Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Earlier this month, our board of trustees voted to extend the library’s mask policy while the community spread of COVID-19 remains high. At this time, masks are still required inside the library building for everyone ages 2 and older. The library will continue to re-evaluate this policy and make decisions based on the latest public-health guidelines.

We appreciate your support as we remain mindful of the health of our more vulnerable visitors, as well as our staff, who are crucial to keeping our doors open.

Forgot your mask? We have plenty of disposable ones available, and curbside pickup remains open seven days a week. We are also allowing individuals in our small study rooms to remove their masks while the doors are closed. These rooms have been equipped with air filters. 

Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact us at . The board of trustees’ next meeting is Monday, March 14, at 6 p.m. 

Get ready to garden 

Save the date! Our Seed Library returns March 14 with a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. Seed packets will be located behind the Information Desk. You can choose up to 10 seed packets per household. Also returning this year is our online “shopping” portal that makes it easy for you to select your seeds for pickup.  

Seed libraries like ours support sustainability and food security by allowing the community free access to the means of growing their own food. 

Auto renewals

Just a quick reminder: We are now automatically renewing eligible items that have reached their due date. This means you won’t have to lift a finger to have your loan period extended. 

When you receive your due-date reminder, it will show the items that have been automatically renewed along with the new due date. You will also see which items cannot be renewed, so you’ll know exactly what has to go back to the library and what you can keep a little bit longer. 

Borrow a Chromebook 

These days, technology is proving vital to staying connected. The library wants to make sure everyone in our community has access to the tools they need so we've added dozens of Chromebooks to our catalog that can be requested and checked out by Bethlehem cardholders for 28 days at a time. To request a Chromebook: bit.ly/2XFORJg.  

Trustee candidate

information available 

Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library, through curbside pickup and on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org) for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election.   

Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18.  

The election will be held Tuesday May 17.