Labor Day is a yearly tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength and well being of our country. Of course, this includes the Berne Public Library staff and schoolteachers. The library will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year. If students still need summer reading books for school, this is your last chance. The library will be open on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“Titanic” program
Looking for a fun activity over the weekend? Join us on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m. for the program Finding the “Titanic”. Using hands-on investigations, find out why the “Titanic” sank the way it did and how it was found. Facilitator Naval Jr. Officer Stempel worked on a submarine and is thoroughly familiar with sonar. The program is designed for ages 5 to 13, but all are welcome. A NYS STEM grant provided funding for the books that will be given to young participants attending the program.
Story walk
The story walk at the Knox Town Park is another enjoyable activity. A new book has been installed for the fall season thanks to the Friends of the Berne Library and the Knox Historical Society. Stroll through the park and stop at each posting to read the book “Henry and the Cannons” by Don Brown.
Story time
Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers are invited to story time on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at 10:30 a.m. This week we are exploring the story of Little Miss Muffett from her view and then the spider's take on what happened. Stories, activities, and a craft are all a part of this pre-literacy program.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees will meet on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. This open monthly meeting is to discuss library business.
Teens night
During TAG, teens interact at the library while the building is closed to the rest of the public. Celebrate surviving the first week back to school with a night of video gaming. Plan to meet on Friday, Sept. 11 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. with Ms. Kathy.
Happy Labor Day.
This is a week of thrilling events at the Berne Public Library. For amateur astronomers, the Perseid meteor shower will be at its peak with 60- to 100-inch "falling stars" per hour. Look to the northeast where the space debris from the comet Swift-Tuttle will appear to be radiating out from the Perseus constellation. This is one of the brighter meteor showers of the year so hope for clear night skies.
Altamont Fair
Relish the experience of the Altamont Fair from Tuesday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 16. This historic fair is worth the trip down the hill. Altamont hosted the first annual Albany County Fair in 1893. The fair grew over the years and by 1945 included Albany, Schenectady, and Greene Counties. It is the only tri-county fair in New York State.
Library events
Even more exciting for the up-coming week are the library events.
The Grand Finale for ages 1 to 18 will be held on Monday, Aug. 10, at 6:30 p.m. The program in the community room includes activities, refreshments, and door prizes. Each child who completes the library's goal of 500 reading minutes will receive a gift bag.
Friday, August 7 is the last day to submit reading minutes for ages 1 to 18. Fill in your minutes online or submit the reading log sheet to the library staff. The adult program doesn't end until Sunday, Aug. 30 so keep reading.
Movie Night at the Library is Friday, Aug. 7. This engrossing film was recently released on DVD and is rated PG-13 for action. Admission is free and popcorn and drinks are provided. The movie runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Check our website for the title.
The last concert of the Music in the Park series is Wednesday, Aug. 12. Slim Pick'ins will be strumming at the Berne Town Park from 6:30 p.m. to dusk. Bring the family for a hot-dog or chili dinner and foot-stomping music. The music is free but a donation to the Friends of the Library for dinner is appreciated.
The teens will meet on Friday, Aug. 14 for a superhero versus villain program. Please register for this event by calling the library at 872-1246 or e-mailing [email protected].
Story time resumes
Story time for ages 1 to 5 resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Although there are no planned children programs for the remainder of August, families are invited to the library to read books and play with Legos, Duplos, puzzles, games, toys, puppets, and dress up clothes.
The community room is reserved for Family Playtime on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 2 to 4 p.m.
Reminder to those who need a break from the heat; the library is air-conditioned and provides Wi-Fi, computers, and comfortable reading chairs. It is the place to energize.
Many consider outstanding sports players as heroes, but tennis player Arthur Ashe felt otherwise. He said, "True heroism is remarkably sober, very undramatic. It is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others, at whatever cost." These are the types of heroes being investigated at the Berne Public Library this week.
Lego League
The Lego League meets with Ms. Kathy on Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m. Use the library's Legos to create a scene including your favorite hero. Projects will be displayed at the library until next month when they will be taken apart and reused. This program is designed for children ages five to 12.
Story time
Children ages one to five and their caregivers are invited to Wee Read story time on Tuesday, July 21. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., to examine medical heroes. Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and EMTs are often heroic when dealing with human lives. Perhaps an ambulance visit will be a part of this program that includes stories, activities, and a craft.
Music in the Park
The second of the Music in the Park concerts takes place on Wednesday, July 22, at the Berne Town Park on Route 443. Just a Bunch of Guys will play from 6:30 p.m. until dusk. Admission is free for this family event. Enjoy the music and purchase dinner or snacks from the Friends of the Berne Library. All donations go to support the summer reading programs.
Inky Fingers Club
Calling all paper crafters. The Inky Fingers Club meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month and new participants are always welcome. Learn a new card making technique and share ideas with others. This month's meeting is at 7 p.m., on July 23. Please register with the library so there will be sufficient supplies.
Animal heroes
The middle readers, ages five to 12, will explore animal heroes on Thursday, July 23. The program is at 11 a.m. before the library opens at noon. This event will focus on Balto, a famous sled dog, and K-9 units. If your child has not yet attended a library program this summer, make this one the first.
There is a statue of Balto located in New York City's Central Park with the following inscription: "Dedicated to the indomitable spirit of the sled dogs that relayed antitoxin 600 miles over rough ice, across treacherous waters, through arctic blizzards from Nennana to the relief of stricken Nome in the winter of 1925. Endurance, Fidelity, Intelligence." Sounds like an example of heroic service.
Reading books and playing strategy games involve problem solving. Through these enjoyable activities, people gain skills that contribute to success. It makes sense that both books and games are available at the Berne Public Library whose mission is to provide resources for education and entertainment.
Teen action group
The teen action group will be playing games on Friday, June 12, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Join other teens for a fun night at the library when the building is closed to other patrons.
Game night
Game Night for adults is Sunday, June 14, at 7 p.m. Play board games with your peers and develop strategy skills. Any interested community member may attend.
Father’s Day
According to British poet George Herbert, "One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters." Father's Day on Sunday, June 21, recognizes the contributions by father figures.
Story time
Dads will be the focus of storytime on Tuesday, June 16. Children ages one to five and their caregivers are invited to join Ms. Kathy for stories, activities, and a craft. Make a gift to give to an important male figure.
Lego League
Fathers may bring their children to play at the library. Lego League meets on Saturday, June 20, at 11 a.m. and is designed for children ages five to 12. Use the library's Legos to create an object to be put on display until next month. The younger siblings may come and play with the Duplos and puzzles.
If father's are feeling unappreciated, remember the words of American author Mark Twain: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years."
One of the joys of June is the availability of fresh fruits. Since June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, celebrate by feasting on some locally grown strawberries.
Read to a dog
Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, would enjoy hearing “Strawberries are Red” by Peter Horacek. Ariel will be in the Berne Public Library with her handler, Amber on Monday, June 1. Children are invited to read to the dog anytime between 4 and 6 p.m.
Story time
The theme for story time on Tuesday, June 2, is strawberries. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. This pre-literacy program is designed for children ages one to five and their caregivers. Let's hope a taste test is included in the program.
Story walk
The community should take time to enjoy the fruits of labor supplied by the Friends of the Berne Library. Their most recent project is a story walk installed at the Knox Town Park. Pages from the picture book, “In A Nutshell” by Joseph Anthony, are posted along the nature trail. Enjoy a book and a walk with the family. If you are interested in supporting the library, join this group, which meets at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, June 3.
Movie night
Friday, June 5 is Family Movie Night at the library. This month's film is a animated, musical fairy tale rated PG. The movie is projected on the large screen in the community room from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Book discussion
There is still time to read the chosen novel for the next book club meeting. The group convenes at 7 p.m., on Sunday, June 8. The discussion will revolve around the book “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. New members are always welcome.
Save-the-date
A special program is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8. Laurie Searl, senior production manager at SUNY Press, worked on the book, “An Irrepressible Conflict: The Empire State in the Civil War” by Robert Weible. She will be discussing the production process and the content. This program should prove to be as sweet as a strawberry for history buffs, potential writers, and graphic artists. Please save the date.
Remember to support your local farmers when purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables
One of the joys of June is the availability of fresh fruits. Since June is National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month, celebrate by feasting on some locally grown strawberries.
Read to a dog
Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, would enjoy hearing “Strawberries are Red” by Peter Horacek. Ariel will be in the Berne Public Library with her handler, Amber on Monday, June 1. Children are invited to read to the dog anytime between 4 and 6 p.m.
Story time
The theme for story time on Tuesday, June 2, is strawberries. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. This pre-literacy program is designed for children ages one to five and their caregivers. Let's hope a taste test is included in the program.
Story walk
The community should take time to enjoy the fruits of labor supplied by the Friends of the Berne Library. Their most recent project is a story walk installed at the Knox Town Park. Pages from the picture book, “In A Nutshell” by Joseph Anthony, are posted along the nature trail. Enjoy a book and a walk with the family. If you are interested in supporting the library, join this group, which meets at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, June 3.
Movie night
Friday, June 5 is Family Movie Night at the library. This month's film is a animated, musical fairy tale rated PG. The movie is projected on the large screen in the community room from 6:30 to 8:10 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Book discussion
There is still time to read the chosen novel for the next book club meeting. The group convenes at 7 p.m., on Sunday, June 8. The discussion will revolve around the book “Orphan Train” by Christina Baker Kline. New members are always welcome.
Save-the-date
A special program is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Monday, June 8. Laurie Searl, senior production manager at SUNY Press, worked on the book, “An Irrepressible Conflict: The Empire State in the Civil War” by Robert Weible. She will be discussing the production process and the content. This program should prove to be as sweet as a strawberry for history buffs, potential writers, and graphic artists. Please save the date.
Remember to support your local farmers when purchasing seasonal fruits and vegetables
— Photo from Judy Petrosillo
Raising a Reader Baby Shower: Dr. Kristin Mack, right, and Deputy Tracy Mance offer advice for new moms on April 26 at the Berne Library. Other presenters included Karen Murphy from the Albany County Department for Children, Youth and Families and photographer Erin Bremer.
Since the library lends both books and movies on DVDs, an oft-heard conversation is whether the book or the movie is better. This weekend affords the chance to explore this topic. Movie Night at the Berne Public Library is Friday, May 1, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The comedy-drama being projected on the screen in the community room is rated PG. Admission is free and refreshments are served. The book discussion of “The Hundred Foot Journey” by Richard Morais takes place on Sunday, May 3, at 7 p.m. Attend either or both.
The library also lends out graphic novels. The stories are presented in a comic strip format but published as a book. Enticing to reluctant readers, these books help develop language and literacy skills. Comic books were the precursors to graphic novels and continue to be published.
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 2, is Free Comic Book Day. The event promotes the many worlds of wonder available at local comic book shops. The library is a distribution site for this event.
Choose your free comic book from the limited supply of 12 titles which range from young readers to adults. The opportunity to create your own comic strip is also available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Read to a dog
Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, enjoys being read to. On Monday, May 4, choose a graphic novel to share with her during a 15-minute session between 4 and 6 p.m.
Her handler Amber is on hand to help out. Reading aloud to a dog improves reading skills and is fun and nonjudgmental.
Needle punch technique
Erin Bradt has offered to teach the needle punch technique for making a rug. The workshop is on Saturday, May 9, from 1 to 5 p.m.
Participants will use their newly learned skills to create a coaster. Register by Saturday, May 2. Call 872-1246 or e-mail director@bernepubliclibrary.org. There is a $15 material fee.
Story time
Mother's Day is on Sunday, May 10. Children ages one to five and their caregivers will prepare for this event during story time on Tuesday, May 5. Join Ms. Kathy for stories, activities, and a craft that can be given to a special woman.
Thank you
Speaking of special people, thank you to the Friends of the Library for supplying refreshments for the Raising a Reader Baby Shower.
The Friends monthly meeting is Wednesday, May 6, at 7 p.m. Consider joining this group of library supporters. Their next fund-raising event is a scrabble tournament being held on Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m. Please register to enter this event.
TAG
To end the week, the teen action group, known as TAG, meets on Friday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy activities and refreshments with other teens when the library is closed to the public.
Bring a friend and any shoes that you no longer want. The library has a box where the Girl Scouts are accepting shoes for their community service project.
The following stanza is from the poem "I'm Nobody, Who Are You?" written by Emily Dickinson:
How dreary to be somebody!
How public like a frog
To tell one's name
the livelong June
To an admiring bog!
The Berne Public Library is celebrating Poetry Month this Friday, April 24, with a poetry workshop facilitated by Avery Stempel at 7 p.m. Open Mic follows the workshop for those who like to recite, read, or listen to poetry. This open program is designed for adults and young adults.
A baby shower
Attention new parents and parents-to-be, the library is throwing a baby shower for you on Sunday, April 26, from 2 to 4 p.m. Experts will be on hand to discuss baby issues. Kathy will provide tips on how to raise your baby as a reader. Gifts for your little tadpole, refreshments, and door prizes are part of the fun. Babysitting will be provided. To ensure that we are prepared, please sign up by Saturday, April 25. Call the library at 872-1246 or e-mail us at [email protected].
One-room schoolhouse
If you find a jelly egg mass in a long chain, it was probably laid by a toad. If the egg mass is a cluster, the eggs will eventually develop into frogs. At what grade level did you learn the difference between toads and frogs? Imagine teaching all grade levels in one room. Dan Driscoll will speak about the one room schoolhouse in Knox on Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m. This program is being presented jointly by the library and the Berne Historical Society. If you are interested in local history, this is the program for you.
Story time
Children ages one to five are invited to story time on Tuesday, April 28. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. to learn about frogs. This pre-literacy program includes stories, activities, and a craft.
When it comes to receiving information about the library, we want you to be somebody instead of nobody. The monthly newsletter which lists upcoming events may be sent to your e-mail. Stay in touch by signing up for the e-newsletter at the library.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine," says writer Anthony J. D'Angelo.
Friday night games
Any teen interested in gaming should bring their enthusiasm and knowledge to the library on Friday, April 10. TAG meets from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the community room and promises to be enlightening and fun.
Book club
The book club will meet Sunday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m. Adults are welcome to participate in the discussion of Me Before You by JoJo Moyes. The conversation will shed light on what to do when making the person you love happy means breaking your own heart? This book is currently being produced into a movie.
Sunny storytime
Children ages 1 to 5 and their caregivers should join Ms. Kathy on Tuesday, April 14 to investigate our closest star, the sun. Storytime begins at 10:30 a.m. and includes stories, activities, and a craft. Develop pre-literacy skills in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Solar 101
Are you interested in solar energy? The Solar 101 program is on Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. Adam Jordan from Hudson Solar will explain the types of solar panels, current federal and state incentives, and the advantages of solar energy. Have your questions answered without a sales pitch. No registration necessary, just come on in.
Lego library
It is best to make hay while the sun shines. The third Saturday of each month is when children may use the library's Legos to build whatever they want. Meet Ms. Kathy at 11 a.m. on April 18. Creations go on display in the library until next month. This program is designed for children 5 to 12.
Raising readers
Sunday, April 26 is the day for new parents and parents-to-be to enjoy their day in the sun. The library is holding a "Raising a Reader" Baby Shower from 2 to 4 p.m. Please save the date.
Light wisdom
British playwright, James M. Barrie said, "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." Let that thought guide you through the week.
April Fools Day is over but the laughter continues. April is National Humor Month founded by author and humorist Larry Wilde in 1976. The day was designed to heighten public awareness of the benefits of joy and laughter. To test your sense of humor, this column includes a few riddles.
Q — Why did Frodo read The Lord of the Rings 50 times?
A — Because it was hobbit-forming!
Movie
Movie Night is at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, April 3. Frodo appears in this month's fantasy action film, which is rated PG-13. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Q — What did one book say to another?
A — I just wanted to see if we are on the same page.
Book club
The book club is meeting on Sunday, April 12, instead of the first Sunday of this month. That gives you time to read “Me Before You” by JoJo Moyes before the discussion next week. Any interested adult may attend.
Q — What dog keeps the best time?
A — A watch dog!
Read to a dog
Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, will be at the library on Monday, April 6, from 4 to 6 p.m., with her handler Amber. Children are invited to read aloud to Ariel who enjoys hearing a good joke book. It is a great way to improve reading skills.
Q — Why don't aliens eat clowns?
A— They taste funny!
Story time
Funny books will be the focus of story time on Tuesday, April 7. Children ages one to five are invited to join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., for stories, activities, and a silly craft.
Q — Why was the birthday cake as hard as a rock?
A — It was marble cake.
Makerspace program
A makerspace program using marbles is scheduled for Thursday, March 9, at 3 p.m. Teams will work together to create the best marble maze with recycled materials supplied by the library. This program is designed for ages eight through 12 and is a great way to spend a school vacation day.
Board meets
Although the discussion of library business is serious, there is much laughter during the meetings of the library’s board of trustees. The next open meeting is Thursday, April 9, at 6:30 p.m. Community members are encouraged to attend.
Q — What kind of parties do Minecraft players have?
A — "Block" parties.
Gaming night
Teens are invited for a gaming night at the library on Friday, April 10. The fun starts at 6:30 p.m. Bring a friend.
Solar program
Save Tuesday, April 14 for our rescheduled Solar 101 program and remember to laugh this week. It's good for your heart.
"It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade." wrote Charles Dickens in his novel, “Great Expectations.” He could have easily been describing the Hilltowns instead of England.
Book and jewelry sale
The Friends of the Library hope you got wind of the Book and Jewelry Sale this weekend. Find some fantastic bargains on books, jewelry, puzzles, audio-books, and movies. The sale is Saturday, March 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Rte. 443.
Bees and beekeeping
Bees fly like the wind at the speed of 15 miles per hour according to the website royalbees.com. Richard Ronconi and Mark Huth will present a program on bees and beekeeping at 7 p.m., on Monday, March 30, in the community room at the Berne Public Library. Intro to Beekeeping is for those interested in the life of bees or are considering keeping bees. The program is open to the public as are most library programs.
Story time
Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it. Children ages one to five and their caregivers will learn about kites during story time. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 31 for stories, activities, and a craft on kites.
Library survey
The library’s board of trustees would like to see which way the wind blows when it comes to the community's view of the library. If you have not filled out a library survey yet, please do so before March 31. All residents over the age of five from the townships of Knox or Berne, including East Berne, are encouraged to express their opinions.
New catalog
The winds of change are upon us; March 31 is the first day of our new catalog. See the feature article elsewhere in this newspaper.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Library meet at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, April 1. The group will hear the summary of the book sale and get their second wind to plan a scrabble tournament. All interested adults are encouraged to attend.
Movie night
Movie Night is on Friday, April 3, at 6:30 p.m. The featured film this month is a fantasy and there is something in the wind for our unsuspecting hero. Check our website www.bernepubliclibrary.org for the title. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. Since the film is rated PG-13, this is a perfect night out for teens.
If you have not been to the Berne Public Library, throw caution to the wind and visit us this week. There is something for everyone.