— Photo by Kristen Roberts

The Bethlehem Public Library is hosting an outdoor winter scavenger hunt where families can search for a series of winter-themed icons located on library grounds, like this smiling snowman.

Take a closer look at the fascinating world of fossils with amateur paleontologist David Clark on Tuesday, Dec. 15, as he gives a virtual tour of his prep room and fossil collection. Clark will share some of his best fossil finds, including special ones from New York, and talk about how he cleans and curates the collection.

Clark is a member and past president of the Friends of the University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology and has donated many specimens for scientific study, including a newly discovered crinoid (sea lily) that now bears his name.

“Fossil Science with David Clark” begins at 4 p.m. and will be followed by time for questions and answers. All ages are welcome. This program takes place over Zoom; registration is required. To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

The hunt is on 

Looking for something to do with your family that gets you out of the house in a safe and socially distant way? We've got just the thing! 

Stop by for a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt on library grounds and see if you can find all of these winter-themed items:

— One Smiling Snowman;

— Two Pairs of Puffy Earmuffs;

— Three Precious Penguins;

— Four Frolicking Foxes;

— Five Mismatched Mittens; and

— A Rainbow Made of Snowflakes. 

Live tutoring

If hybrid learning this year is taking its toll and your child is falling behind, we have some tools that can help. Bethlehem cardholders have access to HelpNow by Brainfuse, an intuitive learning resource for all ages and levels with personalized homework help in core subjects (math, reading, writing, science and social studies), as well as SAT preparation.  

Live one-on-one online tutoring is available in math, science, writing and other subjects for elementary, middle school, high school and college students from 2 to 11 p.m. daily. All Brainfuse tutors have at least a four-year degree and are background checked. 

Find HelpNow on the library’s Research webpage: webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/research.asp

Library fines 

The new year will bring some changes to our currently relaxed fine rules, which were established in the early days of the pandemic. With automatic due date reminders in place, 24/7 drop-off access and quarantine procedures established for returned items, the library will once again charge fines for overdue items returned after Dec. 31. 

What does this mean for you?

— Please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in;

— Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away. Don’t worry, we will be taking that lag time into account once fines have been reinstated; 

— Remember to always renew or return your items by the due date to avoid late charges beginning Jan. 1, 2021;

— The maximum charge for an overdue item is $5. For more information, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/loan-periods-and-fines;

— Fees for lost or damaged items are not being waived; and

— Questions? Give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email us at information@bethpl.org.

As we embark on a holiday season like no other, it is hard not to think about how we are living through a history-making time. The pandemic has shaped our everyday lives in ways we could have never imagined. 

This spring and summer, we invited people to share their personal memories of early 2020, when COVID-19 quickly changed from being a distant threat to a health emergency affecting every aspect of our lives. These recollections, in the form of narratives, photographs, and video, are now part of our permanent New York Heritage digital collection.

We saw such a creative variety of submissions — some poignant and heart-breaking, others optimistic and uplifting. There are currently 34 records in this collection, organized and uploaded by a team of Bethlehem librarians. Some are single contributions, while others are multiple items such as photographs, audio, video, songs, poetry, newsletters, shared experiences, and works of art.

Exploring these words and images from our neighbors is a reminder that we are not in this alone. These quarantine memories are an important snapshot of the here and now that will be part of the historical record long after the pandemic is a distant memory. 

To view our collection of Quarantine Memories, visit nyheritage.org/contributors/bethlehem-public-library

That’s what

Friends are for 

The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library support our library in ways big and small — from underwriting concert series and author visits to serving up treats at summer events and funding the prizes for library contests.  

The Friends are an all-volunteer organization that is always welcoming new members and supporters. 

The group meets on the third Monday evening, every other month. This year’s annual organizational meeting will be held Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes a vote on the slate of candidates for the board of directors. The meeting will be held virtually and members will be notified of the link via email. To find out how you can be a Friend too, e-mail

To learn more about the Friends, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library

What’s that song? 

Are you one of those people who knows the song that’s playing on the radio just by hearing a few notes? It’s time to put that “note-able” skill to good use at our virtual Name That Tune program on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Match your music knowledge against others as you compete for bragging rights and a prize. The program takes place over Zoom, and participants will use the Zoom chat to share answers.  

To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.

Have you heard of a mug rug? It’s a plus-size coaster that has room for your mug and a small treat like a piece of cake or a cookie.

Sound like your cup of tea? Then join us Friday, Dec. 4, at 3 p.m. on Zoom for a virtual Sew It Yourself program with Librarian, Tori R., who will walk you through making your own personalized patchwork mug rug.

You’ll need your sewing machine and iron available during the program, as well as the following supplies:

— Fifteen 2.5-by-2.5-inch squares of fabric, any combination;

— One 6.5-by-10.5-inch piece of fusible fleece; and

— One 8.5-by-12.5 inch piece of fabric for your backing. 

To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

A program for parents 

Parenting during a pandemic is not easy, and sometimes it can be hard to know how to respond when your child starts acting up. In a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany, the library is offering a virtual program for caregivers designed to further develop that crucial relationship between caregiver and child. Join us on Zoom Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 10 a.m. for Positive Discipline Strategies for Caregivers.  

This interactive researched-based program will focus on positive discipline strategies – that really work! – for toddlers and preschoolers.  

Children are welcome at this program. To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

Printing options

Onsite printing is now available at the library. To use the print kiosk for up to 15 minutes per day, sign in at the Information Desk, and print from the Internet or a USB drive. Sanitizing materials will be on hand for you to use before and after you print. 

We also offer wireless and mobile printing from home, with print jobs retrievable during in-person browsing hours or through curbside pickup. Visit our wireless printing webpage (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/services/tech-tools/wireless-and-mobile-printing) to get started. 

Thanksgiving hours 

The library will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Curbside pickup hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Friday.  

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.

When it comes to free Wi-Fi at the library — you can take it with you. Bethlehem Public Library loans out Wi-Fi hotspots that provide “Internet to go.” Use the device to stream music or your favorite show or do some online research on your own time and in your own space — there are no restrictions as long as cell service is available.

The devices are portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem cardholders can even request them through the catalog. The hotspots must be returned to the library through a curbside dropoff. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “WiFi” to see what’s available. 

New life for

old home movies 

Do you have some old home movies on VHS that you would like to digitize? You can now borrow an analog video converter from our Library of Things. Make a digital copy of those precious memories from a VCR, camcorder, or other analog sources using the Elgato Video Capture.

The device includes RCA and S-video cables, as well as a SCART adapter. They are available to borrow on a first-come basis, and must be picked up and dropped off at Bethlehem Public Library. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Elgato” to see what’s available. 

BCN-TV reminders 

Bethlehem’s public access station, BCN-TV, features productions that range from 30-second public-service announcements to long-running series. Shows span a wide range of topics: public affairs and poetry, religion and relationships, music and medicine, education and environment. Local school and town board meetings are also cablecast, and a community calendar runs daily. A number of library-produced programs are also part of the lineup.  

You can easily find out what is on and what is coming up on BCN-TV with our online guide. The listings are continually updated and project the schedule a week out. Find the new weekly BCN-TV guide online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/tvschedule.asp.  

You can watch BCN-TV on Spectrum Channel 1301 and Verizon Fios Channel 28. 

Thanksgiving hours 

The library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Curbside pickup hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Staff and trustees would like to wish our Bethlehem neighbors a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.

Attention, gamers! Are you itching to try out the Nintendo Switch? We have the consoles available to borrow from our Library of Things. We’ve also got dozens of Nintendo Switch games to choose from.

Spend some time on a delightful deserted island with “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” go on a “Super Mario Odyssey” or immerse yourself in the land of Hyrule in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Nintendo Switch” to see what’s available.  

Be an armchair

archaeologist 

On Friday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m., we’ll take a closer look at Fort Orange with Dr. Michael Lucas, curator of Historical Archaeology at the New York State Museum. Following Henry Hudson’s famous voyage of 1609, Dutch traders and farmers established a presence within today’s boundary of New York. Dr. Lucas will talk about the everyday objects the Dutch brought with them and what archaeology can tell us about their multiple uses.   

This Coffee and Conversation program takes place on Zoom. Log in online to enjoy the presentation followed by time to chat and ask questions. To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

Novel approach 

Check ’Em Out Books, an every-other-month evening book discussion group, meets Monday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss “Wildland” by Rebecca Hodge. In this debut novel, a woman struggling to choose between fighting or surrendering to cancer in the aftermath of her husband’s death risks her life to rescue two children stranded in the middle of a deadly wildfire. Copies of this book are available without any wait on Hoopla. 

Book discussions are open to everyone; registration is required. To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

Another way to read 

For young readers, there’s more than one way to enjoy favorite stories like “Stellaluna,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and “Click, Clack Moo.” The library is loaning out Wonderbooks and VOX Books versions of these titles and dozens more. VOX Books and Wonderbooks are audio books that live in print books. The permanently attached readers transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There’s no need for computers, tablets or CDs. Kids can simply push a button to listen and read. 

These read-alongs combine high quality picture books and non-fiction with audio recordings that capture children’s attention and make learning and literacy development fun. There’s a speaker for parent and child or group listening plus an earphone jack for individual use. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “VOX” or “Wonderbooks” to see what’s available.

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020.

In the early days of the stay-at-home order this spring, many of us spent the days baking, sautéing and cooking our way to some semblance of comfort as we tried to make sense of the surging virus that had upended our lives. 

At that time, the Upper Hudson Library System put out a call for those recipes that were a part of our pandemic cooking repertoire with the promise that they would be assembled and shared with the greater library community.

That time has come! The Upper Hudson Community Cookbook is now available as a free pdf featuring dozens of mouth-watering recipes, including a couple from our Bethlehem neighbors: Sheryl R.’s Microwave Chocolate Truffles, Jennifer Y.’s Sambuca Mushrooms, and Crustless Spinach Quiche from Susan S.  

Check out those recipes and more at www.uhls.org/UHLS_Community_Cookbook.pdf.

Explore shipwrecks

Take a deep dive into underwater archaeology. 

On Friday, Nov. 9, we’ll be going underwater — again, virtually — to explore some of the shipwrecks found in rivers, lakes, oceans and even on land with Dr. Daria Merwin of the New York State Museum.  Learn about underwater and maritime archaeology, and find out what these amazing sites can tell us about the past.

This program, which takes place on Zoom at 1 p.m., is part of the library’s Coffee and Conversation series co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc. Log in online to enjoy the presentation followed by time to chat and ask questions. To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the program you’re interested in. 

Library of Things 

Did you know that, although some items in our Library of Things collection have been moved out of circulation due to pandemic-related safety concerns, there are still plenty of cool “things” to check out, such as trail cameras, slide scanners, digital projectors and more?

We’re also allowing Bethlehem cardholders to put most of these items on hold, so they can be picked up curbside or during our open hours. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates. 

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away. Don’t worry, we will be taking that lag time into account once fines have been reinstated.

With the popularity of television shows like “Who Do You Think You Are,” the ease of sharing information over the internet, and the reconnecting of distant relatives using social media, it’s no wonder more Americans than ever before are interested in discovering their roots.

On our website, you’ll find a number of useful tools to help you get started climbing your family tree. Ancestry.com, one of the biggest names in do-it-yourself genealogy, is temporarily available to use offsite with your library card. HeritageQuest gives you access to United States census data and over 1 million genealogy and local history articles.

On our Local History webpage you’ll find even more resources, including our Spotlight newspaper archive and the New York Heritage digital collections. Find all of these resources linked from our “Research” page on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org). 

We are also scheduling one-on-one genealogy appointments over Zoom to help with your questions and introduce you to the family-history resources available on the library’s website. To make an appointment, fill out the online form at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/local-history/genealogy. Appointments last approximately one hour. 

Book Bundles 

Subscription boxes are big these days — makeup, meals, art supplies — you name it. There’s a sense of mystery and surprise when you unbox the contents. Will there be something there that you wouldn’t normally pick out for yourself but end up loving? 

Our Book Bundles are like that, but for readers. Oh, and there’s no fee. The only plastic you’ll need is your library card. 

Sign up to receive a Book Bundle — selections hand-picked for you by one of our librarians based on the reading preferences you share through the form at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-bundle-request. We use that information to narrow down 10 curated picks in your favorites genres and formats — maybe with a surprise or two thrown in!  

Book Bundles are available for adults, teens, grade-schoolers and “read-to-me” children up to age 6. You will be contacted by e-mail or phone when the items are ready for pickup. Questions? E-mail

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates. 

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away. Don’t worry, we will be taking that lag time into account once fines have been reinstated.

—Photo by MORAN

Spooky or silly? You decide! The Bethlehem Public Library is accepting entries for its virtual pumpkin-carving contest until Oct. 29.

The Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees voted this month to extend the current fine moratorium through the end of the year. At the beginning of the pandemic and during the library’s unexpected closure, a decision was made to waive fines until there was a safe and reliable way to return materials.

With so many things to worry about in those early days, being charged for an overdue book didn’t need to be among them.

We have since been able to set up a system that accepts most returns 24/7, as well as a “reverse curbside pick-up” for Library of Things items. Automatic due date reminders are once again going out, and quarantine procedures are being rigorously followed.  

With these things in place, the library will once again charge fines for overdue items returned after Dec. 31.

What does this mean for you?

— This two-month extension of the fine moratorium gives you a little time to get back into the habit of returning library items when they are due;

— In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in;

— Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away. Don’t worry, we will be taking that lag time into account once fines have been reinstated;

— Remember to always renew or return your items by the due date to avoid late charges beginning Jan. 1, 2021;

— Please note: The maximum charge for an overdue item is $5. For more information about our loan periods and fines, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/loan-periods-and-fines; and

— Fees for lost or damaged items are not being waived.  

Still have questions? Give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email us at .  

Democracy in America 

In the early 19th Century, Alexis de Toqueville, a French aristocrat, political scientist, and historian, traveled extensively throughout the United States, analyzing American society. Following his travels, he penned the well-known “Democracy in America,” which describes the young country’s emerging political system.  

The library is hosting a virtual series on de Toqueville's “Democracy in America” presented by Giacomo Calabria and grant-funded in partnership with Humanities New York. This series will provide an opportunity for participants to examine and discuss our Puritan-founded history, our Constitution, our representative democracy, and the tyranny of the majority as captured in “Democracy in America.” Each week will focus on a different topic.  

The series, which began Oct. 19, will continue on the following Mondays at 7 p.m.: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9. Registration is required. Visit our online calendar (bethlehem.librarycalendar.com) to sign up. 

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates. 

Halloween fun 

We are still accepting entries in our virtual pumpkin-carving contest. Spooky or silly? You decide! Entries will be accepted through Oct. 29. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/virtual-pumpkin-carving-contest for more information.

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

Upper Hudson Volunteer of the Year award winner Polly Hartman has been an enthusiastic supporter of the library through her work with the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.

The library would like to congratulate Polly Hartman for her selection as the Upper Hudson Library System Volunteer of the Year.

Polly, a beloved children’s librarian at the Bethlehem Public Library for many years, retired in 2006 but has remained an unwavering and enthusiastic supporter of the library through her work with the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.

The first to volunteer for library or Friends-sponsored community events, Polly is currently serving as vice president of the Friends. She was the originator of the library’s yearly fundraising trip to the Glimmerglass Opera, and has coordinated the winter bus trips to New York City. These programs have been major fundraising events for the library for many years.

“As the Friends plan events throughout the year, Polly is without exception the first person to volunteer to attend, and help in any way needed,” said Friends of the Library President Jeremy Johannesen. “Her boundless optimism and ever-present smile merely add to her value as a volunteer.”

Library Director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick commended Polly’s work on behalf of the library.

“Her efforts to bolster the strength of the Friends continues as she attracts more community-minded people to serve on the board,” he said.  

Library hours expanding 

The days may be getting shorter, but as we settle into autumn, our in-person browsing hours are expanding. The library is now open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday. 

Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.  

In addition to expanded in-person browsing:

— Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday;

— Books to People offers a delivery service for the homebound;

— Cardholders can download eBooks and audiobooks, and stream video online anytime;

— For the latest building and service updates, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information

Trick or Treat StoryWalk 

Children and their families are invited to take a hike on the nature loop at Elm Avenue Park and enjoy a self-led Halloween story Thursday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. or 4 p.m. In conjunction with the Bethlehem Public Library, Parks and Recreation staff will be dressed up along the loop to hand out “treats.” Halloween bags will be provided. You must pre-register with the Park Office, space is limited. Click here to sign up: bit.ly/34w9t9v

Show off your

perfect pumpkin 

We are still accepting entries in our virtual pumpkin-carving contest. Spooky or silly? You decide! Simply email a full-color photo of your pumpkin to . Include your full name, email, phone number and category. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 29. 

Please enter only pumpkins carved by you or your family this year. Entries will be judged by library staff and prizes, provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, will be awarded in the beginning of November. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/virtual-pumpkin-carving-contest for more information.

— Photo by Kristen Roberts 

Bethlehem library’s Great Give Back Community Art Show has been set up on the plaza so that visitors may enjoy uplifting messages and images from their neighbors in a safe, outdoor setting. 

Make space on your bookshelves and stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this fall at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza — on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Many are duplicate copies of popular titles, and large-print titles will be available. 

Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change. Visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and chin, and hand sanitizer will be available. The book sale is weather-permitting, and a rain date of Monday, Oct. 12, has been scheduled. 

Great gourds! 

Carve a pumpkin with panache at your own pace for our Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest open to families and adults. Spooky or silly? You decide! Simply email a full-color photo of your pumpkin to . Include your full name, email, phone number and category. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 29.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 

— Adult – Scary pumpkin; 

— Adult – Silly pumpkin; 

— Family – Scary pumpkin; and 

— Family – Silly pumpkin. 

Please enter only pumpkins carved by you or your family this year. Entries will be judged by library staff and prizes, provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, will be awarded in the beginning of November. 

Hoopla is renewed 

In spring, we joined with Upper Hudson and our partner libraries to provide you with high-quality eContent through Hoopla, an on-demand streaming service for eBooks, music, video and audiobooks. Hoopla has been so popular that the Board of Trustees voted this fall to continue offering it to Bethlehem cardholders once the Upper Hudson contract expires. 

In addition to Hoopla, you can download eBooks, audiobooks and eMagazines through OverDrive – and there are thousands of titles to choose from. Even more eMagazines are available through Flipster. You can also stream movies, high-quality children’s programming or explore one of The Great Courses through Kanopy. 

Head to the library’s eContent webpage at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/ebooks-emagazines to see what’s available. You’ll find helpful links and tips if you are new to using these services, but if you need more help, send an e-mail to , and we’ll get back to you. 

One library,

many ways to get books 

When it comes to getting books, movies, audiobooks and more into your hands, we are one library with many options so that you can decide how much contact you are comfortable with: 

— The library is open for limited in-person browsing from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday;

— Curbside pickup is currently available from 1-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday;

— Our Pop-Up Library on the Plaza continues on nicer days;

— Books to People offers a delivery service for the homebound; and

— Cardholders can download eBooks and audiobooks, and stream video online anytime. 

For the latest building and service updates, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information

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