"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.
"Sweet spring, full of sweet days and roses, a box where sweets compacted lie," said British poet, George Herbert. According to the calendar, March 20 is officially the first day of spring; a season which broadly represents renewal and regrowth.
Friends sale
While giving your home a spring-cleaning, send your used books, puzzles, movies, and jewelry to the Hilltown Senior Center on Saturday, March 21. The doors will be open from 9 a.m. to noon in order for the Friends of the Berne Library to accept your donations for their sale. If this is an inconvenient time, leave the items at the Berne Public Library during hours.
Legos League
Use the library's Legos to build a spring scene. Children ages five to 12 are invited to participate in Lego League at 11 a.m., on Saturday, March 21. Creations will be put on display at the library until next month's program.
Story time
Spring is the focus of story time at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 24. Children ages one to five develop pre-literacy skills with Ms. Kathy through stories, activities, and a craft.
Sugar maple trees
Early spring is when the sap in a tree begins to move up the stem to feed the buds. The sap of a sugar maple tree is collected by humans for the production of maple syrup. Although all types of sweeteners should be used in moderation, maple syrup and honey have benefits not found in cane sugar. Find out more at the library.
Memoir writing
The memoir-writing group meets at 2 p.m., on Wednesday, March 25. Write a story to share with the group and facilitator MaryJo McKeon. Suggestions for this month include memories about spring, maple syrup, or honey.
Paper crafting
Sweet thoughts in a homemade card that looks professional and is a treat to receive. Experts in paper crafting will be sharing ideas and tools during a class on Thursday, March 26, at 7 p.m. To make sure there are sufficient supplies, please register for this program by March 24. Contact the library staff by calling 872-1246 or e-mail .
Beekeeping
The Introduction to Beekeeping program is scheduled for 7 p.m., on Monday, March 30. Richard Ronconi and Mark Huth will share their beekeeping experience with those interested in bees and those who are might like to keep bees for producing honey. Like most library programs, this one is open to the public with no admission fee.
System change
All libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System are changing the circulation software on March 31. Patrons will need their library cards to check out items on Monday, March 30 while the system switches over. Check with the staff to see if there are other changes that could affect you.
Maple weekends
The Hilltowns Maple Weekends are March 21, 22, 28, and 29. While you are in the hill towns on March 28 and 29, stop by the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne for the book and jewelry sale. The Friends of the Berne Library are raising money for the library by selling used books, audio-books, puzzles, movies on DVDs and VHS, music CDs, and jewelry. The sale is on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, March 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There is nothing sweeter than supporting and using your local library.
March is Irish-American Heritage Month, which includes Saint Patrick's Day on March 17. Although Saint Patrick's Day was originally a religious holiday, it has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. What Irish symbols come to mind? The harp is the official national symbol of Ireland, but it was probably not your first thought.
Irish Gaelic and English are the official languages of Ireland. There are apps that can be downloaded to e-devices for learning Gaelic. Have you ever wanted to make someone into a leprechaun? Leprechaun Me is an app that does that by adding features to photos.
Apps and new technology will be the focus of the next teen program at the Berne Public Library. Participate in Teen Tech Week with Kathy on Friday, March 13. The Teen Tech Cafe begins at 6:30 p.m. Share your favorite app with your peers.
Knit Wits
The Irish flag consists of three vertical stripes. The green represents the Gaelic tradition, the orange represents the followers of William of Orange, and the white represents the aspiration for peace between them. Those who knit or crochet use these colors in their creations. Bring your own project to work on during the Knit Wits program on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. It promises to be a peaceful night with other adults who share your passion.
Library survey
Legend says leprechauns are wee folk that are mischievous and intelligent. They like to play odd tricks but are generally harmless. Perhaps that is who changed the due date of the library surveys to March 1, which is incorrect. The trustees are very interested in hearing your opinions about the library, so please fill out a survey on paper or online and submit it anytime in March. The survey is for everyone living in Berne, East Berne, and Knox.
Story time
Wee folks, ages one to five, are invited to story time at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17. Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day with Ms. Kathy, our favorite Irish lass. Listen to stories, participate in activities, and make a craft during this pre-literacy program.
Donations
Spring officially begins on March 20. As you begin your spring house cleaning, remember that the Friends of the Library are interested in your books, movies on DVD or VHS, audio-books, puzzles, and jewelry. Bring your boxes and bags of donations to the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne on Saturday, March 21, between 9 a.m. and noon. If this time is inconvenient, bring your donations to the library during hours before March 27.
The book and jewelry sale is on 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. Enjoy a pancake breakfast in the area during the Hilltown Maple Weekend and then head to the Hilltown Senior Center for the sale. You should be able to find good books by authors of Irish descent, which include Vince Flynn, Pat Conroy, Michael Connelly, Nora Roberts, and Mary Higgins Clark.
We’d like to share this Irish saying, "May you get all your wishes but one, so that you will always have something to strive for!"
What is important to our community? How can the Berne Public Library contribute to these community aspirations? Those living in the town of Berne will be receiving a library survey in the town newsletter. Additional copies of the survey are available at the library, the Berne town hall, the Knox town hall, and online through our website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org. The library’s board of trustees asks each individual from ages five to 105 in the townships of Berne and Knox, library users and nonusers, to fill out this survey. Your opinion is needed to form a strategic plan so that the library can service the community in the best possible way.
E-newsletter
Programs are part of the library's offerings. Our monthly e-newsletter lists the programs for March. If you would like to receive a copy of this e-newsletter, e-mail Judy at director@bernepubliclibrary.org.
Movie night
The monthly movie night is this Friday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. While younger siblings are at the PTA movie night in the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary gym, the teens are invited to the library for a newly released film on DVD that is rated PG-13. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Book discussion
Adults meet at the library to discuss works of literature. At 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, the group will delve into a conversation on “The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry” by Gabrielle Zevin. Participate in this interesting talk even if you have not read the book.
Story time
Literacy skills are developed in children ages one to five during story time. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 10 for stories, activities, and a craft. Bring a favorite stuffed animal to be examined by a veterinarian and learn what vets do for a living.
Memoir group
Author Paulo Coelho said, "Writing means sharing. It's part of the human condition to want to share things — thoughts, ideas, opinions.” The Memoir Group will meet at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11, to do just that. Write a story to share with the group.
Congratulations
Congratulations to DonnaJo Krimsky, an eight-year-old, for having her writing recently published in the “Scribblers” magazine. This Capital Region production shares works written by children. Pick up a complimentary copy at the library in order to read DonnaJo's poem on recycling.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees meets on Thursday, March 12, to discuss library business. This is an open meeting and community members are encouraged to attend and share their opinions.
Teens meet
The monthly meeting of teens takes place on Friday March 13, at 6:30 p.m. Since this week is Teen Tech Week, expect to find out new ways to use your electronic devices.
Computer help
Remember that the library offers one-on-one computer help for those who ask. Although tax forms are available at the library, computers, broadband Internet, and free WiFi are also provided for filing taxes.
Please take advantage of all the library has to offer.
Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American writer born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, Massachusetts. Using the pseudonym Dr. Seuss, he wrote and illustrated children's books, which are still loved today. Being persistent helped start his career since his first book was rejected 27 times before being published.
PARP, Parents as Reading Partners, kicks off on March 2 at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Elementary School. As Dr. Seuss said, "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child."
Read Across America
Children are invited to drop by the Berne Public Library on Monday, March 2, between 2 to 4 p.m., for Read Across America. Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor would love to hear a book by Dr. Seuss and the child benefits from interacting with the dog. Thanks to Amber, her trainer, for bringing Ariel to the library on the first Monday of each month.
Story time
"A person's a person no matter how small", is another Seuss quote. Story time is designed for small people ages one to five. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, March 3, for stories by Dr. Seuss, activities, and a craft.
Friends meet
Dr. Seuss wrote, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Fortunately, the Friends of the Berne Library care a lot. The group meets at 7 p.m., on Wednesday, March 4 in the community room. Anyone interested in supporting the library is invited to attend. The group is working on fund-raisers and a story walk for the Knox town park.
The March fundraiser is a book and jewelry sale at the Hilltown Senior Center, 1360 Helderberg Trail, Berne. Donations of books, puzzles, movies on DVD or VHS, audio-books, and jewelry are being accepted on Saturday, March 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the senior center. Small donations may be left at the library during our March hours. 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.
Movie night
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go." That quote by Dr. Seuss aptly describes the main character in the movie being shown on Friday, March 6. Movie Night begins at 6:30 p.m. The recently released film on DVD is rated PG-13. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Consider including the library as part of your regular schedule. As Dr. Seuss said, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Photo from Judy Petrosillo
Health history: John Elberfeld of the Knox Historical Society installed a display of engravings and quotations from The Guide-Board to Health, Peace and Competence by Dr. William Hall written in 1869. The Knox Historical Society has a leather-bound copy in its collection at the Saddlemire Museum. The display may be viewed in the community room of the Berne Public Library through April.
— Photo from Judy Petrosillo
Card-carrying creators: JoAnne Brady, teacher Kim Young, and Joan Mullen show their greeting cards produced during the card-making class at the library. A monthly club is being formed and will meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month starting in March.
The polar bear, Ursus maritimus, is the largest living land carnivore. The mammal can be found in the arctic with a climate similar to what we had this week. While we need crampons to walk on icy conditions, the polar bear has non-retractable claws, which act like ice picks.
Lego League
Children ages 5 to 13 are invited to the Berne Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 21, to make arctic scenes with Legos. Lego League runs from 11 a.m. to noon. The library supplies the Legos and the creations go on display until next month. Younger siblings may join in the fun during Family Playtime from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Story time
Storytime is on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Pre-literacy skills are developed through stories, activities, and a craft. On Feb. 24, children ages one to five and their caregivers will learn about polar bears under the guidance of Ms. Kathy.
Book Club
Although the northeast island featured in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is not part of the arctic, the main character seems cold-hearted. The book club will be discussing this book at 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 8. Request a copy from the library to read before the meeting.
Memoir writing
The memoir writing group meets on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. Bring a written memory to share with MaryJo and the group. A story about cold winter weather or interactions with bears would be appropriate.
Solar energy
While trying to keep the house warm during this past week, did you wonder if solar energy is the way to go? Hear the facts on solar energy, federal and state incentives, and types of solar panels during Solar 101. This special library program is on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Bring your questions for the presenter Adam Jordan of Hudson Solar.
Display unit
The display unit for the community room was installed by Scott Green and is ready to use. Thanks again to Pinch Penny Threads for the feedsack apron benefit that earned money for this equipment. The first display was created and set up by John Elberfeld of the Knox Historical Society. Pictures and quotes from Dr. W. W. Hall's book, The Guide-board to Health, Peace and Competence describe how to reach a happy old age. The leather bound book published in 1869 can be found in the Saddlemire House, Knox. This display is for all age groups. Although some of Dr. Hall's ideas are amusingly out-dated, others still apply today such as getting exercise even if it is cold outside.
Dr. Hall said "There is naturally but one disease – that of old age. To leave the world as gently go out the embers of the hearth, or as the candle in the socket, without pain, or shock, or spasm. — this is worth taking pains for! To have the lamp of life thus go out, physically, we must live regularly, temperately, actively. Reader! May such be your exit and mine."
The Greek root word for books is biblios and phile is the root word for love or friendship. Hence, a lover of books is known as a bibliophile. If you like being able to read books without having to purchase them, then you should be a library lover.
Movie Rentals and
Family Movie Night
For cinophiles, those who are fond of motion pictures, the library has movies on DVDs available for a seven-day loan period at no cost with your free library card. Also, each month we show one of the newly released movies on the big screen in the community room. On Friday, Feb. 6, Family Movie Night begins at 6:30 p.m. There will be animated adventure that is rated PG and runs 100 minutes. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Take Your Child
to the Library Day
Saturday, Feb. 7, at 11 a.m., bring your children to the library to participate in Take Your Child to the Library Day. Ms. Kathy is leading special family story time with books by James Dean and Mo Willems. Make and take crafts are available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Help us foster a life-long love of reading in your children.
Book Club
The book club meeting was rescheduled to Sunday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. This adult group will be discussing The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. The conversation is always interesting, even if you have not read the book. New attendees are welcome.
Story time
Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 10:30 a.m., join Ms. Kathy for stories, activities, and a craft. This week the program will focus on hearts and valentines. This program, which is designed to develop pre-literacy skills, is open to children ages one to five.
Memoir Writing Program
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, share your fascinating story of a romance at the Memoir Writing program. This group will meet at 2 p.m. to accommodate those who are heliophiles and prefer sunlight.
Board Meeting
On Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. there will be an open meeting of the Library Board of Trustees, ergophiles who love to work. The annual 2014 annual report will precede the meeting. Please attend to hear how your tax money was utilized and the excellent results.
Teen Book Lovers
Teens who love the library are invited to enjoy the space while the library is closed to the public.
TAG
Friday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m., TAG meets to complete the video for the Summer Reading Program contest.
Card Making Class
On Saturday, Feb. 14, at 10:30 a.m., Kim Young will lead the introduction to card making class. Join other iconophiles, those who love icons, illustrations, and pictures, including those who like making cards for others. This two-hour class is designed for adults. Registration is appreciated. To sign up, contact the library at 872-1246 or email director@bernepubliclibrary.org. by Tuesday, Feb. 10.
Junior Master Chef
Competition
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., participate in the library’s Junior Master Chef Competition. This makerspace program is for children ages eight to 13. Participants will have a limited time to create a culinary masterpiece with provided ingredients. Judges will determine the winner. Please register for this program by Monday, Feb. 16.
Lovers of Words
Hope to see local logophiles, lovers of words, at the library this week.
South African leader Desmond Tutu stated, "Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness."
Book club
On Sunday, Feb. 1, at 7 p.m., the book club will be discussing The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. The novel includes two different struggles for freedom and the courage to dare what seems unattainable. Any interested adult is invited to join the conversation about the hope inside of us.
Read to Ariel
Reading to a dog is known to help develop literacy skills. Amber is bringing Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, to the library on Monday, Feb. 2, from 4 to 6 p.m. The Dark by Lemony Snickett would be a good picture book to read to Ariel. Children may drop in or call the library at 872-1246 to reserve a time slot.
Story time
On Feb. 2, a groundhog will be pulled from the darkness of his hole. If light causes a shadow, we can expect six more weeks of winter weather. Children ages one to five and their caregivers will learn about groundhogs during storytime on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft.
Friends meet
The Friends of the Library is a hopeful group that makes dreams come true for the library. The next meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. Members are currently planning a used jewelry and book sale as a fund-raiser. Donations are needed and help is appreciated. Sort through your books and jewelry over the next two months. Drop off donations at the senior center on March 21. The sale is on March 28 and 29, during the Maple Fest weekend. E-mail director@bernepubliclibrary.org or call the library for more information.
Movie night
If you missed the last movie shown at school, you have another chance to see it. Family Movie Night at the library is Friday, Feb. 5, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. The Oscar nominated, animated film features creatures that live underground. The movie is rated PG for action, some peril, and mild rude humor. Admission is free and refreshments are provided.
Special day
Saturday, Feb. 7, is Take Your Child to the Library Day. Bring your family to celebrate all the library has to offer.
Ms. Kathy is holding a special family story time at 11 a.m., featuring Pigeon and Pete the Cat from books by Mo Willems and James Dean. A take and make craft will be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to show your children the importance of reading.
Hope you will use this great community resource to enlighten your life.
“Snowflakes, like people, are all different and beautiful, but they can be a nuisance when they lose their identity in a mob”. The unknown author of this quote aptly states why we like snowflakes but not blizzards and why we like people but not crowds.
Fortunately the Berne Public Library can accommodate quite a few teens before it would be considered crowded. The teens take over the library on Friday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. The group is currently working on a hero video and all teens are invited to participate.
Family Playtime
According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a snowflake begins to form when an extremely cold-water droplet freezes onto a pollen or dust particle in the sky. As the ice crystal falls to the ground, water vapor freezes onto the primary crystal, building the six arms of a snowflake. The temperature and humidity of the air determines the final unique shape.
Help your children develop into unique and creative individuals with the help of the library. Join other families for Family Playtime on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Thursday, Jan. 15 from 2 to 4 p.m.. Drop in and use the library's games, puzzles, and dress-up clothes.
Craft group
A new craft group is forming on the second Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. This open program for adults includes making a craft and then deciding on a craft for the following month using the Pinterest website. The first craft planned for Sunday, Jan. 11, is a pair of sweater slippers. Bring an old sweater, scissors, pins, yarn, and a darning needle. Add snowflakes to your finished product. Extra supplies will be available for those who need them.
Story time
The theme for story time on Tuesday, Jan. 13, is snowflakes. Children ages one to five and their caregivers should join Ms. Kathy at 10:30 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. Hopefully, there will not be a large accumulation of snowflakes outside.
Memoir program
How do current snowfalls compare to those of the past? Do you have a favorite story about a snowfall? The memoir program resumes on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 2 p.m. MaryJo will facilitate as the group shares stories they have written. New participants are always welcome.
For those who enjoy the winter weather, let it snow!
Happy New Year. Author Neil Gaiman offers these words: "I hope that in this year to come, you make mistakes. Because if you are making mistakes, then you are making new things, trying new things, learning, living, pushing yourself, changing yourself, changing your world. You're doing things you've never done before, and more importantly, you're doing something."
Movie night
Try watching a movie projected on the large screen of the Berne Public Library’s community room. A movie recently released on DVD will be shown on Friday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m. This fantasy adventure is 121 minutes long and is rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence, action, and some language. Admission is free and refreshments are served. Contact the library for the title.
Open house
January marks the 12th anniversary of the Friends of the Berne Library. Without this group of volunteers doing many things over the years, the present library would not exist. The Friends are holding an open house on Sunday, Jan. 4, from 2 to 4 p.m., to thank those who donated money, time, or talents to the library during 2014. Come celebrate with them.
Book club
The first book club meeting of the New Year is on Sunday, Jan. 4, at 7 p.m. The group will be discussing Last Night at the Lobster by Stewart O'Nan. If joining a book club is something new you would like to try, now is a great time. The conversation is stimulating with many differing opinions.
Read to a dog
Has your child ever read aloud to a dog? The library provides this opportunity, which has been shown to increase a child's reading confidence. Ariel, our tail waggin' tutor, will be at the library on Monday, Jan. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., with her handler Amber. Call the library at 872-1246 to reserve a time or just drop in.
Make a snowman
When making a snowman, are you a traditionalist or do you branch out? Children ages one to five and their caregivers will learn about snow-persons on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. Stories, activities, and a craft are all part of this pre-literacy program which promotes trying new things.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees challenges the library staff to stay current with the needs of the community. The trustees meet on Thursday, Jan. 8, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss library business. This is an open meeting.
Video project
The teens are working on a new video project for the summer reading program. Last year their video placed in the top three in New York State. All teens are invited to help with this project on Friday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m.
Friends’ sale
If you are pushing yourself to get rid of clutter in the New Year, save your books and jewelry for the Friends of the Library. The group is having a sale on March 28 and 29. Items may be brought to the senior center on March 21.
Opportunity
The library offers many opportunities to do something new and it is okay to make mistakes. Hope to see you there in the new year.