— Photo by Sandra L. Kisselback

A Make Your Own Nature Journal Program at the Berne Library looks to have attracted the interest of a wide variety of creatures.

Marshall yelled to Sally out on the patio. “Sally, the Berne library news says Sara Chauvot is displaying some of her art on the library’s Art Wall in July. Remember checking her stuff out two years ago?”

Sally bobbed her head up from the “The Traveling Cat Chronicles” by Hiro Arikawa. The book, translated from Japanese by Philip Gabriel, was her first choice in the library’s adult summer reading program that she signed up for.

Sally yelled back. “What was that, dear? You say you have to get some parts for something?”

“What? No. Listen to this.” He padded to the patio and, holding the newspaper, leaned on the pass-through bar.

Sally glanced up. She knew what was coming. Marshall loved reading her the library news from The Altamont Enterprise each week.

Marshall snapped the paper and read aloud to Sally. “In 2012, Sara Chauvot, a 20-year Army veteran, was visiting family in Alaska with her husband. The couple noticed RV trailers all over the place. They started thinking about the possibilities of RV ownership. The seed was planted. In 2014, they purchased a used RV and by 2016, after many research hours, they sold their house and set off on some solid adventuring.”

Marshall looked up to see if Sally was listening.

“That’s a bold move to sell your home to fully live and travel by RV,” Sally stammered. “l feel nervous just thinking about it.”

“Yeah, me too.” Marshall, wide-eyed and smiling, continued reading.

“Chauvot loves to share her art and mentions that July is World Watercolor Month. Sara is offering to do a watercolor class through the library sometime in July, if things work out. Her art display at the library includes between 15 and 20 pieces. A personal goal she set this year is producing 100 portraits by the end of September.

“You can learn more about Sara Chauvot’s art at: sarachauvot.com, Facebook.com/sarachauvotartist or Instagram.com/sarachauvot.”

“OK, Marshall. We’ll definitely add a visit to see Sara Chauvot’s art display on our July schedule. What else is happening?”

Friends hold social,

Trustees meets

“There’s a Friends meeting on July 7 at 7 p.m. to discuss their planned Ice Cream Social and Mini Book Sale at the Berne Town Park coming up July 18 from 2 to 4. They’ll need volunteer scoopers, help with setting up and other tasks. That will be fun to sign up for.”

Sally nodded.

“Then, on July 8, the Berne Library Board of Trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. for their monthly business.”

Marine Biologists

“One more thing,” Marshall said. “A library program called Marine Biologists for 5- to 12-year-olds is set for July 8 at noon.”

“Remind me to call Molly and Teresa so they can pre-register. Carrie Needham is running that event,” responded Sally.

Marshall nodded and added, “Look at this picture from that Make You Own Nature Journal program we attended a couple of weeks ago. Sandra put a lot of work into that.”

“Yeah,” said Sally. “It was a blast.”

Conversations are all abuzz in and around the library:

“Did you hear about the giraffe at the library?” asked Chip.

“Giraffe? At the library? What are you talking about?” responded Josephine.

“Every Friday, this giraffe will be visiting the library. You can have your picture taken with her if you want. And, they’re having a ‘Guess the Giraffe’s Name’ contest. It’s part of this summer’s Tails and Tales reading program. It’s free to enter, just like it’s free to sign up for summer reading and all the wacky fun that goes along with it.”

“That’s cool,” replied Josephine. “I’m definitely signing up for the reading. They usually have some neat challenges to do. It’s a blast. And I have a good guess on what that giraffe’s name might be. Do you know what other things they might be doing at the library?” 

“Sure. I got this neat tri-fold flyer from the super-nice ladies at the circulation desk. It lists a bunch of events they are planning. On the back page it’s showing ‘Music In the Park’ starting up again in mid-July,” said Chip.

“Awesome! I love that Music in the Park series,” chimed in Josephine. “I heard Kathy Stempel started that idea years ago. It’s always well attended. I’ll have to grab one of those flyers and add the dates to my calendar. Thanks, Chip! See you on the trail.” 

“Bye Josephine.”

Animal sounds and sleepover

“Oh, look at this, Teresa,” Molly said. “They’re having a preschool program outside the library on the 29th at 3:00. The theme is animal sounds. That should be fun for the kids.”

“Do we have to pre-register?” Teresa asked.

“We might want to register. We could call to find out. What’s the library’s phone number? Wait a minute. Here it is on the flyer. I’ll give them a quick call. 518-872-1246.”

“Hello, Berne Public Library. This is Kathy.”

“Hi, Kathy; this is Molly. Teresa and I were wondering if you have to pre-register for the animal sounds preschool program on the 29th?”

“You don’t have to, but I can jot your names down. We’re also doing a Stuffed Animal Sleepover on the same day. The kids can bring one of their stuffed animals to the library between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. We’ll have them sign permission slips allowing their stuffed animal friends to spend the night here. They’ll pick them back up on Wednesday, the 30th,” Kathy explained.

“Thanks, Kathy. We’ll see you Tuesday. And thanks for doing these activities.” 

 “You’re welcome. Have a nice weekend.” Click.

Art on the walls

“This is fantastic. It says they’ll be displaying art on the walls of the library’s community room starting in July,” Marshall yelled to Sally in the other room.

“What did you say, dear? Art needs more room?” Sally shouted back.

Marshall folded back into the couch knowing he’ll be sharing the art wall details with Sally when he reads next week’s library article in The Altamont Enterprise.

Stay tuned! Smiles.

— Photo by Sandra Kisselback

SheeShee the giraffe will be visiting the Berne Library from time to time during the summer months

As part of the 2021 Tails & Tales summer reading program, a multi-colored giraffe has agreed to visit the Berne Library every Friday. Be part of the “Guess Her Name” contest by weighing in with your best hunch. Pick up an entry form at the library and drop it in the “Guess Her Name” basket. For now, we’ll call her SheeShee.

SheeShee may pop in from time to time to check on various scheduled events throughout the summer. Look for her on the library’s Facebook page. She loves having her photograph taken.             

All readers from babies to adults are encouraged to give this year’s Tails & Tales summer reading event a try. You can register for the program via paper form, available at the library, or through the library’s website using Readsquared. If reading isn’t your thing, sign up anyway. You may discover something new about yourself.  Celebrating reading fun, exploring new activities, and connecting to nature is the plan.

Flyers detailing the library reading program and summer events are ready for pick up at the circulation desk.

Tails & Tales programs, a June look ahead:

— June 24 at 7 p.m. spotlights Animal Anime Manga, for teens, on the calendar. For those of you outside the circle of Anime Manga knowledge, Anime relates to animated Japanese TV and shows. Manga is a style of Japanese comic books, sometimes referenced as Graphic Novels. Anime Manga conventions attract thousands of people worldwide. Teens are invited to join the library’s Animal Anime Manga session on the 24th for drawing and sharing;

— June 25 at 6:30 p.m. Animal Sketch Book Zines offers an after hours library event for adults. A crafting session for creating your very own nature journal is on the menu. Start noticing  animal sightings you experience and jot down some details of what, when and where these sightings happened. Rev up the senses and tune in to the world around you; and 

— June 29 at 3 p.m. features a preschool event with Animal Sounds as the theme. Also on this day is the Stuffed Animal Sleepover family program. 

Questions about programs? Call 518-872-1246. You can also check the library’s facebook page and website.

A booming success

Congrats and kudos to the Friends of the Berne Library team who organized and ran last weekend’s book and media sale. Tables filled with books decorated the side lawn on Friday night and were covered with tarps to protect from the overnight rains.

Saturday morning greeted the book browsers with sunshine, smiling faces, and a bevy of choices. Business was a booming success. Thank you to all who attended the book sale and much appreciation to the many volunteers making this well-attended affair come to life.

Pages from “Lion of the Sky, Haiku for All Seasons” by Laura Purdie are posted for a StoryWalk in Knox.

There’s a Berne Public Library-sponsored walk scheduled at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center on June 13. Are you interested in popping in? Bring your walking shoes, sunblock, and water as we check out the trails, look for new flowers showing their blossoms, and tune into surrounding sounds. Connect all your sensory capabilities through sight, sound, smell, touch, and possibly taste.

Join in on Sunday, June 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center at 87 Nature Center Way. After the walk, a visit inside the nature center is on the agenda. Lots of exhibits to see, plus interns on hand to answer any questions. Looking forward to seeing you June 13 at the Emma Treadwell Nature Center at 1 p.m. for a leisurely stroll and visit.

 Book and Media Sale

Friends of the Berne Public Library are prepped for their 2021 gigantic book and media sale. The annual event was cancelled in 2020 so they are rip roaring to get this extravaganza launched. Set your alarms, mark your calendars, post your notes for this Saturday June 12,  from 9 to 4 p.m., and be prepared to score bargains galore. Rain date is June 19.

You’ll find books for adults, children and young adults. Also, DVDs, audio books and music CDs. Plus a few surprises to discover along the way. Remember to swing by and help support the library while delighting in the hunt for new reads.

After filling your “cart” with lots of books, come inside the library and sign up for the  2021 Tails & Tales summer reading program. The summer reading fun runs from June 1 to Aug. 31 for 0 to 18 year olds. Adult wrap up is Sept. 10. Several events geared for each age group are scheduled throughout the summer. Receive a library appreciation token to take home when you sign-up.

Seed Library

Need more seeds to add to your spring planting? The Seed Library has plenty to share and they are all free. Browse the seed files or order online through the Library’s website: www.bernepubliclibrary.org. Let Broccoli Spear help your gardens bloom this summer. Sharing pictures of your gardens is encouraged and appreciated.

StoryWalk

A new title is ready for viewing at the Knox StoryWalk trail. A Vermont Red Clover nominee, “Lion of the Sky, Haiku for All Seasons” by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Merce Lopez has been installed. This interactive book adventure livens the Knox StoryWalk stage through a partnership with the Upper Hudson Library System. Each page yields poetry, word play riddles and stunning illustrations as you visit nature's four seasons. How many of the 24 “question cards” can you and your reader friends successfully answer? Spend some time with the Knox StoryWalk and find out.

Yes, they’re a few days late. It happens. The Word of the Month Club, busy with new projects, saw the May calendar swoosh through like a mini whirlwind. After laconic made the scene May 1st, zooming, shaman explorations and suh-splaaash, June was here.

Without further commiserating, here’s Roxanne and her wordy friends to introduce June’s focus for the month.

“It’s true. We often get distracted. Dipping into shamanism, Polynesian style, has been riveting. Reading, immersing and exploring kept us busy as an ocean wave. Through it all we discovered some new words — mana, haka, kahuna, kulohelohe, animism. As well as healer, hope, nature, intention. Drawn into these encounters, we chose one from the mix,” Roxanne shared. Then a quick, “Hit it, Sasha,” kept the magic rolling. 

Sasha drew back, whaled the purple gong with finesse and shuttled everyone’s attention front and center. 

Charlotte opened the glittering gold envelope and announced with a huge grin: “Wayfinder is on for June. Tune into the wayfinder path. Connect with nature. Witness the wild world around you. Start a journal of your trip.” 

As Maui says in the Disney movie Moana, “It’s called wayfinding, Princess. It’s seeing where you’re going in your mind … It’s knowing where you are, by knowing where you’ve been.”

And now it’s up to you to do a little wayfinding of your own. See you on the trail.

Spring Reading

The library’s Spring Reading wrap up party brought reading participants together on a recent Friday evening in May. Scavenger hunt finds were part of the gathering. After sharing their lists and physical pieces of found items, which included a piece of bark, a book with the word wild in it, a tree rubbing and a few other things, snacks & refreshers were enjoyed. Goodie bags were handed out and pictures were taken. A relaxing time at the library.

Now you can sign up for 2021’s Tails & Tales summer reading program. Register with the Readsquared app found on the library’s website or fill out a paper form at the library. Three months of summer reading fun and adventures await you. A variety of programs will be announced as weeks keep rolling along.

Writing Group

Coming up, the library’s writing group, “Journeys On the Page” will have their monthly mingle on June 8 at 7 p.m. Following the writers, the Trustees will meet on June 10 at 6:30 p.m. And that’s not all. Mark your library calendars for the huge book and media sale to be held on the library lawn on Saturday, June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From 3 to 4 p.m., you can fill bags to the brim for a mere $3 a bag. Help support the Friends of the Berne Library’s fundraiser on the 12th and bring home lots of books for your reading pleasure. You can use them in the summer reading party. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.  

Get ready for “Tails and Tales” as the 2021 Summer Reading theme steps into view with sign-ups starting Tuesday, June 1. From babies to adults, everyone is invited to join in. You can register from the library’s website, www.bernepubliclibrary.org, through the ReadSquared icon, or fill in a paper form at the library.

Each month as the summer plays out, mini events will be launched for each age group in the program. From sloth-making to animal visits and slime to nature explorations. Climb on board and ride the wave of summer reading with the Berne Public Library.

Book Sale

If that’s not enough excitement for you, be sure to add the mega “Book and Media” sale to your calendar. Hitting the library lawn June 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 pm.., you’ll find everything from art to zen. Cookbooks, novels, dvd’s, and comics are a wee tease of all that’s available. From 3 to  4 p.m. on the day of the sale, fill a bag with books for just $3. 

Thanks go to the Friends of the Berne Library, who take the reins to organize and run this yearly book sale which benefits the library.

Hikes

Also happening in June, and throughout the summer, are once a month library sponsored book/hikes. June’s hike lands on June 13 from 1 to 3 p.m. Hike location to be announced.

Reading enjoyment

“The World Needs More Purple People,” a view. Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart’s 2020 book, illustrated by Daniel Wiseman, is geared for three to seven year olds. There’s a number of adults out there who would  enjoy the story as well.

You’ll be charmed by Penny as she takes you through the five easy steps on how you can become a purple person. Remember, it’s just five easy steps and you’ll be a purple person too. There’s an especially charming kid line on page 27 just after the purple paint...well, check it out and see what you think.

A welcome guest visited with the library’s writing group, “Journeys On the Page,” at the group’s May Mingle. Best-selling author Kathleen Grissom dialed in, via phone, and shared many tips of advice and wisdom. She also shared her page journeys from research, to writing her first drafts in longhand and finally always holding true to her vision.

After five years of trying to catch an agent to represent  “The Kitchen House,” her first novel, the time finally presented itself in what she describes as a coincidental meeting. We all laughed as it was decided there are no real coincidences. Down-to-earth, gracious, and inspiring, Grissomgave as her parting words an offer and a challenge to catch up with us in six months and see what stories we come up with. 

“Just jump in and see where the trail leads,” she said. The author is currently working on her third book.

Regular hours

Take note of the library’s return to regular hours. As of May 1, you are welcomed inside to browse and pick up your holds. Monday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Questions about library programs, services or hours? Call 518-872-1246, visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org or check out the library’s Facebook page. 

Teen stars sought

Library Director Kathy Stempel is looking for volunteer teens willing to star in a 90-second promo spot for the 2021 Summer Reading program. This year’s theme,“Tails and Tales,” promises to be loaded with outdoor activity. The annual reading event welcomes readers of all ages to the table. 

Summer reading sign up opens June 1 on ReadSquared or with a paper fill sheet. Be part of the reading celebration to earn badges, prizes, and chances on raffle baskets of joy. 

Calling all Minecrafters

Hello all you Minecrafters out there. You can be a part of Minecraft Monday virtual meet-ups each week from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call Kathy, at the library,  for the link. 

Early closing

 Please mark your library calendar for May 25 to note an early closing of 2 p.m. No one will be allowed in the library during this time. Regular hours are intact for the rest of the week. Happy trails!

Here’s some news worth celebrating! Regular hours are back. Remember those blue library magnets giving you pertinent info for hours, phone and website? Haul them back to the front of the class.

As of May 1, you can come into the library for your brief 30-minute browsing visits on Monday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., on Friday from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Questions about library programs, services or hours? Call 518-872-1246, visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org or check out the library’s Facebook page. 

Bike Ride

In other news, you can be part of “Ride a Bike Day,” with an added byline of “Readers On Wheels,” scheduled for Sunday, May 16, at the Voorheesville Bike Trail. Meet Kathy near the wooden train at 1 p.m. and ride to Stewart’s as you take in the scenery of the trail. Bring your fave book and take a breather to enjoy a few pages as you rest in the great outdoors after your spirited ride.

Glaze a Bowl

A week down the road on Saturday, May 22, you can sign up for the Pottery Bowl Glazing activity. This program has a participant limit of eight people. Call early to vie for one of the available spots. 

Volunteers needed

Speaking of spots, library director Kathy Stempel is looking for volunteer teens willing to star in a 90-second promo spot for the 2021 Summer Reading program. This year’s theme,“Tails and Tales,”  promises to be loaded with outdoor activity. The annual reading event  welcomes readers of all ages to the table. 

Summer reading sign up opens June 1 on ReadSquared or with a paper fill sheet. Be part of the reading celebration to earn badges, prizes and chances on raffle baskets of joy. 

Minecraft

And remember, all you Minecrafters out there, to take advantage of Minecraft Monday virtual meet-ups each week from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Call Kathy, at the library,  for the link. 

Caught Reading

 Reminder: It’s “Getting Caught Reading” month. Have you been caught yet? You are never alone when reading. There are almost always many characters in the room with you. And that’s a wrap.

The Berne Library is ready for Mother's Day.

Did you know May is “Getting Caught Reading” month? Be on the lookout for librarians peeking over their computer screens with googly grins whenever an active reader is spotted. They may even ask to take your picture.

Maybe this is the first you’ve heard of “Getting Caught Reading” month or May’s National Blood Pressure or National Bike month. Have you heard of “May the 4th Be With You” appearing on May 4th each year and now celebrated by some fans as Star Wars Day?

Or Revenge of the Sixth on May 6? “Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope,” blasted onto screens May 25, 1977, pulling in over $1.5 million in revenue and millions more in followers. Were you among the many who fell under the spell? This year, marks 44 years after the Jedi, Yoda and other forces from the Lucas dream factory came to life. Imagine that. Check out the library space dedicated to its modest Star Wars reading collection. 

Celebrating moms

In other dedications, a special nod and an uber thank-you goes out to all the moms out there during this Mother’s Day Weekend. A mom carries many roles in her portfolio.

If moms were compensated for all the services they provide, their wage would be in the $178,000-a-year range, according to Investopedia.com. Pulling figures from Salary.com for chefs, chauffeurs, party planners, nurses, and tactical advisors just tickles the tip of a mom’s many roles.

Happy Mother’s Day to all you moms and mom substitutes out there. Grab a fresh read from the stacks, put your feet up, and devise your pampering plan. Book recommendation: “Wild About Books” by Judy Sierra with pictures by Marc Brown.

A safe place

After a relaxing weekend, the Journeys On the Page writing group will be visiting together online on May 11 at 7 p.m. using the GoToMeeting app. The group is approaching its first anniversary and maintains the goal of being a safe place to share writing dreams and projects in the works. 

Trustees meet

On May 13, the trustees meet at 6:30 p.m. for their monthly edition of library business related conversations. Call the library at 518-872-1246, if you want a link to the meeting. 

Director’s note

Wanted: Teens to make a 90-second Tails and Tales ad. See Kathy Stempel. Don’t forget about Minecraft Mondays virtual meet-up from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Any questions about library programs, services or hours? Call 518-872-1246, visit www.bernepubliclibrary.org, or check out their Facebook page. See you on the reading trail.

“The Soldier of Marathon,” an 1869 painting by Luc-Olivier Merson, shows Pheidippides giving word of victory after the Battle of Marathon. He is said to have run from Marathon to Athens to deliver the news — and then died. The Berne Library’s Word of the Month for May is rooted in this story.

Laconic. Short and sweet. A real May treat. This from the Word of the Month Club. 

In their research on ancient Greece, Roxanne, Cindy Leigh, and Devon discovered the legendary story of Pheidippides, the long-distance runner from Greece’s Lakonia region, and his connection to the famous Battle of Marathon in 490 B.C. 

According to legend, after his ultra running feat of over 150 miles, to deliver a one word message of “Niki!” or “Victory,” Pheidippides dropped dead from exhaustion. Sprinkling from this legend comes laconic. Meaning brief, concise, mysterious, to the point. Enough of the small talk already. 

Try on a laconic style in May. Free up some moments to pursue projects with extra nuggets of found time in your corner. And the opposite of laconic? Long-winded, verbose, tedious. Cheers from the Word of the Month Club. Time to tend the garden.

Garden advice

Speaking from the Seed Library, Broccoli Spear shares a pinch of advice: “Sprinkle eggshells around your hosta plants before they span out. It helps deter those leaf-eating slugs that love your hostas so.”

Many seeds are available to help your garden grow. Order online or browse in. 

Fine free

Now let’s hear a big Hooray for a new benefit at the Berne Public Library. Fine free for most items in the collection is now in service. Lost and damaged charges remain, but late charges are bye-bye, arrivederci, so long, sayonara.

A donation canister has been added to the circulation desk if you are so moved to add a few coins. 

Aurora

“Aurora: A Tale of the Northern Lights” by Mindy Dwyer, appearing now at the Berne Town Park’s story walk path. Grab this chance to get outside and enjoy a walk around the park. Learn about those magical northern lights, Aurora Borealis.

Colors bright and alive greet you on each page.

Browsing

More library news from headquarters reveals pre-COVID hours are back. Remember those new blue library magnets giving you pertinent info for hours, phone, and website? Haul them back to the front of the class.

Starting May 1, you can come into the library for your brief 30-minute browsing visits Monday and Thursday from 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 8 p.m., Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Questions? Call the library at 518-872-1246.

 

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