Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, July 13, 2022

— From “Book Folding for Beginners and Beyond”

Beth Dounane-Oldrich of Delmar will teach book-folding at the Bethlehem Public Library.

Come learn the art of book folding Monday, July 18, at 3 p.m. with Beth Dounane-Oldrich, Delmar resident and the author of “Book Folding for Beginners and Beyond.” Book folding is the art of folding pages in books to create a sculptural effect. This is an eco-friendly craft that transforms used books into art, almost like a modern-day twist on origami.  

All materials will be provided, but if you have a hardcover book that you'd like to make into a piece of art, feel free to bring it.  

Dounane-Oldrich is a middle school teacher and a lifetime crafter. During the pandemic, she came across the art of book folding. After falling in love with this craft, she opened up the Etsy store, Patternybooks. Her book, “Book Folding for Beginners and Beyond,” contains detailed tutorials, helpful hints and 12 unique patterns. Sign up using the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com

Ukraine crisis

in context 

Feeling perplexed about news of the war in Ukraine? Bethlehem Public Library will host a panel discussion Monday, July 18, at 6 p.m. featuring University at Albany professors Timothy Sergay and David Rousseau to help put the international crisis in context. 

This in-person program will be held in the library’s Community Room. Registration is required. Participants can sign up using the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com

Sergay is an associate professor of Russian languages, literatures and cultures. He has broad experience translating Russian texts and has written articles in Russian and English on poetry and translation theory. 

Rousseau is associate professor of political science at Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy and associate professor at the College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity. Rousseau’s research focuses on military conflict, shared identity, political development and foreign policy.   

Read all summer

Summer reading is going strong, and there’s still time to sign up! Registration for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge is happening now and open to all ages. Once you sign up, you can track your progress through challenge cards for a chance to earn some great prizes. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2022 to get started. 

Not sure what to read this summer? Check out our reading list resources at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/what-to-read-next to help you narrow down your choices.  

No judgment,

no fines 

Fine-free borrowing is finally here! The library no longer charges 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, as well as $5 per day for museum passes and Wi-Fi hotspots, will remain.  Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/fine-free-at-the-library for details. 

Summer hours 

The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.