Berne Library Notes for Wednesday, April 7, 2021
“So, how long have you been a member of the Berne Sunday Book Club?” asked the interviewer to the reluctant interviewee.
“Oh, as long as I can remember. Well, maybe for a year or three possibly? Let me think. You see, I never really actually joined the book club specifically. I mean I do have a library card and all. Like for over 50 years.
“I just feel more comfortable reading rather than voicing my opinion on what I think the meaning is behind the words threading through the pages of each book. Or what the characters motives are. But, I do like to follow what book the club is reading each month. So, you might say I’m part of the club, in a hiding-behind-the-big-potted-plant-in-the-corner kind of way. Yeah, that about sums it up.”
The Berne Sunday Book Club meets and shares on April 11 at 7 p.m. On the discussion table, “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman. Honeyman’s 2017 debut novel, set in Glasgow, is a winner of the Costa first novel prize. Maybe you’ll want to get to know Eleanor yourself? Along with vodka, pizza, and her unlikely friendship with the computer nerd, Raymond.
New readers are always welcome to the group. Next up, for May, is Susan Meissner’s 2018 novel “As Bright As Heaven,” with the Spanish flu traipsing in the background.
Spring fling
Since we’re talking about traipsing, what do you like about spring? Is it the chance to fly a kite, start your garden, enjoy outdoor activities? Well, the library can help you with all three.
On April 11 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Berne Town Park, come on down for an outdoor activity and be part of Fly-A-Kite Day. It’s family-friendly fun and you are welcome to loft your kite into the mix.
Along with kite-flying, remember the seed library is open and ready for picking. Order seeds online from the library’s website or pop in and sift through the wide selection on hand.
Where words
and ideas grow
As far as sifting goes, the Journeys on the Page writing group sifts and shares virtually on the second Tuesday of the month. Sifting their thoughts, getting them to the page, and striving to include writing practice in their daily routines.
Every Friday night, a nudge goes out to the group. Low pressure, friendly support. Journeys on the Page, where words and ideas grow. Hey writers, welcome to the mingle on Tuesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. via GoToMeeting.
Remembering Ramona
The library remembers popular children’s writer, Beverly Cleary, who passed away March 25, 2021 at the age of 104 years old. Cleary’s first book, “Henry Huggins,” published in 1950, introduced Ramona Quimby. Ramona blossomed into eight more stories and a movie, “Ramona and Beezus,” released in 2010.
When asked why she started writing children’s books, Cleary’s reasons were simple. “While working as a librarian, children were always asking for books about ‘kids like us.’ There weren’t any so I sat down to write and found myself writing about the sort of children I grew up with.”
Thank you to Beverly Cleary for filling shelves in libraries and homes with over 39 stories as well as two memoirs.