Happy New Year! According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, families in the Philippines eat round fruits and wear clothing with polka dots on New Year’s Eve for good luck. The circular shapes symbolize wealth and prosperity in the New Year.
Movie night
The first Family Movie Night for 2014 is on Friday, Jan. 3 at 6:30 p.m. This month’s film is a newly released, animated movie rated PG. During the action comedy, yellow minions with circular glasses fight a super villain. Wealth is not needed for any library program. Like most of our programs, this one has free admission with refreshments included.
Book club
Being prosperous does not always lead to a happy life. Lost December by Richard Paul Evans is the novel being discussed during book club on Sunday, Jan. 5. Begin the new year with a conversation about riches to rags to redemption. Adults meet at 7 p.m., in the community room of the library and new members are always welcome.
Story time
Story time for Tuesday, Jan. 7, investigates the letter O. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join Kathy at 11 a.m., to explore a round fruit and the color orange. This is a fun way to develop early literacy skills. Stories, activities, and a craft are included in the program.
Friends meet
Money and volunteer work made our new library what it is. The Friends of the Berne Library meet on Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m., to discuss ways to continue supporting the library. More help is always appreciated.
Trustees meet
The library board of trustees meets Thursday, Jan. 9, at 6:30 p.m. This is a monthly, open meeting to discuss library business. Community members are encouraged to attend.
Bookshelves
Due to great foresight, many of the oak bookcases at our new location were purchased at an incredible discount from Borders when their Wolf Road store closed in 2008. This made it possible to leave behind the narrower pine bookshelves. Those shelves have been declared surplus by the town of Berne and are now on sale to any interested person. Stop by the town hall during clerk hours to stake a claim. All proceeds will go toward purchases for the new library.
Expanded hours
The library has the good fortune of being able to expand its hours in 2014 to better serve the community. The new hours are as follows: Monday 4 to 8 p.m., Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Thursday 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Put more library visits on your list of New Year resolutions.
As 2014 rapidly approaches, many reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. Consider following the advice of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson: "Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year."
Holiday hours
In observance of New Year's Day, the Berne Public Library will close early at 3 p.m., on Tuesday, Dec. 31, and will be closed for the day on Wednesday, Jan. 1. However, there are many programs during the week to help prevent boredom during the school break.
Photo art
The Teen Photo Art program continues with session 2 on Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Your digital pictures will be reviewed and decisions will be made. Your choices will be printed before session 3 on Thursday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m. During the last session, teens will arrange the pictures into an art display.
Maker Space program
On Monday, Dec. 30, youth ages 8 to 16 are invited to the library for destruction and construction. Join Kathy from 2 to 4 p.m. for our first Maker Space program. Take apart small appliances to see what makes them work. Try to put them back together or create something new with the pieces.
Story time
Our last story time for 2013 is on Tuesday, Dec. 31, at 11 a.m. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join Kathy for a New Year's party investigating the letter N. Noisemakers will definitely be involved.
Movie night
Our first movie night for 2014 is on Friday, Jan. 3, at 6:30 p.m. A newly released, PG-rated, animated comedy with little yellow creatures will be shown. Refreshments are included with free admission for this family event.
Newsletter
The Friends of the Berne Library group is keeping patrons informed about upcoming events with an e-newsletter. If you see Berne Library in your promotion e-mails, click on it to see our latest programs and events. Let us know if you would like to be added to the e-mail list.
Expanded hours
The staff at the library is looking forward to 2014. Due to increased funding from the town of Knox, the library will be open more hours per week. The following new hours start Jan. 2: 4 to 8 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
Include visits to the library during the best days of the new year.
— Photo from Judy Petrosillo
He knows if you’ve been reading: Santa Claus visited the kids at the Berne Library’s story time on Tuesday.
— Photo by Ron Barnell
Hilltown History at Your Fingertips: Jane McLean, third from left, and John Elberfeld, far right, the husband-and-wife team who wrote Helderberg Hilltowns recently presented a program at the new Berne Library on researching Helderberg families, homes, and communities. They emphasized both print and online genealogy sources as well as collections from the various libraries and historical societies of the Hilltowns. A book just published by Berne native Harold Miller, Berne and Knox — Our German Heritage, was on display, as well as a collection of books and maps by several Hilltown authors. Also contributing to the presentation were, from left, Ralph Miller, Berne town historian and Hal Miller’s brother; Will Osterhout, author of local history books; McLean; Kathy Stempel, library staffer; Sandra Kisselback, with the Berne Historical Society; and Elberfeld.
According to Merriam- Webster, one definition of the verb “create” is to produce something new by using your talents and imagination. School may be closed for the holidays, but your creativity can shine at the Berne Public Library.
Legos
Lego League is this Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon. Children ages 7 to 13 are invited to make a holiday creation with the library’s Legos. The projects will be on display at the library until the next monthly program.
Teen art
A teen art program is also being held over the school vacation. Learn how to take photographs and turn them into a piece of artwork. Meet with artist and teacher Laura Provo-Parker for three sessions at the library. The first session is Monday, Dec. 23, at 6:30 p.m., when teens will learn about lighting and composition while taking digital pictures. Bring a smart phone or digital camera.
The second session is Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m. Pictures taken by teens will be chosen for the art composition and we will print them before the third session. The third session is Thursday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m., when selected pictures will be arranged as an art display. This is a great opportunity for teens to develop their artistic talents.
New program
Maker Space programs are a new trend at libraries. The library is trying out its first program on Monday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m., for ages 8 to 16. Find out how small appliances are put together by taking them apart. Then try to put them back together or exchange parts and create something new.
Community resource
All library programs are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise. Take advantage of this community resource.
Story time
There is no story time on Tuesday, Dec. 24. The library will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and will reopen at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26. We wish all our Christian friends a very Merry Christmas.
If you are looking for a last minute gift for the library lover who has everything, consider purchasing a leaf for our giving tree in their honor. Make out a check to the Friends of the Berne Library and mail it to P.O. Box 42, Berne, NY. Proceeds go toward purchases and programs for the library.
Comet or Cupid? Holding a banner for the Berne Library, a young patron sporting reindeer antlers marches along the Helderberg Trail in Berne last Sunday with other children from the library as part of the annual Christmas Parade.
What’s on your bucket list? According to Merriam-Webster, a “bucket list” is a list of things that one has not done before but wants to do before dying. The phrase was popularized by the 2007 film with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. On my list is seeing a live moose in its natural environment. Of course, traveling to those locations will be the fun part.
If you have not yet visited the Berne Public Library at its new site, please put this on your list. In addition to many books, you will find movies on DVDs, audiobooks, and music CDs. New library cards with the library logo are being given to residents of Berne or Knox at no cost.
Movie night
Flying solo could be on the list. The film for movie night at the library is about a person who can fly with his own super powers. The movie is being shown on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. There is no admission fee to this PG-13 rated movie. Refreshments will be served.
Story time
Story time is on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 11 a.m. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to manipulate the letter M. A merry moose will meet you at the library for stories, activities, and a craft. There will be no story time on Dec. 24 or 31. Story time will resume on Jan. 7.
Leftovers
There are a few leftovers from the move in October. If you loaned us a plastic bin to move books, please pick it up at the library during hours.
Quilt winner
At the grand opening, Terri Osterhout was chosen as the new owner of the children’s author quilt. Congratulations to Terri and thanks to Peg Hoagland, Phyllis Johnson, and Karen Schimmer for their work on the quilt.
Farewell to trustees
It is with regret that we say goodbye to Mary Kinnaird and Joan Mullen as library trustees. Both women were instrumental in the library’s move to a new building. Their community service as trustees will be missed. We thank them for their work and wish them the best in their future endeavors.
Trustees needed
If you are a Berne resident and your bucket list includes being on the board of a library, this is your opportunity. Contact the town clerk by e-mail at .
Many ways to model a hat: Kids decked out caps with red and green trim during story time this week at the Berne Library. They will wear the festive toppers to the annual Holiday Parade on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 2 p.m.
"No, he's not heavy; he's my brother": These girls, wearing caps they decorated at the Berne Library, are ready to march down Route 443 from the school to the Masonic Lodge on Sunday when the Holiday Parade hits town.
‘Tis the season to be jolly with lots of fun at the Berne Public Library. Joy for teens begins on Friday, Dec. 6. The TAG (teen advisory group) meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Plans include blackout poetry and video gaming. No laggards allowed but do bring your friends.
Board games
Adults will also be playing games this week but these are more traditional board games requiring lucid and logical minds. Take the lead on Sunday, Dec. 8, starting at 7 p.m.
Story time
Lions will be in the library during story time on Tuesday, Dec. 10. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join Kathy at 11 a.m. for levity with the letter L. Develop literacy skills at a lively location.
Board meets
The library’s board of trustees holds its monthly meeting on Thursday, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. This is an open meeting to discuss library business.
Movie night
Last, but not least, is Movie Night at the library on Friday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. This month's film is rated PG-13 and is an adventure movie about a super man and some loathsome characters. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
No matter what your age, enjoy leisure activities at the library where there is always loads of laughter.
Happy Thanksgiving. The first Thanksgiving meal is attributed to the Native Americans and the Plymouth Colony. The Pilgrims consisted of English Protestants who wanted to break away from the Church of England. Their pursuit of religious liberty lead them to New England.
This year as Thanksgiving ends, Hanukkah begins. The Festival of Lights celebrates a time when Israel regained religious freedom taken away by the Syrians. The fight for freedoms has always been an important part of history.
Book club
If you find yourself quarreling with your children to do their homework, you may pick up some pointers during the Berne Book Club meeting on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Berne Public Library. The group will be discussing The Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. for a lively and perhaps contentious conversation.
Holiday gifts
Both Hanukkah and Christmas have gift giving traditions. If you are a tween or teen who enjoys making your gifts, the beading program on Monday, Dec. 2, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. is for you. Liz LaPorte, a local beader, will demonstrate methods and ideas for making beaded gifts. Laporte and the library will supply the materials needed to make your first take-home project. Don’t miss this free, hands-on fun designed for ages 11 to 18 years old.
Story time
On Tuesday, Dec. 3, story time is sponsored by the letter K for karate. Karate, a Japanese art involving hand and foot techniques, is used for self-defense. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to join Kathy at 11 a.m. for stories and a karate demonstration. The craft activity this week will be making hats to wear in the town of Berne holiday parade. The parade from the Berne-Knox-Westerlo school to the Berne Masonic Lodge takes place on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 p.m.
Meeting canceled
The Friends of the Berne Library will not be meeting in December. The next scheduled meeting is Wednesday, Jan. 8, at 7:30 p.m.
Historical program
Our local history is ripe with stories of fighting for our rights. Where do you go to find information on local families and past events? Attend the program, Hilltown History At Your Fingertips, on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. Historians, authors, and librarians will gather at the library to share their best local resources, including Harold Miller’s new book Berne and Knox: Our German Heritage. If you are looking for gift ideas, many of these resources will be for sale after the program.
Teens meet
Teens are invited to the library on Friday, Dec. 6, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Enjoy the freedom of using the building when the library is closed. Compete with other teens in video games, try creating black out poetry, discuss ways that the library can serve your needs, and enjoy free refreshments. Bring a friend.
As we reflect on Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, remember and honor all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor and fought for our freedoms in WWII.
We are jumping for joy. After years of raising money, writing grants, finding the perfect location, and designing the building, the new library is finally a reality. The grand opening of the new Berne Public Library is this Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. Join us for the ribbon cutting ceremony followed by refreshments. We are now located at 1763 Helderberg Trail in Berne.
Board openings
What did one book say to the other one? I just wanted to see if we are on the same page. If you are a Berne resident who supports the library's goals and has visions for its future, you are on the same page as a trustee. There are two openings on the library board that begin on Jan. 1, 2014. Apply for this volunteer position by contacting Pat Favreau at bernenyclerk@gmail.com or Mary Kinnaird at by November 18.
Lego creations
The library has the space and the Legos. All we need are children in grades 2 through 8 who are interested in making Lego creations. Jump on the bandwagon and become a member of the Lego League. The group meets this Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m., for an hour of hands-on fun.
Nit Wits
Many who knit or crochet would leap at the opportunity to share their ideas and talents with others. The monthly meeting of the Knit Wits is Sunday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. Bring your own project to work on in the community room of the library.
Story time
Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to jump into story time with both feet. Join Kathy on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 11 a.m., for a jovial exploration of the letter J. Expect to hear a lot of jokes, jump around, and make a craft during this early literacy program.
New books
How come the librarian slipped and fell in the library? Because she strayed into the non-friction section. Some newly purchased non-fiction books include The Great American Dust Bowl by Dan Brown, Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink, and David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell. Come browse with us.
If you jumped to the conclusion that the library staff is proud of our new library, you would be correct. Come in and see why.
Thomas Jefferson claimed that one of our unalienable rights is the pursuit of happiness. The International Society of Friendship and Good Will observes the second week in November as National Pursuit of Happiness Week. When looking for happiness, keep in mind the words of Abraham Lincoln; "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.”
If you need cheering up, there are items at the Berne Public Library for you. Try the book The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin, a movie on DVD such as Happy Feet or a music CD. Just being in our spacious building among friendly people may be enough to raise your spirits.
Movie night
Family Movie Night at the library is this Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. Enjoy a G-rated movie about Mike and Scully during their days at college. This animated movie should bring a smile to your face. Refreshments will be served.
Board games
Positive feelings should be shared with others. Adults are invited to play board games with their peers during Game Night on Sunday, Nov.10, at 7 p.m.
Book club
If a jovial discussion of a novel is more to your liking, consider participating in the Sunday Book Club for adults. The group meets on the first Sunday of the month at 7 p.m. They are currently reading Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother by Amy Chua to prepare for the December meeting. Request a copy of the book from the library.
Story time
We often celebrate joyful occasions with cake and ice cream. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to story time on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 11 a.m., to explore the letter I and have fun with ice cream. Stories, activities, and a craft are all a part of this weekly program to develop literacy skills in a sunny atmosphere.
Trustee openings
If you find happiness in deeds well done, consider becoming a library trustee. There are currently two trustee openings beginning on January 1, 2014. If you are interested in serving your community in this volunteer role, contact Pat Favreau at bernenyclerk@gmail.com or Mary Kinnaird at mmkinnaird@aol.com by Nov. 18. Please include a short description of your background and why you would like to be a trustee. According to our charter, you must be a town of Berne resident.
Board meets
The library board of trustees meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting is Nov. 14 in the community room of the library.
Lego League
A sense of accomplishment can make one beam with pleasure. The Lego League meets next Saturday, Nov. 16, at 11 a.m., to create objects with the library's Legos. Projects will be on display in the library until the December program when they will be disassembled and reused. This free program is designed for children in grades 2 through 8.
Grand opening
Author Ayn Rand said "Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values." Our library is a valuable community resource and we are ecstatic about finally procuring a user-friendly space for all ages. Please join us on Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m., for the official grand opening of the library. We may not have ice cream and cake to celebrate but there will definitely be refreshments and plenty of happy people.
Hats off to the volunteers, Friends of the Library, the town of Berne, the library trustees, the library staff, and those who contributed toward making the new Berne Public Library a reality. To celebrate the opening at our new location at 1763 Helderberg Trail, there is a ribbon cutting ceremony planned for Sunday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. All community members are invited to attend.
Board vacancies
The library trustees wear many hats including financial managers, policy developers, and library promoters. There will be two vacancies on the library board as of January 1, 2014. Residents of the town of Berne interested in serving on the board should contact Mary Kinnaird at mmkinnaird@aol.com or Pat Favreau at Bernenyclerk@gmail.com by Nov. 18. Consider throwing your hat into this ring of committed volunteers.
Teen group
The staff would be talking through their hats if they said they knew exactly what teens want at the library. The TAG (teen action group) was established to find out what teens really think and then to act on these ideas. These TAG happenings occur on the first Friday of the month. Interested teens should plan to meet with Kathy on Nov. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Book club
The book club for adults is Sunday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m. The group will be discussing The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morgan. I'll eat my hat if the conversation about this novel is not stimulating. New members are always welcome even if you have not read the book.
Story time
Hang on to your hat! Story time this week is featuring the letter H. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to wear their favorite hats on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Join Kathy at 11 a.m. for stories, activities, and a craft. Perhaps you will see her pull a rabbit out of a hat!
Friends meet
The Friends of the Berne Library have been known to lend assistance at the drop of a hat. Their monthly meeting is in the community room of the new library on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. The main topics this month include the ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 17 and a book sale tentatively scheduled for Nov. 23.
Movie night
Family Movie Night at the library takes place on Friday, Nov. 8, at 7 p.m. We will be showing a newly released movie on DVD that is rated PG. The title is being kept under my hat but you can contact the library at 872-1246 for more information. Refreshments will be served.
If you know additional idioms about hats, e-mail them to director@bernepubliclibrary.org. Just be sure they are not old hat.
The Berne Public Library is now open at its new location, 1763 Helderberg Trail, next to the Berne-Knox-Westerlo bus garage. Stop by and take a tour during library hours to see your beautiful community resource. Our hours are 4 to 8 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.
The move would not have been possible without the help of many volunteers. Thank you. Teen and adult volunteers moved the contents of the library in the morning, the children moved the picture books in the afternoon, and others worked all day on Saturday, Oct. 19 to ensure that we would be open on Monday, Oct. 21. Everything should be in its place by the ribbon cutting ceremony on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Game night
Game Night for adults will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. Join other adults in playing board games in the new community room of the library.
Story time
Ghastly ghosts gather at story time this week. Preschool children and their caregivers are invited to glean information about the letter G with stories, activities, and a craft. Join Kathy on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 11 a.m.
If you are out on Halloween night, trick or treat at the new library. In addition to treats, we have movies on DVDs, audiobooks, music CDs, and many books. Happy Halloween.