Bethlehem Library Notes for Saturday, August 8, 2015

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

Getting hooked on fishing: Concentration is evident in the face of this girl as she tries her hand at casting. On Tuesday, July 28, children gathered on the Bethlehem Library Green for a casting clinic with library Director Geoff Kirkpatrick. They were using the library’s new fishing poles, donated by local pro fisherman Dennis LaGrange with reels from Bass Pro Shops. Fishing poles of all sizes are now available to check out at the library.

Nothing says summer like spending a lazy afternoon dropping a line in the water and hoping for a nibble. Now you can try your hand at fishing or introduce a little one to the sport without investing in a pricey fishing pole that may or may not be used more than once.

New to the Bethlehem Public Library, would-be anglers of all ages can check out ready-to-use fishing poles of every size. The poles, given to the library by local bass fishing pro Dennis LeGrange, are outfitted with reels donated by Bass Pro Shops. They can be checked out for 28 days at a time, with one renewal allowed.

Last week, some of our young patrons took the fishing poles for a spin at a casting clinic on the Green, where they honed their skills and competed for prizes.

Included with each fishing pole are two hooks and a bobber that you get to keep, along with information about local fishing spots and suggested titles to read up on before you head out. Please remember that anyone over the age of 15 needs a license to fish in the state of New York.

Fishing licenses may be purchased at any town hall, Walmart stores, Dick's Sporting Goods and online at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s website (www.dec.gov).

Tai Chi on the Green

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese art that enormously benefits health and wellness. The gentle movements are said to help focus and calm the mind. On Friday, Aug. 7, at 9:15 a.m., Cathy Brenner, who has studied Tai Chi for many years and is certified by the Tai Chi for Health Institute, will lead a session of Tai Chi on the Green outside the library. As many of you know, she is also a librarian here at the library.

The program is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. No prior Tai Chi experience is needed. Wear loose clothing and smooth-soled shoes. Tai Chi on the Green will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather.

Free WiFi

 Through a partnership with the town, the library is now providing free WiFi access at the Elm Avenue Park pool complex. It will appear on electronic devices as “Free Library WiFi” and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Construction continues

As construction on Borthwick Avenue continues, we will do our best to provide frequent updates about the best way to access our parking lot. You can find the latest news via Facebook and Twitter, which also scrolls live on our website, or give as a call at 439-9314.

Community contacts

Copies of the 2015-2016 Community Contacts are now available at the information desk literature rack. Groups are indexed by subject and cover a wide range of skills and interests. The list can also be accessed through our website by clicking on the “more” tab and selecting “community contacts” from the menu.

Summer cinema

 On Friday, Aug. 7, at 2:30 p.m., bring a blanket or pillow, and we provide the popcorn to our summer cinema. Call 439-9314 for details. This program is for kids and families.

Story time

On Monday, Aug. 10, at 9:30 a.m., tiny tots can enjoy stories, songs and fingerplays. This program is for children up to age 35 months with a caregiver.

On my own summer story time

On Monday, Aug. 10, at 10:30 a.m., and Thursday, Aug. 13, at 9:30 a.m., children age 3 to 6 can enjoy stories, songs and fun while parents wait at our café tables.

Jack and the beanstalk

On Monday, Aug. 10, at 2 p.m., come to the library and listen to a story about Jack and the beanstalk, learn about the life cycle of a real bean, and then plant one to grow at home. For kids and families. Sign up is required. Please call 439-9314.

Book Buddies

On Monday, Aug. 10, at 3 p.m., children are matched with a teen volunteer to practice reading skills and build confidence. Bring a book or choose one from the library.  Call 439-9314, option 4 to sign up. This program is for kids in kindergarten through grade 5.

Board meets

On Monday, Aug. 10, at 5 p.m., the board of trustees will meet. This meeting is open to the public.

Book Buddies

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 3 p.m., and Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m., children are matched with a teen volunteer to practice reading skills and build confidence. Bring a book or choose one from the library.  Call 439-9314, option 4 to sign up. This program is for kids in kindergarten through grade 5.

Maker Week: Sharpie Lab

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, from 10 to 11 a.m. get creative with the library’s huge collection of Sharpies. Make art, toys, and more. This program is for kids in grades six through 12. Sign-up required, please call 439-9314.

Make a game

On Tuesday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m., make and label your own I Spy Bottle game to take home. This program is for age 3 and up with a caregiver.

Maker Week: Fabric arts

On Thursday, Aug. 13, from 10 to 11 a.m., join us for some hand-sewing projects, including customizable cozies for your digital device. This program is for kids in grades six through 12. Sign up required, please call 439-9314.

Family summer story time

On Thursday, Aug. 13, at 10:30 a.m., join us for stories, songs and activities for children up to age 6 with family.