Bethlehem Library Notes for Tuesday, December 1, 2020

As we embark on a holiday season like no other, it is hard not to think about how we are living through a history-making time. The pandemic has shaped our everyday lives in ways we could have never imagined. 

This spring and summer, we invited people to share their personal memories of early 2020, when COVID-19 quickly changed from being a distant threat to a health emergency affecting every aspect of our lives. These recollections, in the form of narratives, photographs, and video, are now part of our permanent New York Heritage digital collection.

We saw such a creative variety of submissions — some poignant and heart-breaking, others optimistic and uplifting. There are currently 34 records in this collection, organized and uploaded by a team of Bethlehem librarians. Some are single contributions, while others are multiple items such as photographs, audio, video, songs, poetry, newsletters, shared experiences, and works of art.

Exploring these words and images from our neighbors is a reminder that we are not in this alone. These quarantine memories are an important snapshot of the here and now that will be part of the historical record long after the pandemic is a distant memory. 

To view our collection of Quarantine Memories, visit nyheritage.org/contributors/bethlehem-public-library

That’s what

Friends are for 

The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library support our library in ways big and small — from underwriting concert series and author visits to serving up treats at summer events and funding the prizes for library contests.  

The Friends are an all-volunteer organization that is always welcoming new members and supporters. 

The group meets on the third Monday evening, every other month. This year’s annual organizational meeting will be held Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes a vote on the slate of candidates for the board of directors. The meeting will be held virtually and members will be notified of the link via email. To find out how you can be a Friend too, e-mail

To learn more about the Friends, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library

What’s that song? 

Are you one of those people who knows the song that’s playing on the radio just by hearing a few notes? It’s time to put that “note-able” skill to good use at our virtual Name That Tune program on Monday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m. Match your music knowledge against others as you compete for bragging rights and a prize. The program takes place over Zoom, and participants will use the Zoom chat to share answers.  

To sign up, visit the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the name and date of the program. 

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.