Bethlehem Library Notes for Saturday, March 4, 2017

— Photo by Natalie McDonough

Emily Ellison helps kick off winter break week on Sunday, Feb. 19, at the Bethlehem Public Library with “Sing and Celebrate Around the World,” an interactive concert for all ages.

Rainy days are never dull at the library, and we’re honored our patrons agree.

The Bethlehem Public Library was voted “Best Place to Spend a Rainy Day” in the March 2017 Capital Region Living Magazine Best of the Capital Region reader’s poll. This is the third time we’ve earned a “best of” designation but the first time in the “Rainy Day” category.

This distinction is especially noteworthy because it means you see us as a destination, not just a place to pick up library materials. We’ve worked hard to be the kind of destination everyone can enjoy — rainy day or not — by focusing on quality programs, services, and materials for all ages.

The next time the skies darken, grab your umbrella and head on over to the “Best Place to Spend a Rainy Day.” If we don’t have a program scheduled (and chances are we do), our quiet reading room is well-lit and stocked with the latest magazines so you can browse in our comfy chairs until the sun comes out.

Or, do a little surfing and take advantage of our free wifi or laptops for loan. If you have kids who are climbing the walls, come by for a storytime or some unstructured free play in our Children’s Place. We’ve got plenty of ways for you to while away the hours at your library.

For more Best of the Capital Region poll winners, go to www.crlmag.com.

Hayes plays

Bethlehem Public Library’s winter concert series “A Little Sunday Music” wraps up its 2016-17 season Sunday, March 5, at 2 p.m. with a performance by cellist Will Hayes, who will be playing music by Bartók, Grieg and Brahms, accompanied by piano.

Will Hayes is a Cincinnati Conservatory of Music graduate and past student artist at Chautauqua Institution, and the Aspen Music Festival. He has appeared in concerts with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Grammy living legend Rod Stewart, Johnny Mathis, Eileen Ivers of Riverdance fame, and has held numerous positions in orchestras across the United States, including the Middletown Symphony in Ohio; Richmond Symphony in Indiana; Lawton Philharmonic and Enid Symphony in Oklahoma; Wyoming Symphony; Las Cruces Symphony in New Mexico; and the Schenectady Symphony.

A Little Sunday Music is generously underwritten by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.

Teen volunteer opportunity

Teens in grades six through 12 are invited to Spring Into Service at the library on Friday, March 3, at 4 p.m. Create some colorful spring-themed crafts that will brighten the day for our neighbors at Good Samaritan Village Senior Center.

Board candidate information

Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library information desk for one open seat on the Bethlehem Public Library board of trustees. The seat holds a full term of five years, which begins in July. Incumbent and board president Mary Redmond will be seeking re-election.

The election and budget vote will be held on Tuesday, May 16, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.