Bethlehem Library Notes for Friday, January 15, 2016
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
A sunbeam warms the Children’s Place in the Bethlehem Public Library on Tuesday, Jan. 5, as a young patron proudly displays his alphabet skills.
For more than 30 years, the Bethlehem Public Library’s public access television network, BCN-TV, has provided an island of independent, local programming in a sea of corporate TV influences.
The station recently received funding through the cable franchise agreement with the town of Bethlehem, allowing it to upgrade its aging audio-visual equipment. The changes provide enhanced user and viewer experiences and have brought the station into the modern, digital age.
BCN-TV can now run as many programs as there are time slots, whereas before, programming was limited to the 15 “decks” available. Because of this, viewers can enjoy a fuller schedule over the weekend and holidays. In another change, the station can accept digital video files in addition to DVDs.
So where does all the great content on BCN-TV come from? Community organizations, religious groups, and advocacy coalitions, for starters. The station also broadcasts important municipal events like town, planning and school board meetings, as well as political forums. But most importantly, BCN-TV programming can come from you — you are the “public” in public access television.
Anyone is welcome to submit non-commercial programming for the station, as long as it falls within the rules outlined in the user agreement. Beginning in February, BCN-TV staff will be available to provide training and production expertise for programs intended for presentation on its channel.
BCN-TV airs on Time Warner channels 17 and 116.2, and Verizon FiOS channel 28. Find out more at HYPERLINK "http://www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/"www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org (click on the quick link for public access TV). A monthly program guide is available in the library and online.
Study hall at the library
This month, we are once again offering dedicated group study space for Regents test prep. From Monday, Jan. 18, through Wednesday, Jan. 27, students individually, with tutors, or in small groups can spend some time at the library getting ready for their upcoming exams with minimal distractions.
Most study halls will take place in our community room, unless otherwise noted, and students are welcome to drop in and stay as long as needed during scheduled hours. The full schedule is available at the library and online at HYPERLINK "http://www.bplteens.org/"www.bplteens.org. Another study hall series will be offered later in the school year.
Tax filing help
We are now making appointments for tax filing assistance with staffers from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. If your household income is under $62,000, you can get free help filing your state and federal returns. Returns must be e-filed. Time slots are available at the library on Tuesdays from Jan. 26 to April 12, and appointments must be made in person at the information desk, at which time you will be provided with a list of items you will need to bring.