Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, June 9, 2021
Warmer days are here, which means we’re turning the library inside out and bringing back our Pop-Up Library on the Plaza for the season!
Our Pop-Up Library will be set up Tuesdays in June from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m., weather permitting. It’s a fun, outdoor browsing experience on the entrance walkway off the parking lot, where you’ll find hot new releases and popular titles for kids, teens, and adults.
Visit our website (bethlehempubliclibrary.org) for any weather-related updates. The library building will be open during the Pop-Up Library, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for outside — there are plenty more shelves to explore inside!
Closed for Juneteenth
The library will be closed Saturday, June 19, in honor of the 156th anniversary of Juneteenth, a holiday that marks the day a Union regiment brought news to remote Texas that the Emancipation Proclamation had ended slavery — two-and-a-half years earlier. The day is typically celebrated with religious services, speeches, educational events, family gatherings, and festivals with music, food and dancing.
Want to learn more about Juneteenth? Hoopla, one of our streaming digital services, has a collection of great books and movies to help kids learn more about the importance of Juneteenth and Emancipation – no wait required. See what’s available here: bit.ly/3hLDcRy. Or find dozens of books and media about Juneteenth for all ages in our catalog here: bit.ly/3ch6rLd.
Historic murder gets a new look
In 1827, a murder occurred at the Cherry Hill farm, home of the well-known Van Rensselaer family. The crime aroused tremendous public interest, and the subsequent trial culminated in the last public hanging in Albany.
Although it appeared to be a crime of passion, the case uncovered some simmering issues of the day including women's roles and legal rights, social class, punishment and the law, and slavery in New York. Join us for a special virtual presentation on the 1827 Cherry Hill Murder Friday, June 11, at 1 p.m. Hear the words of those involved in the crime and decide whom you think was guilty or innocent. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Summer Reading
Join us outside on the library plaza Sunday, June 20, at 2 p.m. as we use paint, markers, and more to create big, colorful lawn signs to celebrate the start of Summer Reading. When we’re done, we'll display our signs on the library lawn for everyone to see!
No registration is necessary. All ages are welcome to participate. Children under age 9 should be accompanied by an adult at all times. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to check the status.
Due date reminder
Remember to renew or return your overdue books before the end of the month to avoid late charges! The moratorium on late fees has been extended through June 30, 2021, after which the library will once again start charging for overdue materials.
For more information about our loan periods and fines, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/loan-periods-and-fines.