Berne Library Notes for Thursday, December 19, 2013

— Photo from Judy Petrosillo

He knows if you’ve been reading: Santa Claus visited the kids at the Berne Library’s story time on Tuesday.

— Photo by Ron Barnell

Hilltown History at Your Fingertips: Jane McLean, third from left, and John Elberfeld, far right, the husband-and-wife team who wrote Helderberg Hilltowns recently presented a program at the new Berne Library on researching Helderberg families, homes, and communities. They emphasized both print and online genealogy sources as well as collections from the various libraries and historical societies of the Hilltowns. A book just published by Berne native Harold Miller, Berne and Knox — Our German Heritage, was on display, as well as a collection of books and maps by several Hilltown authors. Also contributing to the presentation were, from left, Ralph Miller, Berne town historian and Hal Miller’s brother; Will Osterhout, author of local history books; McLean; Kathy Stempel, library staffer; Sandra Kisselback, with the Berne Historical Society; and Elberfeld.

According to Merriam- Webster, one definition of the verb “create” is to produce something new by using your talents and imagination.  School may be closed for the holidays, but your creativity can shine at the Berne Public Library.

Legos

Lego League is this Saturday, Dec. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon.  Children ages 7 to 13 are invited to make a holiday creation with the library’s Legos.  The projects will be on display at the library until the next monthly program.

Teen art

A teen art program is also being held over the school vacation. Learn how to take photographs and turn them into a piece of artwork.  Meet with artist and teacher Laura Provo-Parker for three sessions at the library. The first session is Monday, Dec. 23, at 6:30 p.m., when teens will learn about lighting and composition while taking digital pictures. Bring a smart phone or digital camera.

The second session is Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 a.m.  Pictures taken by teens will be chosen for the art composition and we will print them before the third session. The third session is Thursday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m., when selected pictures will be arranged as an art display. This is a great opportunity for teens to develop their artistic talents.  

New program

Maker Space programs are a new trend at libraries. The library is trying out its first program on Monday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m., for ages 8 to 16.  Find out how small appliances are put together by taking them apart.  Then try to put them back together or exchange parts and create something new.

Community resource

All library programs are free and open to the public unless stated otherwise.  Take advantage of this community resource.

Story time

There is no story time on Tuesday, Dec. 24.  The library will be closing early at 3 p.m. on Tuesday and will reopen at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26.  We wish all our Christian friends a very Merry Christmas.

If you are looking for a last minute gift for the library lover who has everything, consider purchasing a leaf for our giving tree in their honor.  Make out a check to the Friends of the Berne Library and mail it to P.O. Box 42, Berne, NY.  Proceeds go toward purchases and programs for the library.