Bethlehem Library Notes for Friday, September 30, 2016

Scare up some fun.

Do you know a child who has a talent for telling terrifying tales? We’re looking for storytellers in grades 1 to 6 who can spin a yarn that is both creative and creepy to enter the library’s online Spooky Stories contest. Beginning Oct. 1, interested young writers can go to www.bplkids.org, click on the link, and enter their original scary stories of 500 words or less.

Need a little help getting started? Come to our “Spooky Stories: Good Beginnings” writing program on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. to get your creative juices flowing. We’ll listen to some successful scary stories and brainstorm ideas to get those creative juices flowing.

The winning story will be posted online and transformed into a library storywalk display. You’ll find more details at www.bplkids.org. Last day to enter: Oct. 31.

A welcome place

The library has always been a place where people of all abilities are welcome. That’s why we support the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Welcome campaign to promote community inclusion. You can too by submitting your own welcome message on social media using hashtags #nysopwdd #welcome.

Alzheimer’s programs

This October, the library is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York to offer a pair of programs targeted to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.

On Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. Maura Fleming, a presenter with the Alzheimer’s Association, will discuss “The Basics,” an overview of what you need to know about memory loss and the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

Fleming returns Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. for “Communication Strategies,” where she will talk about ways to understand the verbal and behavioral messages of someone with Alzheimer’s and identify strategies that may help caregivers connect and communicate.

The programs are free, but registration is required.

WiFi at playground

We’ve boosted the library WiFi signal at the town park to include areas around the tennis court, the parks and rec building, and the brand-new playground area, which is located behind the pool complex. We’re looking at other public areas where we can provide free WiFi to residents in the future, so stay tuned to find out where we’re going next.

Drink up

The newly installed replacement water fountain near our parking lot entrance has a very special feature — a sensor-activated bottle filler. A counter near the top righthand side of the fountain shows how many water bottles are saved from the landfill with each use. A refreshing and eco-friendly addition to the library.