Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, January 20, 2021

Follow us on over to our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BethPL! Our new page features all of the latest library news, information about library services and upcoming events, and a way to engage with fellow library fans.

Just a reminder for those who used to follow us on our old Facebook page: Beginning February 2021, that page will no longer be updated, so like or follow us here so you don’t miss out! 

Not on Facebook? You’ll also find us on Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads and YouTube. See you there! 

Speak up

with Pronunciator 

There are so many benefits to learning a new language, not the least of which is keeping your brain sharp at a time when all of the days seem to flow together. While there are a lot of language-learning programs out there, Pronunciator, the library’s newest online language resource, takes a personalized approach to make learning work for you.

Just select the language and topics you love, the skills you want to build, and how much you want to study each day, and Pronunciator will build a personalized course just for you — in a matter of seconds. You can choose from over 160 languages to learn, including American Sign Language. 

Bethlehem cardholders can access Pronunciator on the library’s Research page, webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/research.asp

Service updates 

In the face of rising coronavirus infection rates in our community, the library will continue to offer curbside-only pickup for the time being. The board will regularly review at their monthly meetings the library’s ability to add back additional services if the situation begins to stabilize or improve.  

Current curbside hours are: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. 

If you are new to using our curbside service, please visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/curbside-pickup to help you get started.  

Although the library building will be closed to the public, staff is available to answer questions by calling 518-439-9314 or by emailing . You’ll also find a number of online services on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org), including ways to download eBooks, magazines and audiobooks, as well as stream movies and children’s shows. Check out our calendar for upcoming virtual events for all ages, such as concerts, performances and more. 

Kindness Matters 

Our Kindness Matters campaign is going strong with surprise giveaways, Just for Me: Teen Book Boxes and more! For more information, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/kindness-matters

Be sure to follow us on social media to share all the ways acts of kindness have made a difference in your life. Share your Kindness Resolutions for 2021 by tagging us at #BPLKindness. 

Let it snow 

Don’t be caught out in the cold! There are still a few days left to submit your original short story in our Snowy Stories contest open to grades K-12. Entries will be accepted through Jan. 29. Email us at to enter. Stories incorporating visual elements may be e-mailed as PDFs.

Winners will be posted online in February. For more information, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/snowy-stories-contest.