Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, August 5, 2020
— Photo by Sandra Kisselback
Flowers and hours at the Berne Public Library
Libraries. There are over 116,000 in the United States. When some of the oldest in the world came to life, they were filled with scrolls and clay tablets. The Temple of Haeinsa, on Mount Gaya in South Korea houses ancient Buddhist texts engraved on over 80,000 wooden blocks.
Then there’s the Geisel Library in La Jolla, California renamed after Audrey and Theodor Seuss Geisel aka Dr. Seuss. This unique architectural structure, turning 50 this year, stewards the entire Dr. Seuss collection. Mrs. Geisel made two ample donations, which prompted the library’s name change. The first, in 1991, included over $2.3 million worth of her husband’s original works such as sketches, drawings, notebooks, tapes and records. In 1995, she gave the library over $10 million dollars.
On the East Coast, in Manchester, New Hampshire at St. Anselm College, is another library named the Geisel Library. This one opened in 1960 thanks to a considerable donation by Honorable Joseph Herman Geisel in honor of his parents. Two libraries, same name. Easy to get confused, right?
Now jumping into the story is the Berne Public Library. Is that the Berne Public Library receiving its absolute charter in 1962 and located in Berne, New York or the Berne Public Library opening its doors March 14, 1935 and located in Berne, Indiana? Both are public libraries. It can be safely stated that neither one has received donations in the millions. But, two libraries, same name. Confusion may ensue. As it did half-a-dozen months ago.
“Hello, could you renew my library items?”
“Of, course, I’d be happy to. What’s your name?”
Name given, tap, tap, tappity tap. “I don’t seem to find your name in the system.”
“Here’s my library card number, maybe that will help.”
“OK. Let’s give it a shot.”
Tap, tap, tappity tap. “Wait. Your number seems to be from another system entirely. Where exactly are you calling from?”
“Berne, Indiana.”
Two libraries, same name. Smiles and confusion sometimes occur.
Summer Reading
Hey y’all. Summer reading is at the halfway mark. You’re still welcome to sign up.
Read yourself into your next adventure by logging onto READsquared and creating your account. Find the link on the library’s page at www.bernepubliclibrary.org or call 518-872-1246.
Meanderings by SLS
Meander, drift, traipse, roam
Gather your thoughts
Talk on the phone
Watch the sunset
Hear the wind
Picture some grapes
Paint to your zen
Power your lists
Try new food
Make it at home and
Share some with friends
Do adult coloring
Kids do some bubbling
Whack down weeds
And garden that land
Teens dancing
Zenjoying outdoors
Taking bike rides
Reading some tales
Add grilled pickles
Zucchinis and s’mores
Then head to the library
And Imagine Your Story
Start zenjoying each day to the max. New temporary library hours continue Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Book talk
Sunday Berne Book Club welcomes new members anytime. Join the conversation this Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Berne Town Park at 7 p.m.
Trustees meet
By the way, the trustees are having their monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 6:30 p.m.
A virtual class
There is still time to sign up for “Meeting Online: A Primer,” a virtual class. From business meetings, to family chats, to presentations, learn how to use free platforms like Google Hangout, GotToMeeting and Zoom to get together safely and effectively. Call the library at 518-872-1246 for more information.