Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Dive into reading: The 2022 Summer Reading theme, Oceans of Possibilities, explores aquatic animals and stories inspired by the sea. Readers of all ages can be a part of this refreshing trend by registering for our Summer Reading Challenge. Track your reading progress through our online challenge cards for a chance to earn some great prizes.

Summer Reading is about more than just books. In case you were wondering, audiobooks do count toward your total. And our youngest library friends can also participate by having someone log the books that are read to them, in addition to other cool pre-literacy activities. We’ll be hosting ocean-themed programs all summer long at the library, so be sure to check out the calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to see what’s coming up!

Need some Summer Reading inspiration? We can help! Our staff can assemble a custom Media or Book Bundle just for you to take to the beach, camping, or on that upcoming road trip. Just fill out the form on our website so we can learn a little about your reading preferences. Once you’ve heard back from us that your bundle is ready, stop by to pick it up, or drive by for curbside service. Visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-bundle-request to make your request. 

For more information about Summer Reading and to sign up for the challenge, visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2022. 

Fine-free borrowing

As part of our preparations to go fine free in July, we recently removed existing fines from Bethlehem cardholders’ accounts. This means everyone will start our fine-free era with a clean slate! 

The library is officially going fine free July 1. From that day forward, we will no longer charge fines for overdue books and other media. Replacement fees and charges for lost or damaged items still apply, and fines of $1 per day for Library of Things items and interlibrary loan items, as well as $5 per day for museum passes and Wi-Fi hotspots, will remain.  

Fine free means judgment free. If you’ve been avoiding the library because you’re worried about paying fines, we are happy to welcome you back! Click here to register for your new card online (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/online-library-card-application), or give us a call at 518-439-9314 or e-mail us at to check if you already have a card.

Summer music

A staple of summer, our Evenings on the Green summer concerts series are always free through the generous support of the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. This year, concerts will take place every Tuesday at 7 p.m. from July 5 to 26. In the event of inclement weather, concerts will take place the following day.  

The library’s casual outdoor concert series has been around for more than four decades. Concert-goers can bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the Green, and get ready to listen to some great music. Evenings on the Green concerts are always free and appropriate for all ages: 

— July 5: Zan and the Winter Folk;

— July 12:  Narrow North;

— July 19: The Lustre Kings; and

— July 26: Musicats.