Bethlehem Library Notes for Saturday, December 10, 2016

— Photo by Kristen Roberts

Pensive puppeteer: The free-standing puppet theater in the Children’s Place at Bethlehem Public Library was recently the scene of a battle between a superhero and a knight. It ended in a draw.

Winter is the perfect time to start planning that trip of a lifetime. If your dream getaway has you leaving the country — and your comfort zone — for the first time, then you’ll want to hear what experienced world travelers and educators Donna and Patrick Keegan have to say at their “Travel Abroad Safely” program on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.

The Keegans have traveled all over the world and have led multiple student trips and exchanges abroad. They will share their insight on what and how to pack, how to successfully carry and exchange money, how to safely navigate a foreign country, and how to maximize your vacation — however long it may be.

What Friends are for

Have you met our Friends? If you were on the Friends-sponsored bus to New York City last week or enjoyed some ice cream during Andy the Music Man’s performance at our Evenings on the Green summer concert series then you probably have. If you’ve ever borrowed a museum pass or checked out a special collection item like a telescope or a GoPro camera, then you have our Friends to thank as well.

Friends of Bethlehem Public Library is an advocacy and support group dedicated to increasing public awareness of the library, and their generosity has supported many important library programs and services.

The Friends underwrite our popular winter concert series, A Little Sunday Music, which brings quality classical music performances to brighten the short days of winter.

Because of the Friends’ support, the library has been able to expand our special collection shelf, offering GoPro video cameras and accessories, as well as high-power telescopes and metal detectors for young and old.

Our museum pass program is also underwritten by the Friends and allows us to offer free passes to Mass MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Albany Institute of History and Art, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Schenectady Museum and Planetarium, and more; you’ll find the complete listing at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org; click on the “museum passes” quick link.

In addition, the Friends run annual trips to Glimmerglass Opera in the summer and New York City in December.

Think you’d like to be a Friend too? Memberships start at $10. Business memberships are also available. For more information, visit friends.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Holiday hours

The library will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 24 through 26, for the Christmas holiday. We’ll close at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, and remain closed until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.

Storm warning

Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.