Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, December 15, 2016

Another exciting year at the Bethlehem Public Library is coming to a close and, as we look back, we are reminded of all the different ways our patrons use our services to enrich their lives and connect with the community.

In 2016, we greatly expanded our special collection items with support from the Friends of the Library. Our special collection, also sometimes called the “Library of Things,” now includes telescopes and metal detectors, as well as slide scanners and GoPro cameras.

As part of our mission to provide access and information to our community, we boosted our free WiFi signal at the town park and began circulating mobile WiFi hotspots that can be checked out and used anywhere within the Sprint network.

Earlier in the year, we were visited by a pair of luminaries in the children’s literature world. In February, storyteller and author Joseph Bruchac entertained a hardy group of patrons who ventured out on one of the chilliest days of the year. They were not disappointed, as Bruchac shared tales of the native peoples of the Northeastern woodlands.

Bruce Coville, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children, dropped by in April to talk about his life and work. Author visits are just one of the ways we work to promote early literacy.

Duffers and pros of all ages got a kick out of our indoor miniature golf day held at the beginning of summer. Thousands dropped by to enjoy a round inside the library.

Our music programs continue to draw some lively crowds, whether to hear the bluegrass stylings of Bob and Tom or chamber music performed by artists at the top of their game. We’ve hosted wacky family entertainer Andy Morse, as well as jazz saxophonist Brian Patneaude. It is no exaggeration to say that our concerts have something for everybody.

We couldn’t do any of this without the support of our community. You are the reason we strive to build on the services we provide year after year.

Other highlights from 2016:

— Our “Coffee and Conversation” series in partnership with senior services touched on a broad range of topics — history, science, music and more;

— Beloved book characters Frog and Toad and Bad Kitty dropped by for a visit;

— It was a magical morning as our preschoolers celebrated the end of spring storytimes with a preschool prom;

— We bid farewell to longtime board of trustee treasurer Tamra Wright and welcomed new member Paula Rice; and

— Our summer reading program kicked off with two energetic performances by Jester Jim. Our teen volunteers kept everything running smoothly all summer, and adults  joined in the fun by participating in their very own summer reading challenge.

Holiday hours

The library will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 24 to 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.