Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, February 18, 2015

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

Curious George stopped by the Bethlehem Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, for Take Your Child to the Library Day and decided to stick around for a while. On Monday, Feb. 16, the library said bon voyage to the popular primate.

There are so many ways to e-read at the Bethlehem Public Library, and our librarians are more than happy to help you get started.

The library’s e-readers are geared toward children, teens and adults. Some are pre-loaded with an author’s entire e-collection (great for vacation reading when you’re not in the mood to haul a bunch of books in your suitcase). Some simply put a selection of bestsellers at your fingertips. The library also has ready-to-load e-books for loan and a vast e-collection that can be accessed through Overdrive.

Patrons thinking about purchasing an e-reader or those who are just curious are encouraged to test-drive our Kindles and NOOKs to get a better feel for the devices. Our librarians can talk you through every step of using an e-reader, including how to download books using Overdrive. Directions are also available at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

If you’ve always wondered how e-readers worked but were unsure of where to begin, stop by the information desk, and we can get you on your way.

Don’t worry if you find that digital books aren’t your thing — we have plenty of the paper kind, too.

Planning ahead

Is it too early to start planning for warmer days? We certainly don’t think so.

We’re asking teens in grades six to 12 for their input on spring and summer programs at the library. Stop by Friday, Feb. 27, and share your ideas at the Teen Advisory Group meeting.

Catalog update

In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out our new integrated catalog and circulation system, with a go-live date set for March 31. Patrons should notice very little disruption as we make this transition. The exception is library holds, which may be unavailable at some point during the final two weeks of March as we migrate to the new system. The new catalog will offer a range of improvements, including the ease with which you can search, place holds and gain access to the library’s collection, including our e-books and e-audiobooks.

We have scheduled a demonstration in April of the new catalog to help you get acquainted with all it has to offer. More demonstrations will likely be scheduled as we get closer to implementation.

Seussabration

On Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., join us for stories, crafts and a video. This program is for kids and families.

Vacation cinema

On Friday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m., bring a blanket and pillow for comfy watching. Call 439-9314 for more information. This program is for all ages.

Performance

A Little Sunday Music program on Sunday March 1, at 2 p.m., features lutenist Andy Rutherford and singer/harpist Marcia Young performing  Renaissance music.