Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Let’s explore the Solar System together!

Kevin H. Knuth, a University at Albany professor of physics and former National Aeronautics and Space Administration research scientist, has a universe of stories to tell.

On Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., he will be at the library to discuss the last 50 years of space exploration — with a focus on the major planets and their moons. Enjoy high-quality images of each of these worlds, as well as images from the surface of Venus, Mars, and Saturn’s moon Titan.

Learn about the volcanoes and molten lava fields of Jupiter’s moon Io, as well as the subsurface oceans of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Take a closer look at Saturn’s rings, the methane seas and lakes of Saturn’s moon Titan, and the liquid nitrogen geysers of Neptune’s moon Triton.

You’ll find that the diversity of worlds in our own solar system hosts a multitude of wonders and discoveries that will engage explorers for centuries to come.

Knuth is something of an expert in this area, having spent time at the NASA Ames Research Center in the Intelligent Systems Division, designing artificial intelligence algorithms for astrophysical data analysis.

His current research includes the search for and characterization of extrasolar planets. He has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and lectured in more than a dozen countries. His presentation is the final in a series of space-themed programs for adults that tie into the Summer Reading theme of a Universe of Stories.

Concert and ice cream social

The 2019 Evenings on the Green summer concert series wraps up Wednesday, Aug. 7, with a family-friendly focus, thanks to the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, our series sponsors. The Friends will be hosting an ice cream social and membership drive beginning at 6:30 p.m. Later on at 7 p.m.,

Alyssa Yeager takes the stage to perform some energetic music for all ages that will engage the imagination with imagery and creative storytelling.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the Green, then sit back, relax and enjoy the last concert of the series. Concerts are always free. We will move indoors if it rains.

Family Book discussion

Reading is a family affair, and according to literacy experts, children read more when they listen to and discuss books. Help encourage a love of reading in your child at our next Family Book Discussion on Thursday, Aug. 8, where both parents and children are invited to talk about Kieran Larwood’s “Podkin One-Ear,” a tale of three young rabbit siblings on the run from the villainous Gorm.

Share your impressions and enjoy activities related to the story at one of two sessions: 2:30 or 6:30 p.m. Haven’t read it yet? Pick up a copy at the Children’s Place desk.

Check out the calendar at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for even more upcoming school-age literacy events. (P.S. Many of these activities will help you reach your Summer Reading Challenge goals!)

Summer hours

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