In the picture book “Groundhog Stays Up Late” by Margery Cuyler, the groundhog plays instead of preparing for winter. This procrastination causes problems for his winter hibernation.
As the proverb says, “If you put off doing what you ought to do, you will end up not having enough time to do it properly.”
If you have been meaning to submit a photo in the photography contest sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library, stop procrastinating. Photos must be submitted by 2 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 30. Details and entry forms are available at the library and from the website www.bernepubliclibrary.org
Read to a dog
Although it is tempting to hibernate at home in the cold weather, the library is a cozy and inviting place to visit. Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, will be at the library on Monday, Feb. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m. Children are invited to read aloud to the dog under the supervision of her owner, Amber. In addition to improving reading skills, the kids enjoy a warm, furry companion.
Online databases
The Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia is one of the online databases available through the library's website. The article on hibernation explains that the body temperatures drop to just above freezing in animals that hibernate. The animal becomes unconscious and completely inactive and is able to survive for long periods on fat stored in its body. Various rodents, bats, and bears are known to hibernate.
Story time
Hibernation is the theme for story time on Tuesday, Feb. 2. 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.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Berne Library could never rightfully be accused of hibernating or procrastinating. This active group meets on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 7 p.m., to discuss fund-raisers and purchases for the library. Upcoming events include a book and jewelry sale on March 19 and 20, and an empty bowl event in April. If you are looking for ways to support the library, this organization needs your help. Contact Donna Gwin at .
Movie night
The word hibernate comes from the Latin word hibernare which means to pass the winter. A fun way to spend a winter evening in the Hilltowns is at Family Movie Night. An adventure film rated PG will be shown on Friday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Check our website or call the library for the movie title.
Book discussion
The Sunday Book Club meets on Feb. 7. Don't put off reading "The House Girl" by Tara Conklin if you want to participate in the discussion. The group meets at 7 p.m., and newcomers are welcome.
Whether the emerging groundhog sees his shadow or not on Tuesday, winter will last at least a couple of months. Include a visit to the library in your winter schedule.
A current debate examines the value of teaching cursive writing in our schools. The Common Core initiative requires keyboarding skills but fails to mention cursive writing. Consequently, some states removed it from the curriculum. The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association views this as a travesty and encourages you to pick up a pen and take advantage of National Handwriting Day on Jan. 23.
Story time
Fine motor skills are needed for both writing and keying. Activities during story time help develop these skills. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesdays for stories, activities, and a craft. Snow people will be the focus of the program on Jan. 26 at the Berne Public Library.
Paper club
Grasping a writing instrument and letting your thoughts flow through your fingers is poetic. Putting those thoughts on a handmade card is magical. The Paper Crafting Club meets on Thursday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m., to make greeting cards. Learn some amazing techniques from experienced crafters. There is a small fee for supplies.
Photo contest
If your talent is photography instead of writing, the Friends of the Berne Library have a contest for you. Photographs must be submitted to the library before 2 p.m., on Saturday, Jan. 30. Details and entry forms are available at the library or online at www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Jan. 23 was chosen for National Handwriting Day because it coincides with John Hancock's birthday. As President of the Continental Congress, Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence. Without knowing cursive, future generations will be unable to read our valued historical documents in their original form.
The word corn was used in the past to signify the most-used grain of a specific place. Wheat, barley, or oats were called corn in other countries. Since maize was the common American corn, it took that name and keeps it today. Jan. 19 is National Popcorn Day.
Fitness video
Teens should pop into the Berne Public Library at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, Jan. 15. The teen action group is working on a fitness video for the summer reading program and all teens are welcome. Bring a sports uniform if you have one.
Photo contest
There are four common types of corn: sweet, dent, flint, and popcorn. Only popcorn has a hull thickness that allows it to pop. As the water inside the kernel heats up, the steam superheats the starch. The pressure inside the grain will reach 135 pounds per square inch before finally bursting the hull open.
The Friends of the Library are bursting with enthusiasm regarding their photo contest. Entries must be submitted by Saturday, Jan. 30. Grab your camera and take a shot of scenery, people, or wildlife in the Hilltowns. Corny or serious, your pictures are wanted. Details and entry forms are available at the library or at HYPERLINK "http://www.bernepubliclibrary.org/"www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Lego League
The Lego League meets at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 16. Use the library's Legos to create whatever pops into your head. This monthly program is designed for children ages 5 to 12.
Knit Wits
There is a decorative crochet stitch known as the popcorn stitch. Learn this technique and other stitches during Knit Wits on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. Bring your own yarn and needles to work on a project with other passionate knitters, and crocheters.
Story time
Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to story time at the library on Tuesday, Jan. 19. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., to investigate popcorn. There is sure to be a snack at this program along with stories, activities, and a craft.
Popcorn makes a great snack. It is a whole grain food with only 35 calories per cup if oil-popped. Of course, adding butter will increase the calories. To achieve the utmost in popability, the moisture content should be about 14 percent. Store popcorn in an airtight container to prevent the kernels from becoming too dry.
The information on popcorn is from the website HYPERLINK "http://www.popcorn.org/"www.popcorn.org sponsored by the Popcorn Board. Pop over for a visit at the library to discover more about corn using our books or computers.
Which is warmer to wear on your hands, mittens or gloves? From the Berne Public Library's website, you may access a database known as Gale's Academic One File. A UWire article discusses the pros and cons of mittens.
According to Frank Pellegrino, "With four fingers together in the same area, they can work as a team to generate heat — far more heat than a single finger can manage on its own." Thus mittens are warmer than gloves.
Game night
However, when it comes to playing board games, wearing mittens would be disastrous. Take them off once you arrive at the library for Game Night on Sunday, Jan. 10. Adults are invited to the cozy community room at 7 p.m., to play Scrabble, Settlers of Catan, and other games.
Story time
To avoid losing mittens, children may need them attached to their coats. Mittens is the theme for story time on Tuesday, Jan. 12. Children ages 1 to 5 are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a craft. Try out a game where you match mittens.
Board meets
It is with warm hands and warm heart that we welcome three new trustees to the library board. Ted Borys, Lisa Raymond, and Missy Worden were appointed to the board on Jan. 1. Their first library board meeting is on Thursday, Jan. 14, at 6:30 p.m. This monthly meeting to discuss library business is open to the public. Come and meet your new representatives.
Photo contest
Mittens should be removed before attempting to take any pictures with a camera. Your photographs of the Hilltowns may be entered in the photography contest sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library. The submission deadline is Saturday, Jan. 30. Entry forms are available at the library or online at HYPERLINK "http://www.bernepubliclibrary.org/"www.bernepubliclibrary.org.
Teen fitness
Because gloves allow more dexterity, they are chosen over mittens in many sports activities. Teens are encouraged to bring a sports outfit to teen night at the library on Friday, Jan. 15. The group will be working on a video for the summer reading program incorporating the 2016 theme of fitness. Join Ms. Kathy at 6:30 p.m.
Lego League
Putting together Legos while wearing mittens could be difficult. Try your hand at it on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m., during Lego League. Children ages 5 to 12 are invited to create objects using the library's Legos.
Knit Wits
If knitting mittens is your talent, attend Knit Wits on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. This group shares ideas, problems, and solutions while working on individual projects.
Wear mittens for maximum warmth but wear gloves for dexterity. Brian Miller adds an additional viewpoint regarding fashion in that same UWire article. He said, "By no means do I strive to have the trendiest of winter wear, but unless your style is 'I am six years old' — you should probably get yourself some gloves." What's the most important factor for you?
“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” These words are often attributed to Winston Churchill although The Churchill Centre’s research database does not contain them.
Churchill did say these words on Oct. 10, 1908 in Dundee, Scotland: “What is the use of living, if it be not to strive for noble causes and to make this muddled world a better place for those who will live in it after we are gone?”
The library is fortunate to have many patrons who enjoy giving and who make the library a better place.
“Star Wars” Celebration
The “Star Wars” Celebration is on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 11 a.m. to noon. Youth ages 9 and up are invited to learn the lessons of the Jedi with Ms. Kathy. Activities, games, prizes, and refreshments are all part of the fun. Registration is required and there may still be openings. Contact the library at 872-1246. This program is possible because of donations from JoAnne, Becky, and the Friends of the Berne Library.
Knit Wits
The generous knitters and crocheters who attend our Knit Wits programs have given many hats to hospitals and the needy. Their next meeting is on Sunday, Dec. 20, at 7 p.m., and all are welcome. This is your last chance to finish individual holiday projects while sharing fun with others.
Story time
Our foyer tree is decorated with a Dr. Seuss tree skirt and ornaments thanks to Lorie Robison of Gramstreeskirts on Etsy. Next time you are in the library, be sure to look closely to find the Grinch and Horton. Giving will be the story time theme for our small folks ages 1 to 5. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 22, for stories, activities, and a craft. There may even be a visit from a jolly old elf.
Gift of a book
For the holiday season, consider the gift of a book on every bed. The idea is to leave a wrapped book for each child to find in the morning. This is a great way to spread the love of reading, and it may earn parents an extra forty winks.
Holiday schedule
For your planning purposes, the library is closed on Thursday, Dec. 24, and resumes normal hours on Saturday, Dec. 26. Come in before Thursday to borrow books and movies on DVDs for the holiday. An excellent gift idea is to introduce the library to someone who has never been here. A library card would save them money for years to come.
Makerspace program
A Makerspace program for youth ages 8 to 16 takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 30, from 2 to 4 p.m. Experiment with electricity while making a glowing gift card. Register with the library staff by Monday, Dec. 28.
Author Kahlil Gibran said in “The Prophet,” “You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.” Thanks to all who gave their time and talents to develop the strategic plan for the library. From those who submitted a survey to those who participated in the focus group, your suggestions were seriously considered when the trustees determined goals for the library. Copies of the strategic plan are available at the library.
If you are someone who gave to the library in 2015, thank you.
In this age of text messaging, the idea of setting aside a day for writing letters seems bizarre. Yet, Monday, Dec. 7, is National Letter Writing Day.
According to the Smithsonian website, "Letter writing has become something of a lost art in our time, and for any student of history this is a horrible tragedy. This is because our knowledge of the past, of historical people and events, would suffer hugely if we were denied the incredible bounty of the millions of letters that have been sent, and kept, over the centuries."
So write a letter on Monday. Thank a World War II veteran in honor of Pearl Harbor Day, describe your holiday happenings to a friend, or write a memory for your family.
Movie night
Do you have memories of the first “Star Wars” movie that was released in 1977? Reminisce with newer fans during our “Star War” events in December. The first program is Movie Night on Friday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The film is rated PG and geared for tweens, teens, and adults.
The party continues with subsequent movies on Dec. 13 and 19. The grand Star War Celebration takes place on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 11 a.m. Registration is required for this event which includes games, activities, and prizes. Contact Ms. Kathy by e-mail at or phone at 872-1246 before Monday, Dec. 14. Write a letter to your friends and see if they would like to come with you.
Book discussion
Another method of preserving the past is to tape-record oral history and then transcribe it. This is the technique described in “Boston Girl” by Anita Diamant. Addie Baum is asked by her granddaughter, how she got to be the person she is today. The book club will be discussing this historical novel on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. All adults are welcome.
Read to a dog
Children are invited to read their letters or a book to Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor on Monday, Dec. 7. The dog and her handler Amber will be at the library from 4 to 6 p.m. Children may read aloud for a 15-minute session to a non-judgmental audience; a great way to strengthen literacy skills.
Story time
Pre-literacy skills are developed during story time on Tuesdays. Children ages one to five are encouraged to explore the color red during the program on Dec. 8. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, red-hot activities, and a craft.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees meets on Thursday, Dec. 10 to discuss library business. The minutes from all meetings are written for future reference and are available to the public.
Many of our local history books contain copies of letters. German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said, "Letters are among the most significant memorial a person can leave behind them." Pick up a pen this week and write.
In the United States, the fourth Thursday of November is the designated day for giving thanks. However, daily appreciation of people and things in your life would be more appropriate. "Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." says American writer Melody Beattie.
Lego League
The Pilgrims showed their thankfulness for the 1621 harvest with a feast. The meal, recorded by colonist Edward Winslow, included wild fowl and venison. Turkey became the Thanksgiving meal of choice in the late 1800s.
Make a Pilgrim scene during Lego League on Saturday, Nov. 21. Meet Ms. Kathy at 11 a.m. to use the library's Legos for your creations. The scenes will be displayed during the remainder of November. This program is designed for children ages five to 15.
Story time
Turkeys will be the main focus of story time on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. The pre-literacy program includes stories, activities, and a craft. Family playtime follows story time.
Thanksgiving closing
The library will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 26, in observance of Thanksgiving Day. We will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 10 a.m. Stop by early in the week to stock up on movies, books, and magazines to entertain friends and family over the holiday.
Book donations
The staff is grateful to those who offer to donate items to the library. Recently we were unable to accept books due to lack of storage space. Fortunately, the Friends have located a place to store books until the book sale on March 19 and 20. Single boxes and bags of books, jewelry, and fashion scarves are being accepted at the library during hours. If you have multiple boxes, please make other arrangements with me by calling the library at 872-1246.
We recently receive a complimentary copy of “State University of New York at Cobleskill” from Aracdia Publishing and the History Press. The book, written by the the Alumni Association, showcases over 200 vintage images depicting the evolution of the college. If you are interested in this topic, visit the library to peruse the book.
Whether people are grateful often depends on their view of life. French critic Alphonse Karr said, "Some people are always grumbling because roses have thorns; I am thankful that thorns have roses." The staff at the library appreciate the opportunity to work with a wonderful community and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
“To make democracy work, we must be a nation of participants, not simply observers. One who does not vote has no right to complain,” said author Louis L'Amour.
Remember that Tuesday, Nov. 3, is Election Day. Although some take the ability to vote for granted, in 1789 only white men with property could vote. African-American men were constitutionally allowed to vote by 1870 but it wasn't until 1920 that the 19th amendment granted women this right.
Halloween fun
Males and females are allowed to participate in Halloween fun on Saturday, Oct. 31. Children are invited to trick or treat at the library from 2 to 3 p.m. Meet the challenges of our Halloween Minute to Win It and earn your treats. See if you can toss an eyeball into a pumpkin or pick up spiders with a straw.
Death penalty discussion
Would you vote for the death penalty?
This will be part of the discussion on Sunday, Nov. 1. The book club meets at 7 p.m. to talk about the novel “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult. Whether you have read this book or not, share conversations with other adults who enjoy reading.
Read to Aerial
If dogs could cast ballots, they might vote to have all children read at least 15 minutes a day. Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, enjoys hearing books read aloud.
She will be at the library with her handler Amber on Monday, Nov. 2 from 4 to 6 p.m. Children are encouraged to stop by and read to her.
Story time
Children ages 1 to 5 may also vote on Election Day by coming to story time. Ms. Kathy is reading two stories and they are deciding which they like best. Activities and a craft are also part of this pre-literacy program on Tuesday, Nov. 3, at 10:30 p.m.
Friends meet
If we were selecting the group most helpful to the library, the Friends of the Berne Library would win the election. The group meets on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 7 p.m. to discuss the ways and means of supporting the library. All are welcome to attend.
Movie Night
Emotions run high during an election season and also during this month's film that is rated PG. Family Movie Night is Friday, Nov. 6, at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are served. Check our website www.bernepubliclibrary.org for more information on the film which is newly released on DVD.
Weigh your decisions carefully this week. After you vote, stop by the library for a great book, magazine, audio-book, or movie.
"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone,” said musician Reba McEntire. In case you haven't guessed, bones is the library theme for this week.
Lego League
Lego League meets on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 11 a.m. Kids will use the library's Legos to make skeletons and haunted houses to be put on display for Halloween. Anyone can join in the fun but the program is designed for children ages 5 to 12.
Knit Wits
On Sunday, Oct. 18, the Knit Wits meet at 7 p.m. to work on their own knitting or crocheting projects while sharing problems, solutions, and conversation. The group is currently collecting hats for preemies and cancer patients. When a person is chilled to the bone, a warm soft hat is exactly what they need.
Story time
Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to examine skeletons and bones on Tuesday, Oct. 20. Join Ms. Kathy for story time at 10:30 a.m. This pre-literacy program includes stories, activities, and a craft.
Memoir writing
Have you ever had a bone-shaking experience? Write down your story and bring it to the Memoir writing program on Wednesday, Oct. 21. All interested adults may attend this session which begins at 2 p.m. and is facilitated by MaryJo McKeon. Look for writing ideas in the “Writer's Digest,” a magazine that may be borrowed from the library.
Inky Fingers
The human hand has 27 distinct bones, which work together to create some amazing things. Try your hand at paper crafting on Thursday, Oct. 22. The Inky Fingers group meets at 7 p.m. to share techniques and ideas for making gift cards. Please let the library know if you would like to attend so there are adequate supplies. Call 872-1246 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" .
Working hard
Men are currently working their fingers to the bone on regrading and repaving the parking lot. Because the sewage line runs along the entrance driveway and the drainage pipe runs along the exit driveway, no cars should be parked on the sides of the building. Please park in the main parking area only. The WiFi has been relocated to accommodate this change.
Make no bones about it; the library is the place to go for education and entertainment. Your free library card is the skeletal key to the door.
What is cooler than being cool? Having a Berne Public Library card.
Snoopy, the world-famous beagle also known as The Flying Ace and Joe Cool, has added a new title to his résumé. September is Library Card Sign-up month and Snoopy is the honorary chair.
Snoopy would like to remind adults, caregivers, children, and teens that the coolest card of all is a library card!
With a free library card, patrons can check out so much more than books. The library has magazines, movies on DVDS, music CDs, and audiobooks. Your card also gives you access to free e-books and e-audiobooks, even the new releases.
From finding a job, starting a new business, to getting homework help, and becoming more engaged in your community, a library card offers limitless opportunities to transform lives through education and lifelong learning.
TAG
Teens interact at the library during their monthly TAG programs. Join other teens for video gaming on Friday, September 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
Game night
Adults are invited to play games also, but that monthly game night is for those interested in playing board games. Meet with Jodi on Sunday, Sept. 13, at 7 p.m.
Read to a dog
Although Ariel is not a beagle, she is a also a great library supporter. This tail-waggin’ tutor will be at the library on Monday, Sept. 14 with her handler Amber. Children may read aloud to the dog anytime between 4 and 6 p.m.
Focus groups
Libraries belong to the community. If you received an invitation to participate in the upcoming focus groups, please rsvp today. A reminder that the meeting is on Monday, Sept. 14 at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail in Berne.
Story time
It is not the cool weather, but a combination of rain and sunshine that produces a rainbow. Rainbows are the theme for story time on Tuesday, Sept. 15. 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.
Bird watching
As you look to the skies, it is quite an experience to witness a soaring eagle or a flitting goldfinch. If you would like to learn how to identify birds, attend the bird watching program on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. Ralph and Jan Miller will discuss birding and share some of their experiences.
Save the date
Save Saturday, Oct. 3 for the lasagna dinner and cake walk sponsored by the Friends of the Berne Library. Donated trays of lasagna and homemade cakes are needed for this event. Contact the library at 872-1246 or e-mail HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" if you are able to help. Of course we also need people to come and eat. Tickets are on sale at the library for $10 per adult and $8 per child. Tickets for adults will be $12 at the door.
If you have a library card, that is cool. If not, it would be great if you stopped at the library this month to get one. Either way, we hope to see you soon.