Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, September 9, 2020

The Bethlehem Public Library’s online calendar is your go-to for learning about upcoming events — even virtual ones. That’s why we want to let you know that you’ll be seeing some changes to the way our calendar looks as we upgrade to new, user-friendly software that will provide a more intuitive experience when searching — and signing up for — programs and events that interest you.

It will also seamlessly manage bookings for reservable spaces once we are able to open those up to the public again. 

You can access the calendar by visiting www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and clicking on the “Calendar” tab. 

Fall storytimes

Although we aren’t able to gather for our regular story times this fall, your librarians have been busy developing ways for you to enjoy a new season of virtual storytimes and early literacy fun! 

Our Virtual Family Storytime takes place every Wednesday at 2 p.m. through Nov. 25. In this interactive storytime, families will have the opportunity to turn on their cameras and microphones and participate. You must include your email address in your registration so the library can send you the Zoom link for the event. The link will be sent out shortly before the program. 

In October, we’re hosting a Kindergarten Engagement Hour virtual series, which will consist of four, one-hour sessions for Kindergarten students and their caregivers on Saturdays Oct. 3-24 at 10:30 a.m. This program will support students and their families with the transition into elementary school. Families will participate in reading and writing activities similar to those seen in our Kindergarten classrooms in a fun, engaging way. 

For more information or to sign up for Virtual Family Storytime or the Kindergarten Engagement hour, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/programs/children/story-time. You’ll also find fun Storytime Online Kits, instructional videos with your Bethlehem librarians and links to other great early literacy resources. 

Now you can

browse a bit 

The library is now open for in-person browsing. Hours are currently 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. To keep this a safe experience for everyone, we’re asking our visitors to wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering the library, as well as limit their time to selecting and checking out items. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/limited-library-browsing-hours-and-procedures for more information. 

In-person browsing joins curbside pickup, the Pop-up Library, Book Bundles and Books to People. All of these services allow us to share library materials in a way that lets you and your family decide how much contact you are comfortable with. 

Great Giveback 

Give back to your community by participating in an outdoor community art show. The goal of this year’s Great Giveback project is to use art to highlight the good in our community while creating a new, safe, outdoor experience for people to enjoy. Use your art to thank a person or organization, or use your art to inspire good feelings in others.  

The library will provide blank yard signs for interested community members to use as canvases. For more details or to request your canvas: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/great-giveback-2020-outdoor-community-art-show.