Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, January 18, 2018

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

A T. rex stopped by for a spot of tea at the Bethlehem Public Library on Friday, Jan. 12. Kids — including one with a dinosaur tail —  lined up to meet the guest of honor at the Tea Rex Party. The children spent the morning enjoying a story and teatime treats with a dinosaur theme.

Get the answers and the information you need with the online research materials offered on the library’s website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Whether you are a student tackling a specific topic or a lifelong learner looking for accurate and well-sourced information, chances are, we have a database that will help.

Below are some of the additions and changes the new year brings to these online research tools, where a wealth of information is only a click away.

In addition to Scholastic Go! which was featured in last week’s column, we’ve added Value Line, a reliable source for investors looking for accurate data and expert stock market analysis. We’ve also replaced our former auto repair database with Chilton’s Auto Repair, a trusted name among amateur and professional mechanics.

Other changes include a rebranding of Atomic Databases to Hoonuit. The online software and career training portal can help you develop new skills through step-by-step video workshops.

Finally, Novelist, the popular reader’s advisory resource, has been upgraded to include nonfiction titles, and we are now offering the Literary Reference Center, which replaces the Literary Resource Center.

All of these research tools and more can be found at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org by clicking on the “Research” tab. Some require a Bethlehem library card to be accessed off site, but anyone can use them inside the library.

Tech tools at the library

There are a number of in-house tech tools available at the library that can help you create, collaborate and conserve in this digital age.

Two public meeting rooms are equipped with Smart boards that allow for remote interviews and meetings, as well as all kinds of digital presentations. The Tech Room features a 3D scanner and printer, a VHS-to-DVD conversion deck, and a flatbed scanner. Located on a dedicated tech table near the public computers, you’ll find a large-format scanner and a computer equipped with Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premiere.

There’s no need to make a pricey investment in technology or software you are going to only use once or twice when you can use those tools for free at the library.

Study hall

The library has set aside dedicated group study space for Regents test prep through Wednesday, Jan. 24. Students and their tutors 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 www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/programs/teens/study-hall.

Storm warning

Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.