Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The library would like to thank voters for approving the $4.2 million budget levy for 2021-22 on Tuesday with an 83%-percent approval rate. The levy represents a 0-percent increase over the previous year. Your widespread support will allow us to cautiously plan for a return to the vibrant library experience of recent years.
Voters on Tuesday also re-elected Harmeet Narang to a five-year term on the board of trustees. Harmeet has been a member of the board since 2013 and currently serves as the chairman of the Long-Range Planning Committee.
The library’s board meetings, which typically take place on the second Monday of the month at 6 p.m., are always open to the public.
New mask guidelines
What do the state’s new mask guidelines mean for Bethlehem Public Library visitors? At this time, the library is strongly encouraging masks for all visitors inside the library and requiring them for unvaccinated visitors ages 2 and up.
This decision is based on New York State Department of Health guidance that strongly recommends masks in indoor settings where vaccination status of individuals is unknown.
Thank you for helping us keep Bethlehem Public Library a safe and welcoming space for all!
Get crafty
Have you tried Creativebug, a brand-new online resource for Bethlehem cardholders that provides thousands of high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos?
At Creativebug, you’ll find fun and engaging classes for artists and makers of all ages and skill levels. In addition to instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking and more – all taught by experts – you’ll have access to downloadable patterns and supply lists. As part of the Creativebug community, you can also share your own images and tips with your fellow crafters.
Creativebug delivers expert instruction and inspiration straight to your favorite device so you can learn at your own pace – anytime and anywhere. You will need your Bethlehem library card to start an account so you can revisit past projects or pick up where you left off on a current one. New classes are added daily.
Visit www.creativebug.com/lib/bethlehemlibrary to get started.
Library hours
We continue to expand library services based on current pandemic guidelines. Our doors are now open seven days a week, and we’ve added multiple computer/printing stations that can be used for 30 minutes per day.
The library building is now open for business: from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, and from 12:30-5 p.m. on Sunday,
Curbside hours remain: from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, and from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Just a reminder: Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Memorial Day weekend Saturday-Monday, May 29-31.
Due date reminder
The moratorium on late fees has been extended through June 30, 2021. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in.