Hibernation vs Torpor

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Who’s really sleeping and who’s not? Think you know? Come find out the difference between hibernation and torpor. Test your knowledge of our resident mammals and reptiles.

Share an afternoon program on November 29 from 3:30-4:30pm at the Pember Museum with Conservation Biologist and Naturalist Cyd Groff.  Cyd has been coming to Granville since 2006 and moved here full time in 2012 from Connecticut. She has a Bachelors of Science Degree from Central Connecticut State University in Biology and a Master of Arts Degree from CCSU in Environmental Biology and Conservation. She has done field research for the Connecticut Audubon Society and was the Environmental Planner for the Town of Windsor for ten years that included mapping wildlife corridors, stormwater planning, inland wetland agent and enforcement, and educational programs. She and her husband have a farm and participate in the Granville seasonal farmer’s market.

Registration not required. All ages.

Young Zombie Walk

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To culminate a month of open house activities at its nature preserve, The Pember Museum of Natural History in Granville, NY will host a Halloween “Young Zombie Nature Walk” for children at it’s 125 acre Nature Preserve in Hebron, NY on Saturday, October 29 at 1pm.

There will be all day activities, refreshments, treats and zombie make-up starting at 10 am, with giveaways and prizes for best costume, with a Halloween Zombie Nature Walk on the trail at 1 pm.

The Pember Preserve is located at 6937 Route 22, Hebron, NY.

Due to limited parking at the site, registration is required. Call 518-642-1515. Please consider carpooling. See thepember.org

This is a free event.

October Open House

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There will be October Open House at the Pember Nature Preserve (6937 State Route 22, Hebron) with our new part-time Naturalist, Katie. Come meet her and explore the preserve. There will be activities, games, refreshments and prizes. Dates and times are as follows:  10/8, 10/16, 10/22, and 10/29 from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

On Saturday, October 29 there will be a Halloween Special Event – Young Zombie Nature Walk at 1:00pm. The walk is open to children 12 and under. Due to the limited parking at the nature center (Porter School), reservations are required. Call 518-642-1515. Please consider carpooling with friends for this event.

Volunteers needed!

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By definition, volunteering means “to freely offer to do something.” The Pember could really use your help!

Volunteering can take many forms. We have opportunities for you to volunteer in many ways. We are hoping one of these opportunities will be something you’d love to do and it would be so helpful to us. We have possibilities at three locations. The library, the museum and the nature preserve located in Hebron.

The day to day operations sometimes are all the employees can handle so other things that we would like to have happen, get postponed. If you are looking for something to occupy your spare time, if you want to make a difference in the world and you aren’t sure how, if you want to expand your horizons or take a leap out of your comfort zone, now is the time!!

Between the three entities there are many opportunities. The library needs help with shelving books, perhaps some cleaning that might now happen on nearly an often enough basis, assistance with programs and gatherings, decorating for holidays, working in the flower bed out front…all worthwhile jobs. We range from mindless opportunities to mind blowing ones.

The museum needs volunteers to man the exhibit on weekends or other times we are open and need extra people. The animals don’t need to be fed or cleaned up after but you can learn a lot about them and appreciate Franklin Pember’s passion for them. You will receive basic training to be knowledgeable about the museum and you automatically get a title!! You will be a “docent”. (a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museum, art gallery, or a zoo.

The Pember preserve is located on Route 22 in Hebron NY. The schoolhouse needs to be manned on occasion, there is miles of trail work that can be done, a garden of native flowers that can be maintained and weeded, programs that are put on could always use more hands. And you are enjoying nature at the same time.

If have been inspired by this story, please contact the Pember Library at 518-642-2525 or the Museum at 518-642-1515. You can email maryj.pember@gmail.com. We will be happy to further enlighten you on these opportunities.

A volunteer meeting will be held in the near future for those who have committed to this or are still on the fence.

Saturday Museum Volunteers

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We are looking for a volunteer (16 & older) to cover the museum on Saturday, August 27 from 10am to 1pm. Duties include answering the phone, greeting visitors, and managing the gift shop. Stop in Tues-Fri 1-5 or Sat 10-1 to pick up a volunteer registration form. We’ll also need Saturday volunteers for September and every month thereafter. If you are willing to donate your time one Saturday a month, that would be great! THANKS!

Naturalist position open

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The Pember Museum of Natural History is seeking a part-time NATURALIST

to create and run educational programs at the Pember Nature Preserve in Hebron, for children and adults. Programs will consist of classes, presentations, seminars, demonstrations, workshops, nature walks or “safaris”, focused on a particular theme – plant, animal or insect species, ecosystem dynamics or ecology.

The ideal candidate will have educational or employment experience in some capacity involving the natural world, preferably including both plants and animals, and have enthusiasm for this field of discovery. Being fluent in concerns of the natural world, species of plants and animals that are native to our area, work independently with good organizational skills, an ability to research, write, and create compelling nature programs, being able to speak to small groups of people and interact with them, are necessary for the job and will be a big plus for any applicant. The office work portion of this job will take place at the Pember Museum in Granville, and the programs will be delivered at the Pember Nature Preserve in Hebron.

The job is 20 hours per week; schedule to be determined. Salary $13.20/hr.

Please mail or drop off a cover letter indicating your interest in this position, together with your resume/CV to the Pember Museum – Attention: Bernadette Hoffman. Email: Pember_edu@roadrunner.com

See What’s Happening in August

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Events at the Pember Library: Check out the Pember Library’s website and Facebook page for more information

Friends of the Pember Meeting, Next meeting August 4 @5pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Water Testing Ages 6-11 August 3 at 3pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Octopus Ages 6-11 August 10 at 3pm

Children’s Summer Reading Program on Ocean Floor Ages 6-11 August 17 at 3pm.

Pember Board of Trustees, August 18, 6PM

Popup Luncheon ~Thursday August 25th at 12pm – Washington County Office for the Aging Lunch and Presentation Suggested price for over 60 is $3.00 and under is $5.00. Lunch is Roast Pork Loin with potatoes, Collard greens, and Chocolate Oatmeal cookies.  Reserve your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Weekly Events   

Book Sale ~ Saturday 10 AM- Noon

Sudoku ~ With Barb Wednesday 2pm

Lego Club – Fridays 3-4:30pm

Pember’s Afternoon Game Time – Tuesdays 3-4:30pm come down have a snack and play a board game.

Preview for Events in September        

  Read it and Eat Book Club, September 8 @ 5PM Book- Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Potluck style dinner. To join email Pember.library@gmail.com.

Popup Luncheon ~Wednesday, September 28th at 12pm – Washington County Office for the Aging Lunch and Presentation Suggested price for over 60 is $3.00 and under is $5.00. Lunch is Asian style sweet & sour pork over brown rice with veggie blend.  Reserve your meal at least 24 hours in advance.

Pember Peapod’s preschool crafts & story -time – to return for an eight week session in September. Tuesdays new time @ 10:30

Museum Events: Check out the Museums Website and Facebook page for more information

Pember’s Nature Preserve Programs –

Registration required for all programs call Museum 518-642-1515

 Insects~ August 7, 1pm- 2pm

Skulls Investigation~ August 14, 1pm-2pm

 Ferns of NY~ August 21, 1pm-2pm

Reptiles of NY~ August 28, 1pm-2pm

Preserve Programs – July

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July 17 – 1-2pm Birds & Bees Pollinators
Did you know that there are over 4,000 species of native bees in the U.S.? Come discover bees and their roles. What human impacts are there relating to bees? What do bees need? Our craft will be creating a Mason Bee house to take home.

July 31 – 1-2pm Mosses & Fungi
Join us for a program about identifying mosses and fungi. Our craft will be creating clay mushrooms.

Program kits are available for past programs. Stop in!

Nature Preserve Program Packets

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Program packets with crafts are available at the Pember Nature Preserve schoolhouse. Educator Bernie is on vacation but will be there on 6/30, 7/7 & 7/8 from 9-1. Packets available are Nature Journaling with a premade 7-day journal (4), Bird Migration with a Whimsical bird (4), Butterfly Pollinator with a butterfly feeder (5), NY Mammals with a premade clay bobcat track (6) and Edible & Ornamental Plants with (4) kitty gourds and (1) mini pumpkin. Gourds are plain and can be painted at the schoolhouse or taken home to use your own paints. First come, first serve!

Migration of our Library Server

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There will be migration of our library server tonight 9:00pm into the early morning hours of Wednesday April 27th. During that time access to our online catalog will be unavailable. Also some features (checkout, download and renewal) for digital resources including overdrive and Libby will also be unavailable.

Nature Programs 2022

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Sunday, March 20; 1-2pm – Welcome Spring!
Stop by the Pember Nature Center, also known as the Porter Schoolhouse to pick up a Spring kit and take a self-guided walk. We have 7 kits available. There is information regarding the March Equinox. What signs of spring will you find on your walk? We welcome you to sit down and work the program with us but remember, there’s no heat in the schoolhouse or you can take your kit home.

Sunday, April 24; 1-2pm – Bird Migration
Join us at the Pember Nature Center, aka Porter Schoolhouse for a bird migration program. Let’s discover what birds have returned and which ones will be returning to the nature preserve. We’ll be making a whimsical bird and there will be a book giveaway. The hardbound book is Birds, Their Life, Their Ways, Their World. Space is limited and preregistration is required by calling the museum at 518-642-1515, emailing or sending a private message from the Museum or Preserve’s Facebook page. Deadline for registration is Friday, April 22 at 4pm.

Saturday, May 14; 8-10am – Spring Bird Count Walk
Join us at the Pember Nature Center/Porter Schoolhouse on route 22 for a bird count walk. Joel Tilley will lead the group. Bring binoculars, if you have them or we can loan you a pair. All are welcome! Parking is limited, so please call the museum at 518-642-1515 or messenger to reserve your spot no later than Friday, 5/14 at 4pm.

Weekly programs to come beginning in June. Stay tuned.

#1 Museum

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Thank you to everyone who voted for the Pember making us the #1 museum in Washington County, NY!

Rail-Trail Hiking Back Pack

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NEW: Available for checkout. Rail-Trail Hiking Back Pack
Ask at the desk.
Map, 8 brochures, 4 books, 1 first aid kit, 1 binoculars, 1 compass, 1 flashlight.

Kit includes: Laminated D&H Rails to Trails map, Mammals of New York brochure, Frogs & Toads of New York brochure, Raptors of New York brochure, Salamanders of New York State brochure, Birds of New York brochure, Turtles of New York brochure, Backyard Bugs brochure, Freshwater Sportfish of New York brochure, Track Pack (animal tracks in full life size) book, Birds of the Northeast book, A Golden Guide Flowers book ,Tracks Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides) book, binoculars, first aid kit, compass, and flashlight.

This kit is a backpack to loan out to hikers, walkers, and bikers exploring the Rail-Trail.

Ancestry Library Edition can be accessed from home

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The library edition of Ancestry.com is offering remote access to its product through the end of 2021. Just log in here to get started. The site will ask for your library card number. This link will only work with cards issued by the Pember Library.

The Genius of Birds

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Story time is for everyone! As part of our summer reading program, Tails and Tales, we invite adults to the Pember Library for a bird-themed read-aloud Thursday, July 29 at noon. Bring your own bag lunch and eat while Bernie and Ardyce read out loud.

Participants will have the option to color bird coloring sheets. We will have bird-watching handouts, app recommendations, website suggestions, and several books for you to look at while there or to check out and take home. The Pember Nature Preserve is a great place to try bird-watching.

All participants will be entered into a drawing for the book “Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide.

Saturday hours

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This week only, we (Library & Museum) will close at noon on Saturday (7-10-2021)

Pember Board Meeting rescheduled to July 22, 6PM

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A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Pember Library and Museum will be held on the third Thursday of each month at the Pember. This is a regular meeting and open to the public. See Upcoming Events Calendar for dates of meetings.

Sudoku with Barb

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We are moving this popular program to Wednesday, 2:00 PM. We meet every week. Registration is not required.

Pat Oathout

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The Pember is saddened by the death of Patricia Oathout yesterday. She volunteered at the Pember for many years and in many ways. Many of us learned the art of quilling through Pat’s amazing tutelage. She did craft projects with the children and she was a longstanding member of the Friends of the Library working at the book sales and any other project they needed her for. She be will missed but forever in our memories with every quilling project we do. Rest in Peace Pat.
This photo is from a 2018 quilling class.

Pember Board Meeting June 17, 6PM

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A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Pember Library and Museum will be held on the third Thursday of each month at the Pember. The meeting will be conducted following social distancing guidelines. To attend the meeting virtually, please contact the library by 9 AM on the meeting day at pember.library@gmail.com for the log-in information.

Board Meeting, May 20, 6PM

The Pember Museum and Library, Granville New York Posted on by

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Pember Library and Museum will be held on the third Thursday of each month at the Pember. The meeting will be conducted following social distancing guidelines. To attend the meeting virtually, please contact the library by 9 AM on the meeting day at pember.library@gmail.com for the log-in information.

Bird Count Walk

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Join us at the Nature Preserve for a Spring Bird Count/Walk. Our guides will be Joel Tilley and Cyd Groff. People are encourage to bring whatever binoculars, cameras, and field guides they have, as well as water and a snack. The walk is likely to take 3 hours–we will be going pretty slowly, looking and listening for birds. Beginner and advance birders are welcome as are children. You determine how long you wish to walk and count birds. Registration is REQUIRED by calling or messengering the museum by Thursday, May 6 at 5pm. Limited Space. Meet at the Porter Schoolhouse – 6937 State Route 22, Hebron.

Endangered Species Art Contest

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Every year on the third Friday in May, thousands of people around the world participate in Endangered Species Day by celebrating, learning about, and taking action to protect threatened and endangered species.

Using any form of art, create a piece of original artwork that highlights an endangered species. This can include plants or animals.

Please submit your creation to the Pember by May 18.

Judging will occur in four categories on May 21. Prizes for teens and adults will be gift certificates and for children, there will be an animal-themed gift basket.

  • Children
  • Teens
  • Adults
  • Staff

Artwork will be on display until the end of June. Photos of each entry will be added to our Facebook pages and websites for virtual viewing. In person viewing will be limited to our open hours and follow pandemic guidelines.

To learn more about endangered species visit the Pember Museum. Miss Bernie has a list of endangered species that are included in our collection.

Pember updated library services

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Pember starts Pop-In Service

Starting April 1, pop-in browsing will be available at the Pember. You may browse the New & Popular collection and adult, teen, and children’s items including books, audiobooks, and DVDs. A maximum of 5 patrons will be allowed in the building at any one time. No seating will be available. Loitering will not be allowed.

You can pick up items on reserve without an appointment, get a library card, or use the copier. There will be limited computer & printer access (1 station available, max 30 min per person, per day).

Curbside service will continue to be available for those who request it.

Hand sanitizer is available in the lobby for patrons to use upon entering and exiting the building. We encourage the use of hand sanitizer before handling library materials. Face coverings will be required, and social distancing protocols will be observed.

All returned materials are quarantined for 48 hours before they are checked-in. No fines accrue on items being quarantined.

Board Meeting March 18, 6PM

The Pember Museum and Library, Granville New York Posted on by

A meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Pember Library and Museum will be held on the third Thursday of each month at the Pember. The meeting will be conducted following social distancing guidelines. To attend the meeting virtually, please contact the library by 9 AM on the meeting day at pember.library@gmail.com for the log-in information.