Bethlehem Library Notes for Tuesday, November 17, 2020

When it comes to free Wi-Fi at the library — you can take it with you. Bethlehem Public Library loans out Wi-Fi hotspots that provide “Internet to go.” Use the device to stream music or your favorite show or do some online research on your own time and in your own space — there are no restrictions as long as cell service is available.

The devices are portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem cardholders can even request them through the catalog. The hotspots must be returned to the library through a curbside dropoff. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “WiFi” to see what’s available. 

New life for

old home movies 

Do you have some old home movies on VHS that you would like to digitize? You can now borrow an analog video converter from our Library of Things. Make a digital copy of those precious memories from a VCR, camcorder, or other analog sources using the Elgato Video Capture.

The device includes RCA and S-video cables, as well as a SCART adapter. They are available to borrow on a first-come basis, and must be picked up and dropped off at Bethlehem Public Library. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Elgato” to see what’s available. 

BCN-TV reminders 

Bethlehem’s public access station, BCN-TV, features productions that range from 30-second public-service announcements to long-running series. Shows span a wide range of topics: public affairs and poetry, religion and relationships, music and medicine, education and environment. Local school and town board meetings are also cablecast, and a community calendar runs daily. A number of library-produced programs are also part of the lineup.  

You can easily find out what is on and what is coming up on BCN-TV with our online guide. The listings are continually updated and project the schedule a week out. Find the new weekly BCN-TV guide online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/tvschedule.asp.  

You can watch BCN-TV on Spectrum Channel 1301 and Verizon Fios Channel 28. 

Thanksgiving hours 

The library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 25, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Curbside pickup hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Staff and trustees would like to wish our Bethlehem neighbors a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.

Due dates 

The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.