Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.45 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.2 million, a zero percent increase over last year.
By identifying areas of savings, this spending plan allows the library to continue to invest in physical and electronic resources, as well as online access to research and investing tools, and career and educational support — without increasing the levy.
“We worked very hard to come up with a budget that maintains and grows our collection without an increased tax burden. We know that many have found the library and its resources to be a comfort during these tough times, and we believe the 2021-22 budget will allow us to continue the level of service our community deserves,” said library director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick.
A detailed budget chart and letter from the board of trustees are available in the May/June issue of the Footnotes newsletter and online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
There is one trustee seat on the 2021 ballot, currently held by incumbent Harmeet Narang, who is seeking re-election unopposed.
The board will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 10, virtual meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched on the library’s YouTube channel.
Residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 18, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
Pop-up book sale
Save the date and make space on your bookshelves and stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza. The sale will take place Saturday, May 15, from 1 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. Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation.
Pandemic health
and wellness series
In May, we’re offering a virtual Pandemic Health and Wellness Series designed to help you focus on your own self care and take a break from the stress and anxiety of these challenging times. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the date and event to sign up:
— Evening Qi Gong: Tuesday, May 4, at 7 p.m.
Explore gentle postures that incorporate movement, visualization, and breathing in this class taught by librarian Cathy Brenner, who is a certified tai chi instructor. All ages welcome;
— Staying Motivated to Eat Healthy: Thursday, May 6, at 7 p.m.
Bounce back from a tumultuous year by learning mindful ways to choose nutritious, plant-forward foods and move more with Karen Roberts Mort from the Cornell Cooperative Extension;
— Learn to Meditate: Monday May 10, at 7 p.m.
Join the Shambhala Center of Albany to learn to meditate, to cultivate stability, clarity, and strength. For beginners and those who would like to refresh their skills; and
— Zentangle: Wednesday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m.
Join certified Zentangle Instructor Lisa Lehman for an intro to the Zentangle Method and practice some basic tangles.