Bethlehem Library Notes for Tuesday, September 20, 2022

What happens when the best painting you have ever created turns into a portal that takes you to a hidden world? Find out when 13-year-old author Shreya Sharath reads excerpts from her children’s fantasy novel, “The Hidden Realm,” on Thursday, Sept. 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. 

In “The Hidden Realm,” artist and protagonist Rachel must navigate a world of fairies, unicorns, and magic as she attempts to bring together the power of all four elements to save the Realm. 

Families with children ages 6 to 12 are invited to listen to Shreya’s stories and join in a discussion about the writing process. Younger children can also enjoy coloring activities. 

Shreya, who lives in the Capital Region, is drawn to art in many forms. She uses acrylics, pastels, charcoal, and graphite pencils to create striking images, including artwork in “The Hidden Realm.” She enjoys learning various forms of dance and music and loves writing short stories and poems, often reflecting upon her own experiences.

“The Hidden Realm” is her first novel. Join us for a special evening to celebrate this achievement. 

Along the Erie Canal 

Find out how the Erie Canal changed the course of our region’s history at our next Coffee and Conversation program on Friday, Sept. 23, at 1 p.m. Storyteller and author Sandy Schuman will present “The Erie Canal: A Story of Building the Impossible” detailing the saga and lasting legacy of the Erie Canal.

Officially opened in 1825, this 363-mile-long canal traversing a mountain range allowed the Northeast and Midwest United States to affordably exchange goods for the first time, which catapulted the economies of both regions for generations to come.  

Our Coffee and Conversation series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc. 

One to grow on 

Get ready for the next growing season with an upcoming gardening program for all ages at the library.

Worm wrangler Bill Richmond from the Adirondack Worm Farm will be at the library the following Monday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m. for an introduction to the world of worm farming and composting with worms. Learn how worms convert household food scraps into all-natural compost. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up. 

Banned Books Week 

Let’s band together to read banned books. The Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union is teaming up with the Upper Hudson Library System to celebrate during National Banned Books Week our constitutional right to read what we want.

On Thursday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m., a “Read Out” will feature regional notables — actors, writers, politicians, poets, and activists of all types — sharing parts of their favorite books that have, at one time or another, been banned or challenged in the United States.

Limited in-person seats will be available at Albany Public Library’s Washington Avenue branch, and the program will be broadcast live on Zoom. In-person seats are available on a walk-in basis as space permits.  

Register at tinyurl.com/ReadOut22 for more information and to receive a Zoom link to this hybrid event.