— Photo by Sarah Needham
The Berne library is ready to put a gobbling good book in your hands.

The Friends of the Berne Library announce their 8th Annual Juried Photography Contest. Entry forms and guidelines are ready for pick-up. While the formula is the same, the 2023 themes have been changed to surprise the innocent. Submit your winning photos by Jan. 31, 2023.

Zoom in on these new categories for your picture taking pleasures:

— 1. Wacky Weather;

— 2. Nostalgia;

— 3. Frisky, Four-Legged Friends; and

— 4. Lights, Camera, Action.

Start eyeing your targets and take your best shots for the Friends photo contest. What frisky, four-legged friends have you spotted today?

500 Hats

Knit Wits are gearing up to get those handmade hats from their “500 Hats Project”  into the hands of families and organizations up here in the Hilltowns. And that’s no yarn. 

Do you have a passion for knitting, crochet, or loom projects? You can join the group’s  monthly meeting on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m. to share and learn.

All yarn enthusiasts are welcome to stitch along.

Plump pumpkins

On Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m., November’s Adult Craft night sparkles with a pumpkin-plumping activity. A limited seating of eight participants will enjoy an opportunity to create a stuffed decorative pumpkin.

You can use it as part of your holiday decorating scheme or pass it along as a gift. A small $2 materials fee is requested. 

Call 518-872-1246 to register for Adult Craft night. Or register in person during your next Library visit.

Family Storytime

By SLS

Family storytime, what does that mean? 

It’s looking at family, far away and between 

There are all kinds of families

Some big and some small 

Families of friends that you’ve gathered overall 

A family of squirrels or a fluffle of hoppers

Families abound in all ways and all rounds

Add the date to your calendar, this Tuesday the 22nd

And meet at the gate at half past the tenth hour.

The library is pleased to offer another exciting edition of library story time for the 4-and-under crowd on Tuesday, Nov. 22, at 10:30 a.m. A teaser for next week’s storytime. Think pizza. 

Sock tree

As you saw at the beginning of the riveting library news, the Friends are having their eighth photography contest coming up fast. They also have a sock tree in the library for any and all sock donations to share with the Hilltown community.

The sock tree will be on display and accepting donations through mid-December. Share your generosity and help fill the Friends sock tree if you can. Thank you for your kindness towards this community-service project. 

Director’s note

Stop by the library and add your favorite author, book, or genre to a star. The star will be added to a tree to be displayed in Knox.

The library is seeking interested applicants to fill one upcoming vacancy on the board of trustees. Please forward a letter of intent to director@bernepubliclibrary.org. For more information on this and any library programs please call 518-872-1246.

P.S. The library will be closed Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 24. The shelves are back open and ready for visitors Friday and Saturday.
 

 

Single artwork

Marshall came bustling in through the back door shouting, “Yoo hoo! Sally! I’ve got a surprise for you. And some library news.” 

Sally came around the corner. Marshall held out the book, “Green Gifts — 40 Sustainable and Beautiful Present Ideas” by Rosie James and Claire Carter. 

“Marshall, what a lovely book. Thank you so much for thinking of me.”

Marshall said, “I knew you were keen on making stuff involving nature so I grabbed it from the new books display. Plus, I signed you up for the November Adult Craft night on the 21st at 6:30 like you asked me to. Oh, and there’s a small $2 materials fee, just so you know.”

“Oh, that’s the stuffed pumpkin craft. Great! Thanks Marshall.” 

“And, while I was there, they were putting up the newest art display in the community room and I got to meet the artist, Sandra Mengo,” Marshall sputtered excitedly.

“Tell me all about it,” Sally said smiling, as they sat at the kitchen island.

“So, there are 16 art pieces, mostly oil colors. One was an interesting collage. From her description, she took a bit of gesso, some golden fluid acrylic ink, plus copies of these old cartographer maps and voila! An incredible piece of artwork. You’re going to love the miniature scene of white birch trees gazing up at a rising hillside from a spot in Schoharie.”  

“OK, then,” said Sally. “I’m psyched! We’ll plan an outing for tomorrow then to check out the display.”

With that, their weekend plans were set. Come on in and see the relaxing scenes Sandra is sharing with us through the end of November. 

Coming events

Now, check out these other activities in the coming days ahead:

— Nov. 11: Journeys On the Page meet at 7 p.m. on Zoom and in house. Interesting writers are always welcome;

— Nov. 12: Movie Night, including snacks, at the library, 6:30 p.m. featuring “Thor, God of Love and Thunder”;

— Nov. 15: Tuesday Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for the younger crowd rolls in with Shapes taking the starring role. It’s sure to shape up to a reel square deal;

—Nov. 15: Week 6 of 6, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Free Zoom Financial Workshop. Hear information on Long Term Care; Medicare Basics; Wealth Preservation;

— Nov. 16: Homeschool Hangout, 11 a.m. A special “Homework Help with Mrs. Borys,”  is going to be highlighted for the get-together; and

— Nov. 18: Pajama Story Time, 6:30 p.m. says it all. Wear your comfy jammies, bring your favorite stuffed friend and settle in for a quiet early evening story.

Director’s note

The library is seeking interested applicants to fill one upcoming vacancy on the board of trustees. Please forward a letter of intent to director@bernepubliclibrary.org. For more information on this and any library programs, please 518-872-1246.
 

 

On Nov. 6 at 5 p.m., the Berne Sunday Book Club will discuss “Orphan Train,” a 2013 epic tale by Christina Baker Kline.

Two women brought together through a community-service project discover they have common experiences. Abandonment, living their lives cared for by strangers, and secrets.

Vivian Daly, an orphaned Irish Immigrant and living survivor of the Orphan Train movement, is 91 years old. Molly Ayer, a 17-year-old Penobscot Indian aging out of the foster care system, is paired with Vivian as a helper. 

The Orphan Trains, part of a welfare movement between 1854 and 1929, transported over 250,000 orphaned, abandoned, or homeless children from the crowded cities to rural parts of the Midwest.

Story time

On Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m., join us for a Moon Story Time.

November’s full moon lands on the 8th so what better day to feature that galactic body during Tuesday story time? Bring your little ones in to hear moon tales, participate in fun movements, and try out a craft.

Financial Workshop

Nov. 8 is Week 5 of 6 for the Financial Workshop, which meets from 4 to 5:30 p.m.

On Tuesday November 8, it’s week 5 of 6 for the free Zoom Financial Workshop. This week’s topic: Saving for College: Retirement Planning.

Zoom in at the library or at home. You can register on the library’s website with the RSVP: tinyurl.com/TinaWorkshopRSVP link.

Trustees meet

On Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. the library’s board of trustees will hold its monthly meeting; meetings are open to the public. 

Director’s note: The library is reaching out to the community for interested people to serve on the board of trustees to fill an upcoming vacancy. Please forward a letter of intent to .

Journeys On the Page

Do you enjoy writing, but aren’t sure if you have anything interesting to say? Join the Journeys On the Page writing group on the second Friday of each month and find encouragement in a safe and friendly environment. Interesting writers are always welcome. The next meeting is Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.

Word of the Month Club

Those scalliwags have joined forces once again for another engaging word to think about. Roxanne, Cindy Leigh, Eric, and the gang are milling about just waiting for the purple gong of attention to sound off.

Charlotte steps up with a quick flick and everyone’s eyes move toward her.

“Thank you everyone. I am excited to announce our November word of fortitude. 

“Fortitude, meaning to face adversity, unsettling events, and difficulties with courage, strong mental and emotional strength, and patience. Let us explore, learn, and develop fortitude this month.”

With raised glasses and a resounding “Cheers to fortitude,” the group gathered round for a shared dinner of turkey, cranberry dressing, smashed potatoes, greens, and numerous home-baked pies.

Art by Mengo

New display by previously featured artist Sandra Mengo, is now ready for viewing in the community room’s Art Gallery Wall, facilitated by Friends’ member Ann Hein.

 
 

You have just a few days left to revel in the stunning artwork of pencil artist Tammy Liu-Haller. Tammy’s collection of drawings hanging on the Friends Art Wall are so lifelike you could almost reach out and touch the softness of Angus, Beloved, and Bessie. Or experience the wind  going through the manes of the three horses meeting for a morning hello.

Be sure to stop by and sign Tammy’s visitors’ guest book before her October show leaves the building. 

You can follow the artist’s work on Facebook at StoryTreeArt. For more information, go to her website: www.TammyLiuHaller.com

 Treats

If you are in the area for the Oct. 31 holiday, the library has some treats to hand out.  All ghosts, pirates, zombies, princesses, and the like are welcome to dip in the treat bucket between 2 and 7:30 p.m. Come get your scary on. 

Squeak!

Mice are in the house for Tuesday’s story time. Bring your young ones on Nov. 1 at 10:30 a.m. for a squeaky good time There will be stories, fun play, and a craft to brighten your day. 

Financial Workshop

From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, it’s week 4 of 6 for the free Zoom Financial Workshop. This week’s topic: Building Wealth; Asset Accumulation. Zoom in at the library or at home. You can register on the library’s website. Look for the Financial Literacy post and click on the link at RSVP: tinyurl.com/TinaWorkshopRSVP.

Homeschool Hangout

It’s Homeschool Hangout on Wednesday, Nov. 2,  at 11 a.m. Homeschoolers are welcome to meet, greet, and share with other homeschoolers in the area.

Food drive

In the vestibule you will find two food collection bins. Through Nov. 6, the Helderberg Family and Community Organization is running a food drive to benefit several local food pantries. Items requested for the Hugs for Hilltowns pantry are: applesauce, macaroni and cheese, pasta, tuna, and cereal.

You can find out more information on how to donate by checking their website at www.helderbergfco.com. Your generosity toward the community is appreciated.

 November

The Word of the Month Club will be sharing another word to celebrate for November. What oh what will it be? Tune in next week to discover their choice. Also, in November, a new collection of art heralding in the month will be filling the Friends’ Art Gallery wall once again. See you on the trail!

 

— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Decorative books for potions and spells will be made at the Berne Library during an adult craft night on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. Please sign up.

Library programs available to the community are offered for free. You are invited to take advantage of the next one in the queue, which JoAnne, the presenter and craft enthusiast, calls a “Spell Book Craft Class for adults.” Or, you could say it is a “Spellbinding Craft,” which has an intriguing ring to it. 

As JoAnne says, “This program is geared for adults to have some fun!”

Please sign up and give this decorative Spell Book craft a go on Oct. 24 at 6:30 p.m. 

If you happen to have an extra glue gun, bring it along. Otherwise, nothing is required of participants but themselves. You will be crafting an old book into a display piece for your home or for a friend.

Call in your reservation at 518-872-1246 or stop by and get your name on the sign-up sheet. The activity has a 10-person capacity.

Friendly Ghouls

Ooooh oh. It’s Kathy’s Friendly Ghouls Story Time flying at you on Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. Get in the Halloween spirit and bring your young ones to explore the Friendly Ghouls waiting in the wings.

Financial Workshop

From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Oct. 25, it’s the third week of six for the free Zoom Financial Workshop. This week’s topic: Proper Protection. Zoom in at the library or at home. You can register on the library’s website. Look for the Financial Literacy post and click on the link at RSVP: tinyurl.com/TinaWorkshopRSVP.

“This Book Is

Not For You!”

“This Book Is Not For You!” the 2022 book by Shannon Hale and illustrated by Tracy Subisak. A view:

The regular bookmobile librarian is out and an older gentleman librarian who keeps swooshing his bushy eyebrows is on duty. 

All Stanley wants to do is take out a book he’s had his heart set on. But, bushy eyebrow librarian thinks Stanley needs to rethink his choices because the book he wanted was about a girl. And boys shouldn’t be reading books with girls as the main character. Just like cats should only read cat books, robots should only read books about robots and so on.

 “What do you like, young man?” asked the bushy eyebrow librarian.

Stanley finally settles on “The Squelching Peach,” which bushy eyebrow librarian seemed to think was OK for him to read.

As things move along, book trading takes place among the many different characters — the biggest character being a giant purple dinosaur with green spots who wanted to read a book about ponies. 

The story delights in the many possibilities of reading outside our preferred storyline. Plus, the added bonus of the bookmobile's treasure of adventures ready to dispense. Check it out next time you stop by the library.

See you on the trail!

 

“That’s a bit odd,” Marshall commented.

“What’s that Marshall?” Sally asked looking up from her book.

“Well, the same exact Berne library article was printed in the Sept. 22 and Sept. 29 editions.”

“Ok, Marshall, don’t get overly analytical now. I’m sure there is a perfectly reasonable explanation,” Sally assured him.

“Yeah, but. Well, um. I think I should call Sandra and ask her,” Marshall stammered. “Because she always has the Word of the Month Club’s new word in the issue closest to the first of the month.”

“If it will make you feel better, Marshall, then definitely call her,” Sally said as she patted him on his knee.

Thanks for the call Marshall. This one's for you and any other interested parties.

 Quackadoodle 

So, here we are with several members of the Word of the Month Club in the throes of their unpaid vacation at Letchworth State Park enjoying scenic waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, multiple games of Scrabble, and mafficking to their heart’s content.

While trolling about, Roxanne, Guinevieve, Cindy Leigh, Cathy Tee, and Eric were having some rousing chatter about new words they’ve encountered.

One word stood out. When they got back to the cabin it was time to offer it up to the group.

Gathering around the firepit, Guinevieve stood up.

“I think you’re going to like this one.” Guinevieve glanced over at Roxanne as she struck the mini gong. “And the winner is — quackadoodle.” 

“Maybe a quackadoodle is part wackadoodle,” Eric chimed. There was a chuckle swirling around the firepit. Quinevieve continued with a quick explanation. 

“A quackadoodle is a person who thinks they know everything but they really don’t. Quackadoodles often talk to themselves and join conversations without being asked to join in. As you know a wackadoodle is a person who is eccentric or fanatical so maybe the lines do cross a bit.” 

“Anyway, keep your radar sharp for quackadoodles over the next month.”

“Here’s to the quackadoodles,” Roxanne said as she lifted her glass to a rousing “Here, here!”  

Upcoming adventures

Now, for a rundown of the Berne library adventures available the week of Oct. 14 through the 21st:

—Oct. 14, Journeys on the Page: Library writing group mingles at the library and on Zoom at 7 p.m.;

—Oct. 15, Movie Night at the Library at 6:30 p.m. featuring “Where the Crawdads Sing”;

—Oct. 16, Knit Wits: With their 500 hats project reaching over 335 units, the Knit Wits gather at 7 p.m. for sharing, yarning and community;

—Oct. 18. Fall Story Time at 10:30 a.m.: Bring your young ones and fall into a good time

—Oct. 18. Financial workshop via zoom and in the library: From 4 to 5:30 p.m., week 2 of 6. Emergency Fund; Building a Strong Financial Foundation; and

—Oct. 19. Homeschool Hangout at 11 a.m.

 

— From Tammy Liu-Haller

This drawing of a pile of pebbles by Tammy Liu-Haller — titled “Snapshot Series #4: Solace” — was digitally cataloged on microfiche, one among a collection of artworks that will be sent to the moon in a time capsule, awaiting discovery far in the future. The artwork is now on display at the Berne Library.

“Sally, where are you? I’ve got some news to share,” Marshall said as he burst in through the screen door.

“I’m in the den, Marshall,” Sally called back. 

As Marshall stepped into the den, he saw Sally doing her legs-up-the-wall yoga pose. “I see you’re stretching. How long before you’re done? I’ve got some info about the new art exhibit at the library for October.”

“Share away, Marshall. This is my last move. I have 10 minutes left on the chimer.” Sally closed her eyes as she listened to Marshall.

Marshall began sharing. “So, the artist’s name is Tammy Liu-Haller. She was born in Kingston, New York in 1975 and has lived in Greenville for the past 20 years. She took a few advanced art classes in high school and a handful of college courses. But, for the most part she’s self-taught.”

“Self taught. That’s awesome,” said Sally. “It’s inspirational to hear when someone throws their passion into something. Always learning and honing their craft. Absolutely wonderful.”

“For sure,” Marshall responded. “OK, here are a few more tidbits. Tammy does most of her pieces using charcoal and graphite. She enjoys doing animal portraits, showing her love of the animal world. One client commissioned some dog portraits, which were gifts to the client’s actor friends in Hollywood.”

“That’s pretty cool,” Sally commented.

“And, a piece which was in a display called ‘Snapshot Series #4: Solace’ was digitally cataloged on a microfiche that’s gonna be sent to the moon!”

“Wow! That is really awesome!” said Sally, just as her 10-minute chimer chimed and she slipped to her feet. “How about we go visit the library tomorrow and check ,it out?”

Marshall reached out to Sally for a hug and said, “Sounds good Sal. Looking forward to it.”

Trustees meet

On Thursday, Oct. 13, the Berne Library trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public.

Journeys On the Page

A little exercise from the Journeys On the Page writing group is coming up with interesting book titles. Titles, after all, can draw a reader in or be a real interest snoozer.

How about “No Room at the Bookshelf Inn?” Or, “Mysterious Food Boxes in the Belfry.” You are only limited by your imagination.

Journeys On the Page writers meet the second Friday of the month. The next writing group mingle is at 7 p.m. on Oct. 14, at the library and on Zoom.

Date night

Then on Saturday, Oct. 15, it’s date night at the library for the movie “Where the Crawdads Sing,” based on the 2018 debut novel by Delia Owens, come to the library for popcorn and a film at 6:30 p.m.

 Story time

Oh, and remember Story Time Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. with Miss Kathy. Apples will be the central theme for Oct. 11. Hear stories, move, and play at story time each week.

 

Several members of the Word of the Month Club are in the throes of their unpaid vacation at Letchworth State Park, enjoying scenic waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, multiple games of scrabble, and mafficking to their heart’s content.

While trolling about, Roxanne, Guinevieve, Cindy Leigh, and Eric were having some rousing chatter about new words they’ve encountered.

One word stood out. When they got back to the cabin, it was time to offer it up to the group.

Gathering around the firepit, Guinevieve stood up.

“I think you’re going to like this one.” Guinevieve glanced over to Roxanne as she struck the mini gong. “And the winner is — quackadoodle.” 

“Maybe a quackadoodle is part wackadoodle,” Eric chimed. There was a chuckle swirling around the firepit. Quinevieve continued with a quick explanation. 

“A quackadoodle is a person who thinks they know everything but they really don’t. Quakadoodles often talk to themselves and join conversations without being asked to join in. As you know, a wackadoodle is a person who is eccentric or fanatical so maybe the lines do cross a bit.” 

“Anyway, keep your radar sharp for quackadoodles over the next month. It will be a fun observational exercise.”

“Here’s to the quackadoodles,” Roxanne said as she lifted her glass to a “Here, here.”  

“The Chelsea Girls”

“The Chelsea Girls,” by Fiona Davis, is on the reading table for the Sunday book club. With the famous Chelsea Hotel in Manhattan as a backdrop and the Red Scare gaining momentum across America with McCarthyism, Davis handily walks the reader through the crazy politics of the time, targeting many of those in the entertainment industry with blacklisting, ruined lives and crushed dreams.

Follow playwright Hazel Ripley and actress Maxine Mead as their friendship travels from the 1940s to the 1960s, tripping through the landmine of political pressures and friendship. 

Join the discussion group on Sunday, Oct. 2, at 5 p.m. 

Financial Workshops

The first of six Financial Workshop Zoom meetings takes place Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sign up and join the Personal Budgeting; Debt Management workshop here at the library or at home.

At home, this workshop can be accessed on Oct. 4 from 4 to 5:30 p.m. or from 10 to 11:30 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Access registration from the library’s website at www.bernepubliclibrary.org. Click on the red READ MORE button and then click the RSVP address icon: tinyurl.com/TinaWorkshopRSVP.

Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.

Homeschool Hangout

All you homeschoolers, join the Homeschool Hangout at the library on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. Meet, share ideas, chat.

Cemetery Walk

A Candlelight Cemetery Walk at Woodlawn Cemetery is planned for Friday, Oct. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Learn about some of Berne’s descendants as local community members portray different residents residing in the cemetery. All are invited to join the walk about. 

New art

A new artist, Tammy Liu Haller, will be on the art wall for October. Details next week. See you on the trail!

 

— Photo from Kathy Stempel
Different stripes: The Incredible Heldercon, hosted by the Berne Library, was held at the town park on Saturday.

This week at the library you can bring your young ones, under 5, to Tool Story Time at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 27. Tools come in all shapes and sizes so come on over to listen, visit, and move with Miss Kathy. 

Bike ride

On Sunday, Sept. 25, a community bike ride is planned for an 11 a.m. meet time in Voorheesville. Load up your bicycle and head to the rail trail. Call Kathy at the library at 518-872-1246 for details. It’s time to start enjoying the crisp fall air.

Sharlene’s Wall

Just a few more days to check out Sharlene Vanderbilt’s unique art exhibit hanging out in the community room — 24 cold wax and oil pieces full of a variety of colors and swirls to view. Every observer takes away their own interpretation of what is presented in each framed picture. It’s interesting to hear the various responses. Come inside and see what you make of Sharlene’s Wall.

Workshops

Starting Oct. 4, a six-week series of workshops will be available for anyone interested. The “Community Zoom Financial Workshop” is scheduled for six Tuesday’s from 4 to 6:30 p.m. or 10 to 11:30 p.m. and six Fridays from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

You are invited to the library to be part of the group Zoom happening on the following six Tuesdays:

— Oct. 4: Personal Budgeting; Debt Management;

— Oct. 18: Emergency Fund; Building a Strong Financial Foundation;

— Oct 24: Proper Protection;

— Nov. 1: Building Wealth; Asset Accumulation;

— Nov. 8: Saving for College; Retirement Planning; and

— Nov. 15: Long-Term Care; Medicare Basic.

Or you can access any of these workshops from your own home. The Friday dates of each week are: Oct. 7, 21, and 28 and Nov. 4, 11, and 18. RSVP for these financial workshops: tinyurl.com/TinaWorkshopRSVP.

 

Rush, rush rush. So many things to do. Remember, you have a deadline. Get that report in, turn in your essay, finish your homework. Put those books away by day’s end, before class is finished or at least by the time your shift is done for the day. 

These words could apply to adult and school-age children, college-bound persons and people under pressure to get it all done ASAP. Hardly a chance to take a breather, a walk, or a slow sit to savor your favorite tea.

But, you may just have a moment here or there to visit the library for a quiet respite among the stacks or take advantage of the offered events from one week to the next. Give yourself permission for a quick sit-down and have a look at the Berne Library activities coming up:

— This Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m, it’s the Incredible Heldercon being held at the Berne Town Park just west of the library off of 443. There are games, food, a photo booth, face-painting, vendors, a costume parade, and a craft corner. There’s also a scavenger hunt planned plus raffles and door prizes. Take a hop over to this free family-friendly bonanza of fun. Did you read that part about being entirely free? Yeah. Free. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the 17th;

— On Sunday, Sept. 18, Knit Wits are back in town for their monthly third-Sunday mingles starting at 7 p.m. The 500 Hats campaign continues to gather steam with any and all homemade hats being added to the growing pile of donations. Interested? All are welcome;

— Story time at the library is on the prowl for Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 10:30 a.m. with a focus on cats. Hear some cat stories and share some cat stories at your next visit to Cat Story Time on the 20th;

— For all you homeschoolers out there, how about a Homeschool Hangout? This new experimental gathering gets under way for the first time on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. Questions on how to sign up or anything in between? Call the library at 518-872-1246; and

— Finally, for the upcoming week, is the open-to-the-public trustee meeting happening on Sept. 22 at 6:30 p.m. Interested in listening in? Pop in and hear about all the exciting things the trustees are working on. 

That’s it for this week. See you next week for a brand new show.

 

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