Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, July 16, 2020
When Jester Jim visits the library — you know you are in for a treat. His shows are a fast-paced thrill ride that audiences of all ages can’t get enough of. Juggling? Check! Spinning iPads? Yup! Comedy? For sure! Toilet plungers? Uh, yeah, those too!
This year, Jester Jim is stopping by for a virtual performance on Tuesday, July 21, that promises more of the same, but in a safe and socially distant way. Beginning at 11 a.m., his 40-minute Live Zoom broadcast promises tricks, balancing, and plenty of interactive laughs that you’ll be talking about for days. Come join us for all the fun and interact with Jim as he takes juggling to another level!
To watch the live show, visit our website at bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the “calendar” tab for the link.
Virtual programs:
— July 16: Interactive Zoom Storytime — Join us for an interactive family storytime on Zoom! Families will have the option to turn on their cameras and microphones and participate in the storytime. Sign up on our website (bit.ly/3iOBwr6) to get an invitation to the Zoom event;
— Paper crafting with Kate: Colorful Unicorns — Make a festive and whimsical creature inspired by the Summer Reading theme: Imagine Your Story. You’ll find it on our YouTube channel along with lots of other craft tutorials;
— Social media scavenger hunt — It’s easy to share your photos. Submit them as a reply to our theme posts on Facebook or tag us on Instagram #BPLScavengerHunt;
— Make your mark with our summer bookmark design contest! There are categories for all ages, and the winning bookmarks will be printed and distributed this fall. Details:bethlehempubliclibrary.org/5050-2.
Trace your roots
If you are finding yourself with some time on your hands this summer, why not use it to research your family history? On our website, you’ll find the online tools to help you get started. Ancestry.com, one of the biggest names in do-it-yourself genealogy, is temporarily available to use offsite with your library card.
HeritageQuest gives you access to U.S. census data and over 1 million genealogy and local history articles. On our Local History webpage you’ll find even more resources, including our Spotlight newspaper archive and the New York Heritage digital collections. Go to bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the “Research” tab to get started.
We are also scheduling one-on-one genealogy appointments over Zoom to help with your questions and introduce you to the family history resources available on the library’s website. To make an appointment, fill out the online form bethlehempubliclibrary.org/14131-2. Appointments last approximately one hour.
Updates
Did you know you can now get your library items to go? Curbside pickup is available at the library from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and to -6 p.m. Fridays. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/curbside-pickup for details.
We are also accepting returns 24/7. Please follow the parking lot signs and use the designated drop-off sheds. Just a reminder: Returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours so they will not show up as checked in right away. Fines are not accruing at this time.