Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, April 16, 2020

For now, all is quiet inside Bethlehem Public Library, but our MakerBot 3D printer has a big job to do. It is currently working overtime churning out the pieces that are a key component to the protective face shields that health-care workers are using to protect themselves during the coronavirus pandemic.

The printer itself has been moved to its “work from home” location, where head of information technology John Love can check in on the print progress and troubleshoot if problems arise. Each face-shield piece takes a couple of hours to produce, and Love has them printing one right after the other.

We are coordinating our efforts with Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk and Albany public libraries and two separate groups through the University at Albany. The finished face shields are destined for Albany Med.

Medical-supply shortages across the country prompted the call for individuals and organizations with 3D printers to help fill the need, and we are happy that our MakerBot, a cornerstone of the library’s Makerspace Tech Room, can be of service. 

Engage with us online

While social distancing guidelines have halted in-person programming for the time being, our librarians have been busy coming up with creative new ways to connect with you online, starting with a digital scavenger hunt to help you familiarize yourself with our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Our popular book-discussion groups have moved to Goodreads so you can keep up with your reading list and stay in touch with your librarian moderators and fellow readers. Are you a fan of our Listening Parties? The themed music discussion group can now be found on our website.

We’re also offering video storytimes, STEM/STEAM tutorials, and sewing and crafting instruction with your BPL librarians. We’re debuting some of these on YouTube and Facebook, but you can also find many of them on our website. Be sure to check our online calendar for more upcoming virtual programs.

And don’t forget to follow us on social media for staff book recommendations, activity ideas, library news and more!

Online contest for Poetry Month

Celebrate National Poetry Month with us and channel your inner muse by participating in our online poetry contest. Go the traditional route or try something a little different — like picture poetry. All ages are welcome (and there will be prizes). Go to bethpl.org/poetry-contest for details. 

Virtual board meetings

Our commitment to organizational transparency continues, even as group gathering guidelines and building closures pose a challenge to holding our monthly board of trustees meetings. Please be assured the Monday, April 20, meeting will take place at its scheduled time of 6 p.m. and remain open to the public virtually even if our board members are not able to meet in person. Please visit our board of trustees webpage (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/board-of-trustees) for more information.

Got questions?

Reach out by email at and staff will assist you. You can also call the library at 518-439-9314 and leave a message. We will get back to you as soon as we are able, but please allow additional time for questions asked via voicemail.