Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, January 8, 2020

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

Party hats and festive bubbles: Children and their families danced and made crafts at the Bethlehem Public Library as they counted down to the new year at noon on Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Do you enjoy talking about books with fellow readers? Are you stuck in a reading rut and in need of some inspiration?

Then consider joining one of the library’s three different book discussions for adults. There’s Daybooks, which takes place monthly at 1:30 p.m on a Monday and a Thursday; Check ’Em Out Books, which meets at 7 p.m. every other month on a Monday; and AfterDinner Books, which alternates months with Check ’Em Out and takes place at 7 p.m. on a Tuesday night.

Daybooks will meet next on Monday, Jan. 13, or Thursday, Jan. 16, to discuss “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek” by Kim Michele Richardson. 

Discussions are facilitated by Bethlehem librarians, who carefully select books spanning a variety of topics and genres. Sometimes the authors even drop by to provide additional insight such as Paul Castellani who will be joining us for the Feb. 11 “Natalie’s Wars” discussion at AfterDinner Books.

Pick up a bookmark or visit us online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/programs/adult/book-discussions for additional 2020 titles.

New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the Information Desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available.

Annual report

Bethlehem Public Library’s annual report for fiscal year 2018-19 is now available online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Printed copies are available as a bookmark in the literature rack at the Information Desk.

Get creative with a Cricut

Don’t forget to check out our Tech Room Makerspace and see all of the great new tools we’ve added recently.

Front and center is the Cricut Maker, which allows for precision cutting of paper, vinyl, fabric and other materials. This versatile tool is perfect for scrapbooking, quilting, creating custom cards, and more. It can even letter and emboss for a polished text presentation. Patrons are responsible for bringing their own materials to use in the Cricut.

The Cricut joins the Makerbot 3D printer, a die cutter, laminator, button maker, light tracing board and sewing machine available for use anytime during library hours. 

Want to see these tools in action? Drop by the library for a Tech Room Makerspace open house Monday, Jan. 20, from 2 to 4 p.m.

eMagazines

While some of your favorite eMagazines can still be found in Flipster, many UHLS digital magazines are now available from OverDrive, so you can get your eBooks, digital audiobooks and magazines all in one place. 

Bethlehem cardholders will have access to additional Flipster titles beyond the Upper Hudson collection. Visit the website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the eContent button to begin your search.

Storm and ice warning

In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Weather conditions can occasionally cause icing near the entrances that could lead to closure even when the town roadways are clear. Call ahead at 518-439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.