Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, April 27, 2022

Bethlehem Public Library file photo — Kristen Roberts

The reading patio outside the Children’s Place at Bethlehem Public Library is the perfect spot to rest, read, or play on a sunny day.

This spring, you’re invited to spend some time in our welcoming outdoor nook just off the Children’s Place filled with fun-sized furniture and whimsical decorations. The Ian Boegel Memorial Patio is just the place to hang out and enjoy sunny days with your library friends.

Read, relax, or make your mark with a colorful chalk creation! With the Memorial Patio, our young visitors are invited to enjoy the library inside and out. 

Become an

armchair scientist 

Did you know that you can participate in meaningful scientific research from the comfort of your home? Join us Thursday, April 28, at 3 p.m. for an introduction to the world of citizen science with examples of global, national and local projects for the active and the armchair citizen scientist. Learn about the ways that you can become an active member of the scientific community.  

This program takes place over Zoom. Adults and teens are welcome. To sign up, visit the library calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com

Friendship and art

on the trail 

Local author-artists Carole Fults and Diane Kavanaugh-Black will be at the library Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m. to share stories, conversation and images about friendship, photography, internal and external journeys, critters and plants, bear poo and challenging climbs – all set in walks at local nature areas.  

Their co-authored book of poems, essays and photographs, “A Walking Friendship: The First 500 Miles,” was published last summer. Registration for this program is required. To sign up, visit the library calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com

Budget and elections 

Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.58 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.3 million, a 3.25 percent increase over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap. Click here for more information. 

There is one open trustee seat. On the ballot are Sarah Patterson and Anne Scott. A Meet the Candidates night will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Watch it on the library’s YouTube channel. 

The Board of Trustees will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 9, meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched on the library’s YouTube channel.  

Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 17, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.  

Friends Book Sale 

Coming soon! Stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this spring at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from noon to 4 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Many are duplicate copies of popular titles, and large print titles will be available.  

Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change.  

Enjoy some live music while you shop, with performers scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at noon and 2 p.m.