Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, October 7, 2020

Make space on your bookshelves and stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this fall at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza — on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Many are duplicate copies of popular titles, and large-print titles will be available. 

Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change. Visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and chin, and hand sanitizer will be available. The book sale is weather-permitting, and a rain date of Monday, Oct. 12, has been scheduled. 

Great gourds! 

Carve a pumpkin with panache at your own pace for our Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest open to families and adults. Spooky or silly? You decide! Simply email a full-color photo of your pumpkin to . Include your full name, email, phone number and category. Entries will be accepted through Oct. 29.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories: 

— Adult – Scary pumpkin; 

— Adult – Silly pumpkin; 

— Family – Scary pumpkin; and 

— Family – Silly pumpkin. 

Please enter only pumpkins carved by you or your family this year. Entries will be judged by library staff and prizes, provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, will be awarded in the beginning of November. 

Hoopla is renewed 

In spring, we joined with Upper Hudson and our partner libraries to provide you with high-quality eContent through Hoopla, an on-demand streaming service for eBooks, music, video and audiobooks. Hoopla has been so popular that the Board of Trustees voted this fall to continue offering it to Bethlehem cardholders once the Upper Hudson contract expires. 

In addition to Hoopla, you can download eBooks, audiobooks and eMagazines through OverDrive – and there are thousands of titles to choose from. Even more eMagazines are available through Flipster. You can also stream movies, high-quality children’s programming or explore one of The Great Courses through Kanopy. 

Head to the library’s eContent webpage at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/ebooks-emagazines to see what’s available. You’ll find helpful links and tips if you are new to using these services, but if you need more help, send an e-mail to , and we’ll get back to you. 

One library,

many ways to get books 

When it comes to getting books, movies, audiobooks and more into your hands, we are one library with many options so that you can decide how much contact you are comfortable with: 

— The library is open for limited in-person browsing from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday;

— Curbside pickup is currently available from 1-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday;

— Our Pop-Up Library on the Plaza continues on nicer days;

— Books to People offers a delivery service for the homebound; and

— Cardholders can download eBooks and audiobooks, and stream video online anytime. 

For the latest building and service updates, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information.