— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Samuel is cozy, enjoying a few picture books from the Berne Library.
Hello February! Hello one day closer to spring. Great time of year to go on a book hunt, don’t you think? For many of you, any time of year is great for book hunting.
Here’s your open invitation to join the ranks of library explorers going widdershins around the library, looking at things from a new perspective. Casting your net to snag genres from all corners of librarydom.
Like hooking into the world of picture books, for instance. You’ll find lots of rewarding smiles in these cleverly illustrated stories that almost always lead to a happy ending. Books that share life lessons about friends, family, pets, or jiggle down into that part of life where just plain having fun is the real storyline.
Like “Walter’s Magic Wand” written by Eric Houghton and illustrated by Denise Teasdale. Walter finds himself in the library springing tigers from the book stacks, hiding from pirates behind a dictionary-built fortress, and sailing around the library on a boat made from bookshelves.
Then there’s “Wild About Books” by Judy Sierra. A place where zoo animals are wild about reading and eventually build themselves a Zoobrary.
“Walter the Farting Dog” by William Katzwinkle and Glenn Murray could very well give those smile muscles a workout. And “The Little Green Girl” by Lisa Anchin is a charmer of a read. Restful, thoughtful, and such gorgeous pictures to enjoy.
After your book hunt, maybe you could share some of your favorite finds with the ladies at the circulation desk. Happy hunting!
Coming events
Now a look at this week’s schedule of events:
— Feb. 13 at 7 p.m., the Berne Sunday Book club discusses “What Alice Forgot” by Liane Moriarty. Imagine waking up and having 10 years of your life missing. Thinking you’re a happily married newlywed pregnant with your first child and finding out you’re actually a mother of three, heading for divorce who no longer talks to your best friend or your sister;
— Journeys On the Page, a writing group sharing ideas and writing when it feels right. This month’s Zoom mingle happens at 7 p.m. on Feb. 11. Interesting writers are always welcome;
— On the 10th, the Berne Library Board of Trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public; and
— When you swing by the library on the 14th with your dark chocolate truffles and bouquet of flowers in hand, be sure to check out Kathy’s community collage. A delightful display of library visitors sharing snippets of library materials adding sparkles to their day. Happy Valentine’s day and happy book hunting y’all.
Director’s note: Submit your 8-by-10-inch photos for the Friends’ Seventh Juried Photography Contest by the Jan. 31 deadline. The entry fee for adults is $5 per photo. Entries from photographers age 17 and under are free. Call the library for more information at 518-872-1246 or go to bernepubliclibrary.org.
Garden dreaming
Just think, another day closer to spring. This is the time of year Broccoli Spear of the Seed Library suggests you start thinking about your upcoming garden.
Do your daydreams include planting herbs, vegetables, flowers? The Seed Library has a wide variety of all these things.
Do you want to try starting your own seed pots or buy plant packs already in progress from local nurseries? Are you gonna shake things up and try new gardening methods or stick to the same order of things? Container gardening, straw bale gardening or hydroponic are all interesting options.
Order a few gardening books for ideas toward planning your power garden this year. Dare to be inspired with books like “The Cook’s Herb Garden” by Jeff Cox, “Shade Gardens'” by Patricia Taylor, or “Composting” by Rebecca Pettiford. There’s nothing like a picture-packed gardening book to get you thinking of fresh greenery maturing into tasty treats or flowery displays in your yard.
Peruse the Seed Library’s inventory at https://bernelibraryfriends.org/seed-library and start putting your seed dream list together.
Art on the move
Just a few short days left to enjoy Thom Breitenbach’s display in the community room. His show flies onward Feb. 1. Catch sight of Thom’s 12 framed poster-art pieces in living color. Moving in for February will be your Friends Photography contest entries.
Library Day
Mark your calendar for the first Saturday in February from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the library’s annual celebration of Take Your Child to the Library Day. That’s Saturday, Feb. 5. Bring your kids to explore stories on the hour, crafts and freebies to bring home with you.
Widdershins tickles
Now, let’s check in with those characters from the Word of the Month Club for February’s focus word.
Roxanne and Cindy Leigh were chuckling as they read different words to the group. They kept returning to one that felt like a tickle every time it rolled out of their mouth.
“OK,” said Charlotte, “somebody use it in a sentence.”
Eric came up with “Benjamin ran three widdershins loops round the cedar tree before collapsing into hysterics.”
Widdershins: the wrong way, anti-clockwise, counterclockwise, going lefthandwise.
So, widdershins took first place for February.
The group members collectively decided that embracing widdershins pathways, or opposite what you think the “right” way is, may lead to unexpected discoveries. Say widdershins three times. It tickles, doesn’t it?
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
"The Berne Public Library is more than just books. Cake pans, magazines, seeds, puppets oh my!" says Sandra Kisselback.
After a quiet few days in the library’s event calendar, giving staff a wee breather, next week you’ll find the Zoom 101 (How to Use Zoom, the Basics) class being held Friday, Jan. 28, at 12:30 p.m. Join virtually or in-house at the Berne Public Library to beef up your 2022 tech savvy journey.
Jennifer Mosher from the Schoharie Library is lending her expertise thanks to a grant funded by New York State Library’s Adult Literacy Services Program.
Go to schoharielibrary.org, click on Programs & Calendar and then click on the Zoom program picture to sign up for this multi-library collaborative program. Take this opportunity to gather new knowledge, for free, courtesy of your friendly neighborhood libraries.
Special days ahead
According to the library’s new front desk Celebrations calendar supplied by the director, Sunday, Jan. 23, is Handwriting Day — a good day to work on your entry into the library’s essay contest to “Describe in 750 to 1,500 words what your ideal library looks and feels like.”
Jan. 16 was a day to appreciate Dragons and on the 30th the calendar creators have decided it’s Draw a Dinosaur Day. Plenty of fun reasons to celebrate, yes? There are a handful of colorful dinosaur books in the kids’ picture-book section here at the library. Maybe some of you dinosaur lovers out there want to give drawing a go?
Writing, drawing, reading, learning new technology, photography. All good hobbies to dive into as the new year rolls along. To test the waters for photography, throw your favorite photo into the ring for the Friends Seventh Juried Photo contest. As always, your participation is enormously appreciated.
Creative canvas
Remember, just a handful of days left to enjoy Thom Breitenbach’s art, which is hanging out in the community room through Jan. 31. Thank you to Ann for arranging with the artist to bring this and all the other displays that liven up the library’s art wall.
“Proverbidioms” and more by Thom Breitenbach — see, explore, and enjoy the unexpected from Thom’s grand creative canvas.
Seeking selfies
Looking forward to receiving your selfies being sent to director@bernepubliclibrary.org, showing at-home use of library materials: books, cake pans, DVDs, Books on CD, magazines, STEM kits, Kajeet Hot spots and seeds just to name a few.
All pictures will be displayed in a community collage for all to enjoy when you enter the inner sanctum of the library walls.
Director’s note
Send in your 8-by-10-inch photos for the library’s photography contest. Entry fee for adults is $5. Photographers age 17 and under can enter for free. For more information, call the library at 518-872-1246 or go online at bernepubliclibrary.org.
Proverbidioms" and other artwork by Thom Breitenbach is on display at the Berne Library.
Sally and Marshall just got back from exploring the newest art exhibit in the library’s community room featuring the art of Thom Breitenbach.
“I could look at those Proverbidioms posters for days,” Sally called out to Marshall who was throwing together a few light snacks.
“I know! How that Thom guy ever visualized ways of painting over 300 proverbs and clichés is mind-boggling,” Marshall threw back.
“Yeah,” Sally mumbled as she opened her laptop. “Look, Marshall. Here’s the artist’s website. It says he studied architecture and fine arts in an independent study program at Notre Dame!”
“Wow! He must be a total genius,” Marshall gushed. “What do you think inspired him to do the Proverbidioms project?”
A-ha! To answer this question, let’s go to the source. In some of the artist’s own words:
“I loved the old masters. Hieronymus Bosch, Peter Brueghel. Around 1558, Brueghel did a proverb painting. A review of Brueghel’s painting suggested language was much more colorful back then. After some thought, I took this as a challenge and came up with 3 times the sayings from Brueghel’s Netherlandish Proverbs.’ I had so much fun, I created almost a dozen more collections on varying themes.”
As you can tell, these works are a labor of love and pure talent. Give yourself a treat. Visit the exhibit often through the end of January.
Other library
happenings?
Knit Wits
Journey’s On the Page Essay Contest
Friends Juried Photo Contest
Zoom 101
Picture yourself using library material - selfies
Hotspots
Any questions? Call 518-872-1246
Cheers!
What? You’d like more details? OK, very well:
— Jan. 16: The Knit Wits get yarning around 7 p.m. Projects continue with or without the mingle. These ladies are mile high in the talent department and new members are invited to join anytime;
— The Friends Photo Contest is up and running. Did you know this is their seventh show? Start zooming in on these categories: Vroom!, Garden Delights, Play Ball! and All Creatures Great and Small. Enter in the Juniors age 8 to 18 division or Adults, 18.1 and up. The deadline for entry is Jan. 31. Entry form and mats available at the library;
— Do you Zoom? Are you interested in learning more about using Zoom? Then take this opportunity to sign up for Zoom 101, (How To Use Zoom), on the 28th at 12:30 p.m. Jennifer Mosher of the Schoharie Library will lead us to greater understanding on navigating the Zoom meeting platform. Reserve your spot today by calling 518-872-1246;
— Journeys On The Page Essay Contest. In 750 to 1,500 words: “Describe in detail what your ideal library looks and feels like.” Submission deadline, March 31 to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org; and
— Community collage construction: Take a photo at home using library materials, like a selfie. Send in your selfie to director@bernepubliclibrary.org and help build the collage. And if you want, check out a Hotspot from the circulation desk for at home Wi-Fi.
Long before “Make Your Bed ... '” became a thing, the University of Texas at Austin’s 2014 graduating class experienced Retired Admiral William H. McRaven’s commencement speech. Quickly going viral, with more than 15 million views to date, a seed was planted.
Three years later, “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life … And Maybe the World” was published.
Rolling off Admiral McRaven’s 2017 #1 New York Times bestseller success, the admiral launched “Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal” in 2021. When Skipper the seal reaches a certain age, he wants to help his country. He decides to head off to SEAL [United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams] training camp to see if he has what it takes to be a Navy SEAL.
The children’s book, now available for check-out at the Berne Library, follows the same 10 lessons covered in the adult version. Both books swim with encouragement.
Using a ship’s anchor to highlight each of the SEAL practices, the story follows Skipper the Seal, starting each day by making his bed, learning to be kind to everyone, always striving to do his best, trying new adventures, a team is stronger than navigating solo and continuing on to Skipper’s Navy SEAL graduation.
Vibrantly illustrated, the book is thoughtful and inspirational in nature.
Read “Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal” today. Learn about the courage to stand strong. Tomorrow, flesh it out with the 2017 grown-up version. Learn why starting each day by making your bed is so important.
Book club
Chances are you’ve heard of the Berne Sunday Book club. This month’s discussion dissects “The Vanishing Half” by Brit Bennett. Join the group on Sunday, Jan. 9, at 7 p.m.
Trustees meet
On Thursday, Jan. 13, the trustees meet to begin the 2022 kick-off of addressing library business. Meetings are open to the public.
Journeys On the Page
Also on the schedule is the monthly Journeys On the Page writing mingle. Join in-house or Zoom at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14. Journeys On the Page — a place where ideas grow, stories build, thoughts shine.
How about giving writing a go with your entry into Journey's essay contest?
The essay’s theme: “Describe in detail what your ideal library looks and feels like” in 750 to 1,500 words. Send your essay to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org by March 31, 2022.
Breitenbach’s art
New month, new art on the Friends gallery wall. This month, experience the wonderful world of Thom Breitenbach, famously known for his painting “Proverbidioms.”
A self-taught artist born in Queens, New York and eventually settling in Altamont where he started building his castle-studio in 1975 after returning as the youngest person to receive a visual arts Rome Prize Fellowship. Learn more about his life work at tebreitenbach.com. Enjoy this opportunity to explore Thom Breitenbach’s display through the end of January.
Director’s note
We are collecting pictures of community members reading at home. Take a selfie of yourself reading and send it to director@bernepubliclibrary.org. We are putting together a collage to be displayed at the library for the month of February.
Kaleidoscope of Wishes
By SLS
Hi there, Friends of the Berne Library,
Thanks for all your help.
Bringing ideas to living color
Spreads joy that’s deeply felt.
Wishing you piles of active members
And much fun along the way.
Hi there, Library Trustees,
Thanks for volunteering.
Your meetings might be long
But you’re here month after month.
Wishing you smooth sailing
As you paddle through the moats.
Hi there, Library visitors,
Thank you for your presence.
Your smiling eyes
Bring grand rewards
Every time you step inside.
Wishing success in all your journeys
Round the library shelves and more.
Hi there, Altamont Enterprise,
Thanks for printing library news.
Our library sure appreciates
Sharing our pictures too.
Wishing you the best in life
In all you try to do.
Hi there, Berne community,
Thanks for your support.
Kudos for help creating
Our Berne Public Library.
Wishing you joy of learning
And engaging with your friends
Finding wealths of history
In our Helderberg Mountain Wonderland.
Unexpectedness
The Word of the Month Club members, ensconced in their favorite pursuit, are happily reading from the Oxford English Dictionary.
Roxanne yells out “Status quo.”
Cindy Leigh responds, “Doing things the way they’re always done. Following the same trail. Folding into the box.”
Eric bounces “Anti-status quo.”
And that’s how they came up with January 2022’s word of the month: Unexpectedness.
Deciding to go all in to experience unexpectedness in their own unique way, ideas spouted like lava from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano. Whether purposely engaging in a solo artist date, having a root-beer float for breakfast, saying “yes” to an invitation normally eliciting a “no,” or attending the library’s Community Conversation about Cannabis, unexpectedness is on the radar and the Word of the Month Club is excited to give it a go.
Coming up
— Hilltown Conversations: “Let’s Talk About Cannabis!” on Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. Library community room or virtual link. Snacks will be available, cannabis will not. Please register; and
— Friends of the Berne Library: Join the friends on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m. On the discussion board, the Seventh Annual Juried Photography Exhibit.
2021 Remembrances
It was a year. Changes ebbed and flowed. Animal visits enlivened outdoor spaces with chickens, goats, sheeps, pigs, leapin’ lizards, turtles, snakes. Reading challenges for tots, adults, and everything in between.
It was a year. Books read, reviews shared, author visits dialed in. Journeys On the Page, Book Club, Knit Wit mingles. Adults coloring night. Comic-book illustrator teaching tips to the crowd.
It was a year. Slime, blobfish, service animals for the blind, diabetic alert dogs. Artists on the wall. Flowers in the garden. Pumpkin-carving. Nature-journaling. Music in the Park. StoryWalks in Berne and Knox, library-sponsored walks. Online Photo contest, Sock Tree, Community Conversations. Word of the Month club teasings.
What’s next? The sky’s the limit with unexpectedness heading your way.
Best wishes for a fantabulous brand new year.
Sally and Marshall were chatting in front of the fireplace about their recent visit to see Nettye Lamkay’s paintings at the library. Checking out each month’s art exhibit followed by exchanging views on their favorite pieces is now their second-Friday-of-the-month date night.
Marshall’s been working on a mural in their meditation room for three years now. Every time a new artist showcases their work, Marshall is inspired to give the mural some extra added attention.
“I was drawn to that pastel scene with the reeds and swirling water from the Ann Lee Pond picture,” Sally started.
“It was a toss-up between the Wyoming evergreens surrounding the lake in the distance and the tangled tree branches subtly masking the green steps rising up from the pavement. That stair scene was kind of a tease. Like you wanted to fight your way past the tree and see what was up those stairs.”
“Hmmm. I can see that. It’s so wonderful to see the magic created in paintings, isn’t it Marshall?”
“Agreed. Which gets me to thinking about that mural I’ve been trying to complete.”
“You’ll get there, babe. My confidence in you never wavers. Cheers to date nite.”
Marshall smiled. They clinked glasses and drifted off into hazy wonderings while watching the flames leap about.
Essay contest
Journeys On the Page, a writing group that began meeting virtually in the summer of 2020, is inviting you to its first essay contest.Send your essay of 750 to 1,500 words written around the following theme: “Describe in detail what your ideal library looks and feels like.”
Be as bold and creative as your pen will allow. Dare to follow a newly hatched thread of thought. If you want waterfalls inside, throw it on the page. A sound booth for recording music CDs, tell us about it.
Share your wildest creative vision of what your ideal library is made of and how it connects to the community.
Send your essays to sandra@bernepubliclibrary.org by March 31, 2022 or drop off your typed masterpiece in person. More details to follow.
Photo exhibit
The Seventh Annual Berne Public Library Juried Photography Exhibit sponsored by the Friends group is fast approaching. The entry deadline is Monday, Jan. 31. Categories to shoot for: Vroom!, Garden Delights, Play Ball!, and All Creatures Great and Small.
Talk about cannabis
Coming up in January, save the date: Tuesday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 8 p.m., a third installment of Community Conversations will be rolling out. “Let’s Talk About Cannabis” is on the table. Reserve your spot by calling 518-872-1246.
Food prep
Oh, and if you’re looking for food-prep inspiration, we just added four seasons of “America’s Test Kitchens” and two seasons of “Cook’s Country” to the “New To Berne” DVD collection, thanks to a kind donation. Time to get cooking and invite us over for dinner. Now picture seven laughing emoticons and call it a day.
— Photo from Sandra Kisselback
Nettye Lamkay’s artwork is on display at the Berne Library through the end of December.
By Sandra L. Kisselback
Full Moon Saturday happens Dec. 18. You know what else happens on that date? Go ahead, give it your best guess.
If you guessed Winter Bedtime Story Time at the library, get those smile muscles working and raise your hands high. Come in to enjoy a story and some cozy hot chocolate. PJs are optional. Geared for kids ages 2 to 6 but all are welcome to join from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
On Dec. 19, the Knit Wits roll in for their monthly knit and visit. Share your projects, discuss your day. Join the Knit Wits at 7 p.m. in the community room.
While there, and anytime the library is open, take the opportunity to view Nettye Lamkay’s scenic art wall display through the end of December. The art lays on the wall yet moves in each scene. A subtle step forward, water circling the wind blown reeds, clouds moving overhead, and shadows following figures on different textured paths. Such calming pleasures for the eye.
Christmas
around the world
Of the nearly 200 recognized countries in the world, 160 are reported to celebrate Christmas. Some traditions are familiar, others contain ingredients you may find interesting. Enjoy this grab bag of Christmas around the world.
New Zealand’s Kiwi Christmas has the pohutukawa tree, which blossoms bright crimson red this time of year in parks, beaches, and forests. You’ll see the Maori people on the beach serving up a hangi — a meal prepared with their traditional cooking method of using steam and hot rocks in underground pits. Picture fresh seafood, kumara (sweet) potatoes and vegetables.
While our area plans for snowy flakes to fall, New Zealanders, Australians, Hawaiians, and many others gather on beaches with red Santa hats and bathing suits celebrating the Christmas season. Being it’s summer in these tropical spots, you’ll likely see Santa catching a few waves and wearing “jandals” (flip-flops).
In Hawaii, Santa arrives on the beach in an outrigger canoe. Think luaus, hula dancing, decorated palm trees, and Shaka Santa. Shaka is the Hawaiian hand sign for “hang loose.” Alongside Shaka Santa you’ll see Tutu Mele. This year’s two-ton statues arrived at Honolulu Hale complete with red floral face coverings.
In New Zealand, Santa may have a beer and pineapple chunks left as a treat with carrots for Santa’s reindeers. Meri Kirihimete from New Zealand. Mele Kalikimaka from Hawaii.
In Japan, a marketing campaign started back in the mid-1970s has people ordering Kentucky Fried Chicken for a Christmas Eve meal weeks in advance. “Kurisumasu ni wa kentakkii!” (Kentucky for Christmas!).
Other seasonal images include the Yule Goat in Sweden, fried caterpillars in South Africa, and Iceland’s Yule Cat. And don’t forget Germany’s Christmas pickle hiding in the tree. Frohe Weihnachten!
In Mexico, festivities run from Dec. 16 through 24 with Las Posadas. Feliz Navidad. Sretan Bozic (Croatia). Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and to all a good night.
— Photo from Sandra Kisselback
The sock tree at the Berne Library is trimmed with warmth.
— Photo from Kathy Stempel
The Berne Library float in the Peter Becker Christmas Parade urged reading with a play on words.
The Friends of the Berne Library’s sock tree is dripping with your generosity. Thanks a million to the contributors. Donations continue to be accepted through Dec. 15 if you wish to sock it to the tree in your own personal style.
For those of you who follow the Berne Sunday Book Club, their next perusal is “The Vanishing Half” by New York Times bestseller Brit Bennet. At 16 years old, the Vignes twin sisters escape their life in Mallard, Louisiana. Going on to engage in entirely different life paths, the story flips between the 1950s South and the 1990s of points north, west, and back again. It’s a story of family generations, expectations, race and identity.
Concerns addressed
State Senator Michelle Hinchey’s mobile office is scheduled for the library’s community room on Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 1 to 6 p.m. A representative will be on hand to address any questions or concerns you may have.
Art on display
A representational artist creates artwork that exists in reality: Landscapes, portraits, birds in flight. Meet Nettye Lamkay, a self-professed representational artist, is currently displaying 16 of her productions on the Friends art wall in the community room.
Although Nettye holds a penchant for pastels, she also dabbles with charcoal, oil, and watercolors. Drawing since childhood, Nettye admits to making pencil sketches of classmates and teachers rather than taking notes.
After retiring from a career with the Albany City School District, she knew she wanted to paint. Signing up for some introductory classes set that passion ablaze. That was just a handful of years ago.
Now, while in the throes of her other life pursuits of hiking, skiing, traveling, and bird-watching, Nettye always has an eye out for possible canvas projects.
In Nettye’s words: “I look to capture everyday beauty in the natural word that moves me, draws me in, speaks to me. Elegance of birds in flight, cityscapes, people. I have always been a people watcher. My three children, their spouses and their children are used to being subjects of study in my art world.”
Give yourself a treat and visit Nettye’s world of captured beauty appearing at the library through the end of December.
Questions
December questions to ponder. Have you ever:
— Thought about joining the Friends of the Berne Library?
— Memorized a poem?
— Learned some “ready to go” jokes to share with a child?
— Wanted to learn the art of bonsai?
— Hungered to take dance, painting, drawing, or creative dreaming lessons?
— How about participating in a Winter Bedtime Story Hour?
You can pursue all of these missions with a wee trip to the library. Oh, and the Winter Bedtime Story Hour? Reserve your spot now for Saturday, Dec. 18, at 5:30 p.m. Call 518-872-1246.
Can you believe it? Month twelve of 2021. Peeking at the first full week, here’s what’s filling the library calendar page:
— Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., Berne Sunday Book Club members flock to the library to discuss “The Book of Lost Friends,” by Lisa Wingate. Flipping between 1787 Louisiana and 1987, this novel draws on historical events.
Follow a young teacher discovering advertisements written by freed enslaved humans in search of “Lost Friends” torn apart after Civil War reconstruction. Benedetta Silva follows the journey of three women embarking into danger on the road to Texas. Secrets, unexpected connections, a hidden book and hope unfold as Lavinia, Juneau Jane, and Hannie carry their pilgrimage westward;
— Also on the 5th, the library participates in the Peter Becker Christmas Parade. A parade of floats, colorfully lighted vehicles, and lots of “’Tis the Season” atmosphere near and far. Gather on the parade route from Helderberg Bluestone to the Berne firehouse. Join your neighbors for this community event starting at 4:30 p.m.;
— Jumping to the 9th, the Berne Library Board of Trustees are in the community room, attending to library business. These meetings are open to the public; and
— Writing dabblers from Journeys On the Page meet online and in house for their Dec. 10 mingle starting at 7 p.m. A place to nurture, share, and grow your ideas in a supportive, low-pressure space. Interesting writers are always welcome.
Friends’ projects
Trumpeting the efforts of the Friends, feel free to add new socks to the Sock Tree through Dec.15.
After socking it up, fire up your perfect picture radar to enter the 7th Juried Photo Exhibit. Four categories to shoot for include: Vroom!, Garden Delights, Play Ball! and All Creatures Great and Small. Enter photos by Jan. 31. Entry forms available soon.
Then, there are the foam cutouts you can decorate or add your fave book or authors for trimming a tree sponsored by the library and Friends.
Winter sowing
Chatting with Broccoli Spear of Seed Library fame, a few tips sprouted involving winter sowing ideas. If you have a weed-free spot that drains well, try adding milkweed and butterfly weed to launch a monarch butterfly draw. Broccoli’s research uncovered flowering perennials being helped to germinate by adding the winter cold ingredient. Pretty cool, right?
Such plants as campfire rudbeckia, echinacea, yarrow, and blazing star. Other possibilities include poppies, chamomile, calendula, and marigolds. Add to that some moon flower, heavenly morning glory and a balloon vine and you’ve got yourself a feast of awesome come springtime. Ramp up the sowing by about 20 percent.
Want to test a small version of this winter sowing? Sow seeds into a few containers left outside and partially covered. Look out marigolds; it’s time to try this experiment on for size. Thanks, Broccoli Spear, for the tips.