Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, July 17, 2019
— Photo by Bethlehem Public Library staff
Reactions vary as kids cook up some starry slime at the Bethlehem Public Library Wednesday, July 10, to tie in to the Summer Reading Universe of Stories theme.
We’re launching a new Dungeons and Dragons gaming group for teens at the Bethlehem Public Library this Saturday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. Use your imagination and problem-solving skills while meeting and socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games.
Teens of all experience levels are welcome. Playing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own dice or D&D 5th Edition Character Sheet. This group is for kids in grades 6 to 12. Additional gaming groups take place Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday, Aug. 10, at 2:30 p.m.
Explore great picture books
The Caldecott Award is like the Oscars, but for picture books. Every year since 1937, the prestigious award is given to the very best in American picture books for children.
We figure those award-winners have gotten plenty of attention already, so on Monday, July 22, at 10 a.m. we’re celebrating the also-rans at our “CaldeNotts: Picture Books with Pizzazz” program.
We’ll be exploring the picture books didn’t win a Caldecott Medal this year but are still wonderful in every way. Enjoy reading selected books and doing related activities. For kids and families.
Humans on Mars
As the world gets ever closer to sending humans to Mars, questions remain about what life would actually be like on the red planet. Join us Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. as Dudley Observatory chief astronomer Dr. Valerie Rapson discusses the physical, social and technological challenges of living on Mars and what scientists have already learned from astronauts living on the International Space Station.
Evenings on the Green
Evenings on the Green continues Wednesday, July 14, with Off the Record, an energetic rock ’n’ roll trio that plays hits from the early ’60s. The concert starts at 7 p.m., but stop by earlier, beginning at 5:30 p.m., to try out the library’s Oculus Rift virtual reality headset at a special demo.
Concerts are always free, appropriate for all ages, and they take place every Wednesday through Aug. 7. They will move indoors if it rains. This series is generously sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Board officers
On Monday, July 8, the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees selected the following officers for 2019-20: Mary Redmond, president; Mark Kissinger, vice president of policies and governance; Brian Sweeney, vice president of strategic planning; Caroline Brancatella, secretary; and Robert Khalife, board treasurer. Lisa Scoons will continue to serve on the Upper Hudson Library System board. At the same meeting, newly elected trustee Michelle Walsh was sworn in.
Board meetings are generally held the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.
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.
Sign up for Summer Reading
Summer Reading sign-up is in full swing so get ready to explore a Universe of stories – and earn cool prizes while you’re at it! Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or in person; there’s a Summer Reading Challenge for all ages.