Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, October 7, 2021

— Photo by Michael Avedon

The Bethlehem Public Library is hosting a virtual event with bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m.

Spend the afternoon with New York Times bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz at a special virtual event on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Korelitz is the author of seven novels, including “The Plot,” which was featured on The Tonight Show as the Fallon Summer Reads 2021 pick.

She also wrote “You Should Have Known,” which was adapted as the HBO series, “The Undoing,” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, and “Admission,” which was the basis for the 2013 film starring Tina Fey. A new novel, “The Latecomer,” will be published on May 31, 2022.  

Visit our online calendar to sign up: bethlehem.librarycalendar.com/events/afternoon-jean-hanff-korelitz

Welcome October 

October is almost here, and with it comes all the spooky fall fun this month is known for. At the library, we love Halloween, and we’ve scheduled a bunch of activities to help you get into the spirit. 

Great gourds 

Our Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest is back! Carve a pumpkin with panache at your own pace in this event for families and adults. Simply email a full-color photo of your pumpkin to . Include your full name, email, phone number and category. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 11 through Oct. 29. 

Prizes will be awarded for scariest pumpkin and silliest pumpkin in both the adult and family categories. 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.  

Spooky savings 

Join us Monday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. on the Green to customize your own monster bank with either acrylic paint or permanent markers. While your monster bank dries, you can relax and enjoy a variety of Pixar short films. This event is for kids in second through eighth grades. To sign up, visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com/events/monster-bank

Trunk or treat 

We’re teaming up with the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation for another awesome outdoor Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Elm Avenue Park. This free community event will feature dozens of creative trick-or-treating stations hosted by local community groups.  

Library trick-or-treat 

Our preschool friends are invited to trick-or-treat at the library on Thursday, Oct. 28, but in order to be mindful of everyone’s health and safety, it will look a little different this year. We’re asking everyone to stop in at any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to keep the crowds from getting too busy at any given time. Costumes are optional but fun is not! Treat bags will be provided. 

A great way

to give back 

Also in October, we’re taking part in the Great Give Back, an opportunity for library patrons to partake in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. From Oct. 1 to 17, we will be collecting new, unopened household cleaning and hygiene supplies for the Bethlehem Food Pantry. A collection receptacle will be set up in the lobby.  

You can also stop by the library’s Community Room on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. to create cards with kind and inspiring messages to be given to people at local assisted living facilities.