Ooopsie! A little correction is in order.
Knit Wit’s calendar appoints the third Sunday of the month for mingles. Last week’s library news stated that second Sundays were the norm.
Alternate Sundays are only used under special circumstances. Like when Easter Sunday hops into view on the third Sunday of April. Apologies, Knit Wits and readers.
Story time
Earth Story Time orbits the community room April 19 at 10:30 a.m. Bring your wee ones in for 20 to 30 minutes as Miss Kathy shares earth stories, rhymes, and games.
Creating delight
“Celebrating Little Things” presses on. Each Friday, a little something is thrown into the wind to smile about, appreciate, acknowledge and/or make a toast with friends and family about. Just a nudge to reframe and recognize that there are plenty of opportunities for creating moments of humor and delight by making the choice to do so.
Last week was the Magic of Unicorns. This week, the spotlight remains on unicorns with the addition of rainbows added to the mix. Go ahead, raise your glasses with a toast to Unicorns and Rainbows in the Library’s “Celebrating Little Things” corner from April 15 to 21.
Canceled
The talent show is canceled.
Time management
“Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by the talented and entertaining author Oliver Burkeman, a view.
Got a minute? How will you use it? How about 4,000 weeks? How will you use those time coins? Four-thousand weeks is the equivalent of 76.92 years. Some earthlings have more, some less.
Burkeman explores ways people think they “should, ” are, or have used their allotment of weeks with humor, plenty of anecdotes, and a bundle of thought provokers.
Probing merits of hobby time, there’s mention of Rod Stewart’s active pursuit of model railroading just because he enjoys it so much. Similarly, on editor and publisher Karen Rinaldi’s surfing obsession, her belief that the activity gives her “the freedom to suck without caring what the world thinks” says it all.
Burkeman steeps readers in spot-on observations. Wrapping up with “Ten Tools to Embrace Your Finitude” plus abundant references for further pursuits into contemplating your 4,000 or so weeks is golden. Check it out today!
Earth Day
Quick, be sure to add the library’s Earth Day Family challenge to your calendar. Prepare to meet five activity challenges presented on Saturday, April 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the community room. Prizes are an extra bonus adding to the excitement.
See you on the Earth Day trail!
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Artwork by Berne-Knox-Westerlo students is on display at the Berne Library.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
K-A-T-I-E is spelled out in American Sign Language.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Art in motion: Charlotte Elble painted this fish.
Colorful! Wow! Thought provoking! Fishy, detailed, quietly beautiful. Splats, 3D and special hand language.
Gracing the walls of the Berne Library’s community room you’ll find 35 varied themes and formats created by art students from Berne-Knox-Westerlo. Give your eyes a treat and check out this talent-fused display now through the end of April. It’s worth the trip.
500 Hats
How would you like to be part of the 500 Hats Project launched by the Knit Wits? Their ambitious goal of gathering 500 handmade hats benefitting children and adults in the Hilltowns could use your support.
The Knit Wits’ rendezvous schedule falls on the second Sunday each month at 7 p.m. in the library’s community room. Interested in meeting new people, joining the 500 Hats Project campaign, or need help in understanding the workings of your new loom?
Join them for their April meeting on the 10th or any second Sunday of the month as the year progresses. Contact Jodi Ebel at 518-860-4494 for more intel on the hats project.
Rabbit Story Time
That fun story-time lady is opening the curtain for Rabbit Story Time this Tuesday, April 12, at 10:30 a.m., in the library. Bring your 4-and-under wee ones in for 20 to 30 minutes of songs, rhymes, and book-reading. Please take a moment to sign up by calling 518-872-1246.
Terrarium workshop
Swinging forward to 6:30 p.m. on April 12, a 10-person max Hanging Terrarium workshop is on the calendar. Plant your own hanging terrarium and bring it home for further enjoyment. Register by calling 518-872-1246 or sign up at the library.
Trustees meet
The Berne Library Board of Trustees meets this month on April 14, starting at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
Earth Day
Mark your library calendar for an Earth Day celebration at the library on April 23 from 3 to 5 p.m. Five challenges related to Earth Day highlight the event.
USS Slater
With the opening of the USS Slater’s 2022 season in April, you now have the opportunity to borrow a pass funded by the Helderberg Hilltowns Association. The pass provides admission for two adults and two children to the floating museum located on the Hudson River in Albany.
Unicorns fêted
“Celebrating the Little Things” Fridays at the library salutes the magical unicorn on April 8. Do you know anyone who loves unicorns, has unicorn socks, wears unicorn-themed shirts?
Rumor has it there is a unicorn-themed store in Pennsylvania called “The Candy Unicornium” where you can buy unicorn-emblazoned toilet paper if you so desire. Just saying.
Be on the lookout for all things unicorn this week. Cheers!
Along with spring flowers awakening and dream projects sprouting, April is National Poetry Month. Get your poem on, find your rhyme, celebrate your favorite verse.
As you delve into inviting your favorite poet to the table, think about adding “Celebrating Little Things” every Friday at the library, to the menu. This Friday, April Fool’s Day, the theme is laughter and smiles and that’s no joke. Cheers to poems, laughter, and smiles in the library’s “Celebrating Little Things” movement.
Coming events
Now here’s a look at events happening this first week of April in libraryland:
— First up is the Berne Sunday Book Club’s gathering on April 3. The book under scrutiny is “My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry,” written by Swedish writer, blogger, and columnist, Fredrik Backman. Add your reasoning behind the book this Sunday, April 3, at 5 p.m.;
— On Tuesday, April 5, at 10:30 a.m., bring your little ones to the Story Time Libraries edition. Learn some things about libraries you never knew you didn’t know. There is sure to be lots of fun, reading, playing, and moving about;
— The Friends group gathers on the 6th at 7 p.m. in the community room to celebrate completion of their book, media, and other stuff sale on the 26th. Kudos to all who helped make this year’s sale a riotous success. Interested in helping on future projects? Come to the meeting on the 6th and see what’s next in the queue;
— Journeys On the Page, writing dabblers near and far, will be zooming in for a mingle Friday, April 8, at 7 p.m. Maybe you enjoy sharing, maybe you enjoy listening. Either way is fine. Interesting writers are always welcome;
— Reminder: The talent-show video is scheduled for April 29 at 7 p.m. We are looking for talented and not-so-talented people. Please don’t let Ms. Kathy and her twin sister be the only ones to be in the show. Call the library at 518-872-1246.
Fortitude
Finally, here’s a moment with the Word of the Month Club.
The core group of Roxanne, Cindy Leigh, Eric, Charlotte, Devin, Danielle, Dewey, Guinevere, and Edward are super excited. But when are they not super excited when they take up a new word to focus on for the month?
The group is super excited to promote “fortitude” as April’s word of the month. Synonyms for fortitude? Bravery. Boldness. Courage. Determination. Fearlessness.
Have fortitude in your pursuits of learning, exploring, connecting. Find paths coated with fortitude as you dive into your passions and breathe life into your ideas whether they be minis or bigs.
Lean in with fortitude as you go after that long burning desire. Do it with fortitude, gusto, and panache. The Word of the Month Club members now raise their glasses to fortitude. Cheers!
Pack your snacks and get ready to spend some time cruising the Friends of the Berne Library’s mega Books, Media, Games and Puzzles Sale on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Berne Senior Center. Books of all genres, shapes and sizes are ready and waiting for you to give them a new home for a while.
Storytime
Story time at the library is back after two years of virtual broadcasts. Sign up by calling 518-872-1246. Bring your little ones for 20-30 minutes of preschool storytime where each week introduces a new theme. This Tuesday, March 22, the focus is spring. Where the landscape begins its metamorphosis into budding trees, popping flowers and increased movement in the animal kingdom.
Stop in at the library and experience Spring Storytime with stories, songs and rhymes on March 22 at 10 a.m. with Miss Kathy leading the way.
Talent Night
You are invited to sign up by April 1 to participate and view the library’s Virtual Talent Night event to be launched April 29. Call 518-872-1246 or email director@bernepubliclibrary.org. Show off your talent. Share your untalent! Tell jokes, play music, dance, read a poem, draw, Do MAGIC tricks.
Almost anything goes. Join in the fun. Click on the zoom link on the library’s website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org to gain access to the night’s show.
Walking
Last Friday's celebration at the library was “Throw your hands up to the big blue sky day.” And what a perfect day it was with nearly 70-degree weather. On March 25 the library applauds the joy of walking. Throw those walking shoes on and let the library know about what you notice on your walks this Friday and the week that follows. Celebrate the “Joy of Walking” day with the library on March 25.
A few items to think about when you plan your library schedule over the next week:
— Looking at Friday, March 18, you have the opportunity to join in with the Cabin Fever Virtual Trivia night being hosted by the town-wide famous personality, the one and only Kathy Stempel, director at the Berne Public Library. Bring your beverage and snack choices to the screen at 7 p.m. for this virtual fun night via Zoom meetings. Please register for this event and the link is on the library website;
— Saturday, March 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, the Friends of the Berne Library will be accepting donations toward their colossal Books, Media, Games, and Puzzles Sale being held on the 26th. Drop off your donations at the Berne Senior Center between 9 a.m. and noon on the 19th. Then, remember to visit the sale on the 26th to find new treasures to bring home;
— On March 20, Knit Wits will meet at 7 p.m. to share their love of yarn. Bring your favorite project and enjoy the camaraderie of creation. You can also stop by and ask questions if you have a snag in one of your designs you’d like help or advice on; and
— Story time is back in the library after a two-year lockdown. Visit story time on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. with your 4-and-under children in tow. Each session has a theme with activities and movements. Please let us know if you will be stopping by.
Direct any questions you may have concerning programs or services by calling 518-872-1246. Check out the library’s website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org, look for library notes published each week in The Altamont Enterprise, and connect with the library’s Facebook page.
Every Friday is a new celebration at the library. This Friday, the 18th, is “Throw up your hands to the big blue sky day” — or you could call it “It’s a stretch day!” Happy exploring.
It’s time to activate your library calendar and add some things to your list. Deadlines are looming. RSVPs are on the prowl. Opportunities for fun are being offered free of charge.
First date to add: March 18. It’s a Cabin Fever Trivia Night for adults and the merrymaking begins at 7 p.m. Since the date sidles St. Patrick’s Day, you may be inclined to wear a little green, nosh on leftover corn beef and cabbage, and add your beverage of choice to the evening.
This is a virtual Zoom event. Call in your reservations and tune up your trivia smarts to pop those answers out in quick fashion.
Talent Show
Next on the RSVP menu, is a Talent Show jazzamatazzer to be held April 29. You can share your fave poem. Tell jokes. Play music, dance, or do magic. Dispense your favorite words of wisdom in a song. Anything goes.
But, there are two things to remember. First, your special performance must stay under five minutes. Secondly, there is an RSVP deadline of March 21. Please email director@bernepubliclibrary.org, call 518-872-1246 to call in your desire to participate, or stop at the library and sign up.
Three things to recognize and perhaps celebrate on this 21st day in March include World Poetry Day, International Day of Forests, and it’s officially the second day of spring. The calendar tells us spring springs on the 20th and you best change those clocks on the 13th for daylight savings time.
Essay contest
Looks like there’s one more deadline to spout and then you can go munch on your milk and cookies. If you like to write and throw your thoughts on the page, have a go at the Journeys On the Page essay contest. Deadline for your entry is March 3. Send your 750- to 1,500-word story, “describing, in detail, what your ideal library looks and feels like,” to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org.
Please include your age range: 13 and under, a whisper over 13 to 18, or 19 and beyond. Also, add your contact info and favorite mythical creature. Looking forward to hearing some of your unique ideas for libraryville. Thank you to those who have already submitted their creative piece.
Sale
Oh, just one more thing before you go. You have added the Friends huge mind-expanding Book, Media, Games and Puzzles Sale to your calendar, right?
It’s Saturday, March 26. The Berne Senior Center flings open its doors at 9 a.m and you can shop to your heart’s delight until 4 p.m.
Drop off any donations you’d like to add to the mix at the Senior Center on Saturday, March 19, between 9 a.m. and noon. Let the bargain hunting commence.
Director’s note
Story time will resume on Tuesday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. Please sign up ahead of time.
Check out Stellaluna and see how her little adventure forges an unusual friendship, plus learn a few things about bats to boot," says Berne library columnist Sandra L. Kisselback.
“Stellaluna,” a picture book by Janell Cannon, a view. Pip, Flitter, and Flap were joined by a visitor. The visitor was a youngster just like them.
Mother Bat was flying about one night while holding onto her baby, Stellaluna, when an owl swooped in for a tasty treat. Mother Bat lost her hold on Stellaluna and the baby bat ended up falling, phooomph, right into Mama bird’s nest.
“What was that?” cried Flap.
“I don’t know, but it’s hanging by its feet,” chirped Flitter.
“Shhh! Here comes Mama,” hissed Pip.
Follow along as Stellaluna and her new “temporary” family adjust, learn new ways, and care for each other even though they are different in so many ways. Birds with their feathers, bats with fur. Birds sleeping upright, bats sleeping upside down. Birds laying eggs, bats being mammals and giving birth to live young.
Cannon wraps up her book with a two-page write-up of Bat Notes, starting off with telling the reader that bats are the “only mammals capable of powered flight.”
Check out Stellaluna and see how her little adventure forges an unusual friendship, plus learn a few things about bats to boot.
Essay contest
If you haven’t heard, there is an essay contest in the works sponsored by the Friends and the library’s writing group — Journeys On the Page. Moving into the final month to submit your essay, by March 31, there’s a little addition to add to the mix.
When you submit your masterpiece to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org describing “Your Ideal Library,” please include your name, contact information, and age range: 13 and under, 13 to 18, or 19 and older.
While on the subject of Journeys On the Page, the group’s monthly mingle is set for Friday, March 11, at 7 p.m. via Zoom. All interesting writers are welcome.
Book club
The Berne Sunday Book Club is discussing “The Children’s Blizzard” by Melanie Benjamin on March 6 at 5 p.m. Did you know Melanie Benjamin is a pen name for Melanie Hauser
On her webpage — melaniebenjamin.com — the author confesses to being an armchair historian. In Benjamin’s words: “History only comes alive when we remember that it was made by real people.”
Trustees meet
The Berne Library Board of Trustees meets on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the community room. These meetings are open to the public.
Sale
A bold reminder to mark your calendars for the Friends colossal Book, Media, Games & Puzzles Sale to be staged at the Berne Senior Center on March 26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Be sure to stop by and grab some big-time bargains. Any donations you wish to pass along may be dropped off on March 19 from 9 a.m. to noon. Thank you for your support.
The Sunday Book Club at the Berne Library is discussing “The Children’s Blizzard” by Melanie Benjamin on March 6. This 2021 novel is based on true historic events surrounding an 1888 blizzard that swept over the Great Plains.
Marshall ran up the porch steps, flinging open the door and calling out for Sally.
“Sally! Sally! Where are you?”
Sally rushed to the door of their yoga room.
“What is it, Marshall? Is everything ok?”
“Everything’s fine, Sally. Sorry. Didn’t mean to give you a scare,” Marshall said, giving Sally a quick hug. “I just found out the Friends group for the Berne Library is having their Book and Media sale in March.”
“Fantabulous,” said Sally. “Where, when, and what time?”
Marshall pulled out a light blue quarter page of paper and held it out to Sally. “I grabbed this from the library when I went to vote on my favorite pictures in the Friends Photo Contest. It gives all the details.”
“Way to go, husband,” Sally applauded. “I see we can drop off donations to the Senior Center on the Saturday before, which is March 19th, between 9 a.m. and noon. And then the sale runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. This is so great! They always do an amazing sale every year. So many choices.”
Marshall piped in, “Oh, and the gal who always wears the winter hat at the front desk told me ….”
“That would be Sandra, Marshall,” Sally interrupted.
“Right. Sandra. Well, Sandra told me it’s not just books and media. They’ll have puzzles and games at the sale also,” Marshall finished.
“Oh, good,” Sally added. “Let’s put together a donation box to drop off on the 19th. And I’m adding both dates to the calendar right now so we make sure we have that on our ‘Events to attend in March’ agenda.”
Marshall smiled knowing he surprised Sally with news she hadn’t heard yet.
Berne Sunday
Book Club
If you are interested in following along with the club’s readings, next on the discussion block for March 6 is “The Children’s Blizzard” by Melanie Benjamin. This 2021 novel is based on true historic events surrounding an 1888 blizzard that swept over the Great Plains, catching many people unawares. New book club members are welcome anytime.
Tonglen
Speaking of the Word of the Month Club. Wait. Were you speaking of that?
Maybe it’s just a thought popping up because it’s time to take a peek at what the group has in mind for March.
Eric and Cindy Leigh put down the book they were reading. “It’s time,” said Cindy Leigh. They moved quickly to join the others.
Roxanne was just handing the mallet to Charlene. With a swift move, the purple gong rang out. Roxanne stood to announce this month’s highlight.
“In light of our recent dip into meditation, ‘tonglen’ moves front and center. Tonglen, Tibetan for sending and receiving. Breathing in wishes to take away others’ suffering. Breathing out wishes of comfort to those who are suffering. In essence, cultivating kindness always.”
“Here’s to tonglen.”
— Photo by Sandra L. Kisselback
Over 30 photographs have been entered in the Friends Seventh Photo Exhibit at the Berne Library. The public is invited to vote for their favorites.
Every month brings new sparkles to recognize and enjoy. New movies added to the shelf or discovering older ones worth viewing once again. New books cycling in, adding to the thousands already waiting for you to discover.
Library Lovers Month continues through the end of February and, as you know, your library is more than just books. STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) kits, hotspots, cake pans, board games, magazines, and puzzles: just a few of the available items you can borrow with your library card.
There are also a variety of activities to jump into with or without your library card:
— A new graphic book club is being started for 8- to 12-year-olds. Sign up now. Call 518-872-1246 to register;
— Journeys On the Page, a writing group, mingles virtually on the second Friday of each month. You are invited to write a fun essay or story, sponsored by the Journey’s writing group, describing your ideal library in 1,500 words or less. Enter your imaginative rendering by March 31. Drop off your masterpiece at the library or send it to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.com;
— The long-established Berne Sunday Book Club meets the first Sunday of the month and Knit Wits join together on the third Sunday;
— Volunteer with Friends of the Berne Library for one of their many projects throughout the year. The Friends meet at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month unless otherwise indicated. You can check information on www.bernepubliclibrary.org, click on the Friends tab.
Director’s note
There are several family 4-H Polar STEM kits available to pick up. Virtual live instructions are scheduled for February 22 to 25 at 3 p.m.
Photo Exhibit
Going on now, you can visit the community room and vote on your favorite photo pick from the Friends Seventh Photo Exhibit. Choose from over 30 entries.
Seed Library
The Seed Library is another free source of opportunity to add to your day. Check out the old catalog drawers that are filled with herb, flower, and vegetable seeds to make your gardens come to life this growing season. You can even put in your seed order online.
Library happenings
Coming up in March is the Friends yearly book and media sale to be held at the Senior Community Center. Stay tuned for more details.
You can always check out library happenings via their website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org, by calling 518-872-1246, following them on Facebook, or reading Library Notes courtesy of The Altamont Enterprise. Thank you for supporting your local library. Happy exploring everyone.
Musings of a Library Book
By SLS
Sitting on shelves day in and day out
Looking for someone
To please check me out.
I have many pages
And they’re filled to the brim
You’ll find tasty tidbits
From me and my kin.
Go tell all your pals
Spending time with me’s worth it.
Sharing the hours
Is like being with friends.
Oh no! Look out!
It’s the weeding patrol.
Hope that I’m spared
This time around.
I’ve heard from others
It’s a nasty ordeal
They tear out your due date
And X out your code
They may even rip you
Apart at the spine.
Hello there, can you see me?
Just please take me out!
Ah! To meld with my pages
Is a reward you can have.
Sashay down my aisle
And take me on home.
I sit here wondering
Who’ll take me today?
Over here! Pick me! Won’t you please take me out?
Awesome! OK! I’ve finally been chosen.
It’s good to go traveling
I’m happy once more.
Thank you, you’re lovely
I’ve met a new chum.
Someone to read me
And share once you’re done.
Photos displayed
A cheerful wall of pictures is hanging out all this month in the community room. Entries in the Friends Seventh Juried Photo contest are ready for viewing and voting on your favorites.
Need information about happenings at the library? Sign up for the monthly newsletter to be sent to your inbox by calling 518-872-1246 or stop in and let the ladies at the circulation desk know.
Check out and like the library Facebook page and follow the trail. Visit our website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org or read the library news each week in The Altamont Enterprise.
Oh, by the way, did you know February is Library Lover’s month?
Smiles and Happy Valentine’s Day! Have you picked up your chocolate and champagne yet?