Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, January 5, 2022
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.