irish board game of equal sides played between two people. If you have an interest in board games, join other adults on Sunday, March 13, for game night. The group meets at 7 p.m., in the community room of the library and all are welcome.
Wearing of the green
In the U.S.A. it is customary to wear green on St. Patrick's Day; but in Ireland the color was long considered to be unlucky. Author Bridget Haggerty explains that in Irish folklore green is the favorite color of the faeries. They are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the color.
Children ages 1 to 5 will be focusing on the color green during storytime on Tuesday, March 15. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a craft. She promises to protect the children from the faeries.
Memoir class
Do you have some family folklore that you would like to share with the memoir class? The group, facilitated by MaryJo McKeon, meets at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, March 16, and new faces are needed.
Pancakes and books
After recovering from the holiday, spend a quiet weekend in the Hilltowns. On Saturday, March 19, enjoy some pancakes at the Berne Reformed Church then come over to the Hilltown Senior Center for the best choices at the Friends Book Sale. The sale is from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Firehouse breakfast
Eat breakfast prepared by the Kiwanis at the Knox Firehouse on Sunday, March 20, and then come to the Hilltown Senior Center for the best deals of the Friends Book Sale. The sale is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday.
For a challenge this week, try writing a limerick starting with "There once was a library friend,” and submit it to the library before St. Patrick's Day.
English philosopher Francis Bacon said, "Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested." It seems that only the reader can decide which is which. Take advantage of the wide selection of books to be sampled at your public library.
Movie night
If your favorite genre is comedy, this month's film is perfect for you. Family Movie Night is from 6:30 to 8 p.m., on Friday, March 4. The Oscar nominated animation is rated PG and should make you laugh aloud. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The title is available on our website bernepubliclibrary.org.
Book club
One of the stimulating things about a book club is that you are encouraged to read types of books outside of your comfort zone. On March 6, at 7 p.m., the Sunday Book Club will be discussing “All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr.” The novel is about a blind French girl and a German soldier whose paths collide in occupied France during World War II. All adults are welcome to participate in the conversation on this historical drama that won the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for fiction.
Story time
The pre-school children also have a book club. They will be talking about “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom” by Bill Martin Jr, and John Archambault during story time on Tuesday, March 8. Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., to discuss this rhythmic alphabet chant along with other stories, activities, and a craft.
Trustees meet
The role of a library trustee is something that needs to be digested. The Upper Hudson Library System executive director helps trustees understand their job. Tim Burke will meet with trustees at 6:30 p.m., on Thursday, March 10. The open business meeting follows the training workshop at 8 p.m.
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The teen action group meets at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11. Bring a friend for a teen activity in the library when the library is closed to the public and there is food, of course.
Item drop
This is the month to refresh your personal book collection by donating books you no longer want and replacing them with new-to-you items. Drop off items at the Hilltown senior center, 1360 Helderberg Trail on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon. The Friends of the Berne Library are accepting books, audio-books, music CDs, movies on DVD, jewelry, and fashion scarves. If this timeframe does not work for you, please contact Judy by calling 872-1246 or e-mailing
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The sale takes place on Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and again on Sunday, March 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help is needed for this event. Please contact Donna Gwin by e-mailing .
Celebrate National Nutrition Month by devouring some great books. See you at the library.
"How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon. December is here before its June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?" wrote Dr. Seuss.
The National Education Association celebrates Read Across America on Wednesday, March 2, which is the birth date of Theodor Seuss Geisel.
Photo contest
The time has come to reveal the winners of the photo contest. The Photography contest reception is at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 27. Come and see the winners of the people's choice in addition to those chosen by the judges. Thank you to Colleen Skiff, Agnes Zellin, and Paul Tick for volunteering to judge the entrees. It was a difficult task because of the superb quality of the 53 pictures.
Game night
Game Night is at 7 p.m., on Sunday, Feb. 28. This is a fun time for adults to play board games. If you would like to hone your skills before playing with others, games may be borrowed from the library between game nights.
Clock discussion
If the sands of time move too quickly for you, perhaps your clocks need adjusting. Jim Burghart is discussing the history and mechanics of clocks during the antique clock program on Monday, Feb. 29. He will show how to maintain antique clocks and dispel some clock myths. Bring a friend, but not your clock, to this special program at 7 p.m.
Dr. Seuss story time
People often asked Dr. Seuss where he got his ideas. According to his biography by Judith and Neil Morgan, he once said he went to a small hamlet called Uber Gletch on the fourth of August each summer to get his cuckoo clock repaired. While the cuckoo was in the hospital, he would wander around and get ideas from the strange people in the streets. Of course, he tended to invent answers.
Dr. Seuss was childless but he invented a fictional daughter, Chrysanthemum-Pearl, who did astonishing things. The books of Dr. Seuss will be the theme for story time on Tuesday, March 1. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to be in the right place at the right time. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., in the community room for stories, activities, and a craft.
Friends meet
While families are reading across America on Wednesday, March 2, the Friends of the Berne Library will be meeting at 7:00 p.m. to discuss funding library needs. If you have the time to help, it would be greatly appreciated. The next fund-raiser is the book, movie, jewelry, and scarf sale on March 19 and 20, at the Hilltown Senior Center. Donated items may be brought to the center at 1360 Helderberg Trail on Saturday, March 12, from 9 a.m. to noon.
Family movie night
Once upon a time, dinosaurs roamed the earth. Although they are extinct, they hit the big time in the movies. Family Movie Night at the library is Friday, March 5. The animated film being shown is rated PG and begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. This is an inexpensive way to have a good time on the hill.
As Dr. Seuss said, "Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one." Make time to visit the library this week.
February is Library Lovers' Month; a great time to explore why libraries are loved. It may be the free access to books and movies or perhaps it is the ability to serve as a community hub.
It may be the programs that entertain and educate or because the library welcomes people of every age, income level, physical ability, and ethnicity. Whatever your reason for coming to the library, pass it on and share the love.
Lego League
In 2015, the library held 51 programs for children ages 5 to 12. The monthly Lego League program for this age group takes place on the third Saturday of the month. Use the library's Legos to create transportation vehicles on Feb. 20. Invite your friends to join in the fun at 11 a.m.
Photo contest
Saturday, Feb. 20 is also the last day to vote for your favorite photograph in the junior and adult divisions of the Photography Contest. The judges have already made their choices but you help decide the winners of the People's Choice. Find out all the ribbon winners during the open reception on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 11 a.m.
Knit Wits
People to people connections definitely occurred during our 61 adult programs in 2015. The Knit Wits meet on the third Sunday of the month to work on their own projects in the company of others with a similar passion. Join them at 7 p.m., on Feb. 21. if you are interested in knitting or crocheting.
Story time
The goals of our early literacy programs include educating and socializing children ages 1 to 5. There were 65 programs in 2015 with 1,026 attendees. The popular Storytime is at 10:30 a.m. each Tuesday. Cars will be the theme of the stories, activities, and craft on Feb. 23.
Paper crafting
Even though a program is held monthly, you do not need to attend every meeting. Drop in whenever it fits into your schedule. If you would like to try your hand at making impressive greeting cards, the paper crafting group convenes at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 25.
Antique clocks
In addition to monthly programs, we have special events throughout the year. On Monday, Feb. 29, clock enthusiast Jim Burghart will discuss antique clocks. Please save the date and learn how to setup and maintain your antique clocks. Bring your questions but not your clocks at 7 p.m.
Libraries promote literacy and supply a platform for innovation.They are advocates for your right to read and your privacy. What's not to love?