Berne Library Notes for Friday, February 20, 2015

— Photo from Judy Petrosillo

Health history: John Elberfeld of the Knox Historical Society installed a display of engravings and quotations from The Guide-Board to Health, Peace and Competence by Dr. William Hall written in 1869.  The Knox Historical Society has a leather-bound copy in its collection at the Saddlemire Museum. The display may be viewed in the community room of the Berne Public Library through April. 

 

— Photo from Judy Petrosillo

Card-carrying creators: JoAnne Brady, teacher Kim Young, and Joan Mullen show their greeting cards produced during the card-making class at the library.  A monthly club is being formed and will meet at 7 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month starting in March.

 

The polar bear, Ursus maritimus, is the largest living land carnivore. The mammal can be found in the arctic with a climate similar to what we had this week. While we need crampons to walk on icy conditions, the polar bear has non-retractable claws, which act like ice picks.

Lego League

Children ages 5 to 13 are invited to the Berne Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 21, to make arctic scenes with Legos. Lego League runs from 11 a.m. to noon.  The library supplies the Legos and the creations go on display until next month. Younger siblings may join in the fun during Family Playtime from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  

Story time

Storytime is on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Pre-literacy skills are developed through stories, activities, and a craft.  On Feb. 24, children ages one to five and their caregivers will learn about polar bears under the guidance of Ms. Kathy.

Book Club

Although the northeast island featured in The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin is not part of the arctic, the main character seems cold-hearted. The book club will be discussing this book at 7 p.m., on Sunday, March 8.  Request a copy from the library to read before the meeting.  

Memoir writing

The memoir writing group meets on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at 2 p.m. Bring a written memory to share with MaryJo and the group. A story about cold winter weather or interactions with bears would be appropriate.  

Solar energy

While trying to keep the house warm during this past week, did you wonder if solar energy is the way to go?  Hear the facts on solar energy, federal and state incentives, and types of solar panels during Solar 101.  This special library program is on Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7 p.m. Bring your questions for the presenter Adam Jordan of Hudson Solar. 

Display unit

The display unit for the community room was installed by Scott Green and is ready to use.  Thanks again to Pinch Penny Threads for the feedsack apron benefit that earned money for this equipment.  The first display was created and set up by John Elberfeld of the Knox Historical Society. Pictures and quotes  from Dr. W. W. Hall's book, The Guide-board to Health, Peace and Competence describe how to reach a happy old age.   The leather bound book published in 1869 can be found in the Saddlemire House, Knox. This display is for all age groups. Although some of Dr. Hall's ideas are amusingly out-dated, others still apply today such as getting exercise even if it is cold outside. 

Dr. Hall said "There is naturally but one disease – that of old age. To leave the world as gently go out the embers of the hearth, or as the candle in the socket, without pain, or shock, or spasm. — this is worth taking pains for! To have the lamp of life thus go out, physically, we must live regularly, temperately, actively. Reader! May such be your exit and mine."