Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, October 11, 2018
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
On a roll: Community members joined library director Geoff Kirkpatrick, left, on a “slow roll” bicycle ride highlighting the Bethlehem library’s connection to the Helderberg-Hudson rail trail on Saturday, Sept. 29.
The library is marking the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I — The War to End All Wars — with films, music, and lectures from now through December. Learn more about the wartime experiences of soldiers from New York and across the country in a series of events that highlight the historical and cultural significance of the Great War, which drew to a close Nov. 11, 1918.
Some of the themed events will even be integrated into regular book discussions, Coffee and Conversation, Friday Cinema, A Little Sunday Music, and more.
In the first program in the series, which overlaps with the Friday, Oct. 12, Coffee and Conversation, author David Pietrusza will discuss his latest work, “TR’s Last War: Theodore Roosevelt, The Great War, and a Journey of Triumph and Tragedy.”
The book recounts Roosevelt’s impassioned crusade for military preparedness as America fitfully stumbled into World War I. The author will share details from the book about a president with a compulsion for front-line combat, his rival Woodrow Wilson, and politics in flux while a waging war extracts a horrific price from American families.
Pietrusza’s talk takes place from 1 to 2 p.m., with a coffee hour to follow. Coffee and Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc.
For information about additional World War I programming, pick up a flyer at the library or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for a detailed list.
Fire Prevention Story Time
What’s better than a story time about fire trucks? A story time where you get to see the fire engine in person!
Come to the Elsmere Fire District at 15 West Poplar Ave. in Delmar, on Friday, Oct. 12, for a very special Fire Prevention Story Time. Listen to stories and make some cool crafts with the library and our firefighter friends. The fun begins at 10:30 a.m.
Skype-a-Scientist
At our Skype-a-Scientist session with Dr. Rebekah Rogers, you can expect the topics to range from the very small — chromosomes and genes — to the very large — wooly mammoths.
On Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 4:45 p.m., we’re hosting a video chat with Dr. Rogers for kids in kindergarten through fifth grades, where she’ll talk about being a scientist and more.
Learn about life in the lab, and be sure to bring all your burning scientific questions. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrayr.org or call 518-439-9314.
Go green this Halloween
Drop off your gently used costumes from now until Thursday, Oct. 18, and receive a ticket to pick out a different one on the day of the swap, which takes place Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. The library is accepting costumes in all sizes — from infant to adult, and you can drop off a costume even if you’re not interested in choosing a new one.