Are you a crafty kind of person who works best with some outside inspiration and instruction? Then it’s time for you to check out Creativebug, a brand-new online resource for Bethlehem cardholders that provides thousands of high-quality, on-trend arts-and-crafts instructional videos.
At Creativebug, you’ll find fun and engaging classes for artists and makers of all ages and skill levels. In addition to instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking, and more — all taught by experts — you’ll have access to downloadable patterns and supply lists. As part of the Creativebug community, you can also share your own images and tips with your fellow crafters.
Learn how to embroider a striking constellation wall hanging, crochet some cute fruits and vegetables, or make a trendy macramé plant hanger with step-by-step instructional videos. Creativebug delivers inspiration straight to your favorite device so you can learn at your own pace — anytime and anywhere.
You will need your library card to start an account so you can revisit past projects or pick up where you left off on a current one. New classes are added daily. To see what you can do at Creativebug, visit www.creativebug.com/lib/bethlehemlibrary.
Chat with us
When you visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org these days, you may notice an option for live online help popping up in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. The “chat live” icon will appear when there is a Bethlehem librarian available to answer your reference and library questions via live chat, so you can get the answer you need, when you need it.
We’re here to help, and this is just one more way for you to reach out to us! You can also give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email .
Make it a movie night!
Just like we actually do judge a book by its cover, so do we judge a movie by its trailer. That’s why Kanopy, a video streaming service available to Bethlehem cardholders, is now offering trailers for its top 100-plus films with plans to add even more.
Kanopy’s trailers are a great way to see if a movie is what you’re looking for without having to lose one of your play credits if it isn’t. Ready to start browsing Kanopy’s collection to see which quick clips make it to your “must watch” list? Visit bethpl.kanopy.com to get started.
Library of Things
Did you know that although some items in our Library of Things collection have been moved out of circulation due to pandemic-related safety concerns, there are still plenty of cool “things” to check out, such as trail cameras, slide scanners, digital projectors and more? Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.
Library hours
The library is currently open for in-person use, as well as curbside pickup. Hours are subject to change, so please visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for the most up-to-date information.
For more than 50 years, Earth Day has been a reminder that our planet is worth protecting. What better way to celebrate than by heading outdoors and enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of an upstate spring with our friends from the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy?
Join us at the Phillipin Kill Preserve in Bethlehem on Thursday, April 22, at 10 a.m. for an Earth Day in Nature event featuring stories and a nature-inspired craft followed by a short hike.
Masks and social distancing are required. Remember to be ready for the outdoors. Long pants and appropriate footwear are recommended, along with a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and water and snacks.
To register online, go to mohawkhudson.org/events. This event is co-sponsored by the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy.
A way with words
Share your original poetry for a chance to win during the month of April – aka National Poetry Month. From April 1-30, e-mail your work to . Poems using visual elements may be emailed as pdfs. Be sure to tell us your phone number and grade level (if applicable) when sending your poems. Winners will be posted online in May.
Need some inspiration? How about this: Write a concrete or shape poem by arranging the words of your poem into a shape that depicts what you’re writing about.
Bundle up or binge
Not sure what to read, watch or listen to next? Want to find some new books for your kids without having to scan the shelves for something that jumps out at you? Our Book Bundles include selections hand-picked for you by one of our librarians based on the reading preferences you share through this form: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-bundle-request. We use that information to narrow down 10 curated picks in your favorite genres and formats – maybe with a surprise or two thrown in!
Bundles are available for adults, teens, grade-schoolers and “read-to-me” children up to age 6. We even have special bundles that can be customized for educators You will be contacted by e-mail or phone when the items are ready for pickup. Questions? E-mail .
We also have dozens themed binge boxes to check out that give you a bunch of movies in one, tidy package. With binge boxes, you can choose from themes like “Don’t Mess with Denzel” or “You’ll Ugly Cry” and you’ll get a pre-selected set of 4-6 films that fit the bill. For example, the “Coming of Age Stories” binge box includes: “Boyhood,” “The Edge of Seventeen,” “Lady Bird,” “Paper Towns,” “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Spectacular Now.” There is a collection for every taste and age group.
Visit bit.ly/3akmHsC to see what’s available or search the Bethlehem catalog for “binge box.”
Library
The library is currently open for in-person use, as well as curbside pickup. Hours are subject to change, so please visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.orgfor the most up-to-date information.
You don’t have to worry about getting caught in any April showers next time you visit the library thanks to the awesome Friends-sponsored umbrellas you can pick up on your way out the door. The umbrellas are loaned out on the honor system: Grab one when you need it, and bring it back the next time you’re at the library.
In addition to the umbrellas, the Friends support a number of popular activities and events at the library, including the recent Kindness Matters campaign, museum passes, the Library of Things collection, and in non-pandemic times, outings and concerts.
The Friends of the Library meet on the third Monday evening, every other month. Meetings are open to the public. If you would like to play a greater role in this community organization, introduce yourself at the next meeting or contact the Friends liaison at .
Digital literacy
The Upper Hudson Library System is hosting dozens of online digital literacy classes through GoToMeeting. These classes are available at no cost to library cardholders in the system. Now you can brush up on some of those skills that look great on a resume. Classes include Facebook Pages for Business; Introduction to Windows 10; Digital Organization Sampler; Email Marketing with Mailchimp; and Polling, Quizzing, Signups and more with Google Forms. Visit bit.ly/2M5lMnU to see what’s available or to sign up.
Trustee candidate
packets available
Nominating petition forms are available at the library through curbside pickup or digitally by e-mailing for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2021 ballot, currently held by incumbent Harmeet Narang, who is seeking another 5-year term on the board.
Petitions will need at least 25 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 19. The election will be held Tuesday, May 18.
Put down some roots
Get growing with our 2021 seed library featuring a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. You can now select your seeds online for pickup, limited to 10 seed packets per household. Visit webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/seeds/categories.asp to see what’s available.
Scavenger hunt
Enjoy the spring weather and get out and about with your family. Throughout the month of April, stop by for a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt on library grounds and see if you can find all of these spring-themed items:
— One friendly bee welcoming you to the library;
— Two butterflies fluttering together;
— Three fairy homes made from ripe red apples;
— Four green frogs leaping from a limb; and
— Five polka-dot pinwheels spinning side by side.
Library hours
The library is currently open for in-person use, as well as curbside pickup. Hours are subject to change, so please visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.orgfor the most up-to-date information.
It’s time to wax poetic. April is National Poetry Month and we’re inviting poets of all ages to celebrate by entering our month-long poetry contest.
Think you’ve got the “write” stuff? E-mail your original work from April 1 to 30 to . Poems using visual elements may be emailed as PDFs. Be sure to tell us your phone number and grade level (if applicable) when sending your poems. Winners will be posted online in May.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/national-poetry-month-contest for more information.
The thrill of the hunt
Looking for something fun to do with your family that gets you out of the house in a safe and socially distant way? We’ve got just the thing! Throughout the month of April, stop by for a self-guided outdoor scavenger hunt on library grounds and see if you can find all of these spring-themed items:
— One friendly bee welcoming you to the library;
— Two butterflies fluttering together;
— Three fairy homes made from ripe red apples;
— Four green frogs leaping from a limb; and
— Five polka-dot pinwheels spinning side by side.
Pet Show and Tell
You know your pet is the most adorable, loveable animal in the whole world, and now you have a chance to show off that perfect creature at our virtual Pet Show and Tell Wednesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.
We will begin the Zoom event by reading a fun picture book about pets. Then, everyone will get a chance to show and tell us about their pet. Let us know their name, what they’re like, and the story of how you got them. If you do not have a pet, you can show us a favorite stuffed animal, or tell us about your dream pet.
After show and tell, you are invited to stick around to make fleece dog toys to donate to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society. Sign up in advance in order to pick up supplies for the dog toys from the library. Each person will receive materials to make two toys: one to keep and one to donate.
The dog toy craft is recommended for ages 8 and up. Please register each family member who would like to make a dog toy. This can include adult family members. Families with all ages of children are welcome. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the date and event to sign up.
The Civil War:
A Military History
History enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Coffee and Conversation is presenting a four-part series featuring noted speaker Giacomo Calabria highlighting the military science of the American Civil War.
Learn about the inner-workings of the Lincoln administration, emancipation, Union and Confederate military strategies, Civil War era weapons and technologies, and some of the major battles and campaigns. Audience participation is encouraged! Please feel free to bring questions for open discussion.
This series takes place Fridays, April 9-30, at 1 p.m. and is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. and grant-funded by Humanities New York. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the date and event to sign up.
In March 2020, the library was faced with an unprecedented challenge as we closed our doors in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
As difficult as it has been, this past year has inspired us to find new and creative ways to be the library you deserve while being mindful of everyone’s health and safety. Our 2020 annual report shows how these efforts have paid off. A copy of the annual report is available on our website: bit.ly/3dcVF86.
While the numbers show a drop in overall circulation — not unexpected under the circumstances — they also tell the story of all the ways we managed to have an impact on our community in spite of the restrictions we were up against. We plan to continue moving those numbers in a positive direction in 2021, and we’re grateful for your ongoing support, which makes all of this possible.
Missed it in person?
Watch it on YouTube
Last fall, we hosted the four-part virtual series Democracy in America highlighting the writings of Alexis de Toqueville and featuring popular guest speaker Giacomo Calabria. The series, grant-funded by Humanities NY, is now available to watch on our YouTube channel (bit.ly/2ObFak4).
Some background: In the early 19th Century, de Toqueville, a French aristocrat, political scientist and historian, travelled extensively throughout the United States analyzing American society. Following his travels, he penned the well-known “Democracy in America,” which describes the young country’s emerging political system.
Graphic novels
Hoopla’s on-demand access to popular e-books, audiobooks, streaming video and music has been a huge hit with our cardholders. Many of you are also discovering one of the features that sets Hoopla apart from other digital services and enhances our collection as a whole – its vast selection of graphic novels and comics.
Fans of the genre will appreciate the diverse collection of 15,000+ titles from dozens of different publishers (not just big names like Marvel and DC) and including works spanning different genres and interests from the last 100 years.
Both fans and newcomers to graphic novels will like Hoopla’s user-friendly browsability. You can search by genre, publisher, audience or popularity, and you’ll also find links to series pages with other volumes and editions listed. The digital reading experience is also a plus, with Hoopla's built-in technology that enables full-page and panel-by-panel views for an immersive experience.
If you haven’t yet explored the world of graphic novels, Hoopla’s expansive catalog gives you the perfect excuse to check it out! Visit hoopladigital.com to get started.
Library hours
The library is currently open for in-person use, as well as curbside pickup. Hours are subject to change, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information.
The library building is open: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Curbside hours remain: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
We are ready to welcome you back as we reopen our doors to in-person library use! Stop by and browse our shelves for that perfect book you didn’t even know you needed.
Make copies or use the printer. Pick up a giant stack of picture books to enjoy with your child at home. Or get answers to all those burning reference questions — in person.
Please note, masks that cover the nose and chin will be mandatory inside the library building, regardless of a person’s vaccination status, and we are requiring everyone to sanitize their hands upon entry. We’re also limiting the number of patrons inside to 15 at a time, which means there might be a short wait before entering.
You may also notice some changes to the way things look inside. At this time, inside seating and public computers will not be available, but we have a number of Chromebooks that can be checked out for at-home use, along with Wi-Fi hotspots to help you get connected.
The library building is open: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Curbside hours remain: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Just a reminder, although the building will be closed on Sundays, the self-serve copier will still be available in the entranceway during curbside hours.
Our phased-in reopening plan is guided by state and local guidelines, as well as the latest scientific recommendations. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for more information.
Tax forms
The tax filing deadline has been extended to May 17. Do you need forms? We’ve got them at the library.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for with our pre-printed forms, just let us know — we might be able to print one out for you. Forms are available in the library during browsing hours or for curbside pickup.
Fun and games
Need a break from the monotony of a pandemic schedule? It’ll be game on Monday, March 29, when you join us virtually for an ultimate mash-up of games — bingo, trivia, scavenger hunts, and more! Get together with other adults for an entertaining evening of games while staying safely at home.
Our Ultimate Game Night starts at 7 p.m. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Put down some roots
Get growing with our 2021 seed library featuring a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. You can now select your seeds online for pickup. The seed library is currently available to Bethlehem cardholders only and is limited to 10 seed packets per household. Visit webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/seeds/categories.asp to see what’s available.
Library of Things
Did you know that, although some items in our Library of Things collection have been moved out of circulation due to pandemic-related safety concerns, there are still plenty of cool “things” to check out, such as trail cameras, slide scanners, digital projectors and more? Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.
— Photo provided by the Bethlehem Public Library
Pollinators and the important work they do will be the subject of the Bethlehem Public Library’s virtual Skype a Scientist program on Wednesday, March 24, at 4 p.m. with Amy Geffre from the Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego. This talk is for everyone — from kindergarteners to senior citizens. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Our seed library is back and ready to put down some roots with a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs, and some flowers. New this year is an online “shopping” portal that makes it easy for you to select your seeds for curbside pickup.
On our seed library webpage, you’ll be able to browse different categories and learn more about the varieties through links to the Hudson Valley Seed Co., where our seeds are sourced from.
You can choose up to 10 seed packets per household, and when you check out, you’ll be asked for your name, contact information and library card number. We’ll get in touch with you when your seeds are ready to be picked up. The seed library is currently available to Bethlehem cardholders only.
To see what’s available, visit webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/seeds/categories.asp.
Welcome back
We’ve got some great news! We’re gearing up for a return to in-person browsing, scheduled for Monday, March 22. Although we have worked hard to bring the library to you while our doors have been closed, we are looking forward to this next step in our phased reopening so we can reach even more of our community.
We are still ironing out some details, such as the days and hours that the building will be open, but rest assured our current curbside hours will not be affected by this change.
Just a reminder:
— Masks that cover noses and chins will be required for everyone. Bandanas, neck gaiters, and face shields without a mask are not acceptable. Masks will be mandatory regardless of a person’s vaccination status. If you are not feeling well or running a fever, please visit us when you are feeling better;
— We have installed touch-free faucets in our public restrooms and have located hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the library. Everyone will be asked to sanitize their hands before browsing;
— We will be limiting the number of patrons inside the library at one time. It might also mean there could be a short wait before entering;
— Because others might be waiting, we are asking you to limit your time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials;
— Children under 12 must be accompanied by a caregiver;
— Inside seating, children’s toys, and public computers are not available at this time. A limited-use printing station will be set up;
— Programs, board meetings, and other events will continue to be virtual at this time. To find out what’s coming up, check out our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com; and
— In coordination with the other libraries in the Upper Hudson system, returned materials are quarantined for 48 hours. You can drop them off in the designated sheds in the library parking lot.
A copy of our phased reopening plan, which is updated as new information becomes available, may be viewed on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org).
St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner, and home chefs interested in Irish cooking are invited to join us as we celebrate the flavors of the Emerald Isle at a virtual Irish Cooking Class on Tuesday, March 16, at 11 a.m.
Irish favorites like soda bread, shepherd’s pie, and corned beef are comfort-food classics, but did you know that you can enjoy hearty Irish cooking that is also low in calories, fat, sugar and salt? At our Irish Cooking Class, Karen Roberts Mort, an Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension resource and nutrition educator, will share some healthy recipes with an Irish twist. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
An author talk
that rocks
Rock star, playwright and author Larry Kirwan will drop by for a virtual visit Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m. to talk about his life and work, including his new novel “Rockaway Blue,” a look at one father’s post-9/11 search for truth.
Kirwan was the leader of the Irish political rock band Black 47 for 25 years and has written 17 plays and musicals, three novels, a memoir and “A History of Irish Music.” A political activist, he is an Irish Echo columnist and a celebrity host/producer of Celtic Crush on SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
In anticipation of his virtual visit, the library has three copies of "Rockaway Blue" to give away. Register for the program to enter to win a copy. Winners will be notified March 10 and books can be picked up at the library. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
The buzz
about pollinators
Join us Wednesday, March 24, at 4 p.m. to learn more about pollinators and the important work they do at our Skype a Scientist program with Amy Geffre from the Division of Biological Sciences, University of California, San Diego. This talk is for everyone — from kindergarteners to senior citizens. A question and answer session will wrap things up. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Trivia time
Compete for bragging rights as the top know-it-all at our Thursday, March 25, Trivia Night for adults! Get together over Zoom with other trivia buffs for an evening of wit and whimsy focused on wide-ranging general trivia knowledge. We’ll be self-scoring on the honor system. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Go to our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Library hours
No-contact curbside pickup is now available seven days a week. Staff are also available by phone and email. Please email or give our Information Desk a call at or call 518-439-9314.
Curbside hours are currently: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
We now have a texting option for curbside pickup. Call or text – it’s your choice! Please note that your cellphone plan's standard text messaging rates apply.
Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for hours of service and building updates.
This year's GameStop stock-buying surge has sparked a renewed interest in day trading, with phrases like “short sell” and “hedge fund” becoming part of our everyday conversation. If you’re a would-be investor inspired to hunt for the next big thing, we’ve got the tools to help.
For Bethlehem cardholders, investment resources like Morningstar and Value Line provide analysis and let you follow market ups and downs as you look for that profitable pattern. Find Morningstar and Value Line on our Research webpage: webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/research.asp.
New curbside feature
Curbside service was first rolled out this summer as a way to get books and other library materials out to people while our doors are closed. Over the past few months, it’s been enthusiastically embraced by those who prefer a contact-free library experience or who simply enjoy the convenience of it.
We’ve worked hard to make curbside pickup as quick and efficient as possible, and we are continuing to fine-tune it as we go, adding hours and other services. We are currently testing an option that will let you text us when you arrive for curbside pickup.
We’re hoping this adds one more layer of convenience for our users. So if you see the “Text Us” option next time you drop by, please give it a try. If you prefer to talk to us in person, don't worry, the phone call option is still available. Your feedback and experience will help us refine the curbside process even more!
A program
for parents
Parenting during a pandemic is not easy, and sometimes it can be hard to know how to respond when your child starts acting up. In a partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany, the library is offering a virtual program for caregivers designed to further develop that crucial relationship between caregiver and child. Join us on Zoom Monday, March 15, at 7 p.m. for Positive Discipline Strategies for Caregivers.
This interactive research-based program will focus on positive discipline strategies – that really work – for toddlers and preschoolers. Talk about what you do when your child is behaving well, how you can control the situation (instead of the child or their emotions), reasons why your child may be misbehaving, and what skill or value you are teaching when you correct your child’s behavior.
To sign up, visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com. Children are welcome at this program.
Library hours
No-contact curbside pickup is now available seven days a week. Staff are also available by phone and email. Please email or give our Information Desk a call at or call 518-439-9314 and we do everything we can to get your questions answered.
Curbside hours are currently: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for hours of service and building updates.
There is still time to register for one of our Kindness Kits for Kids. The kits include a free book for your child to keep and one to give to a friend, along with other crafts and fun activities. Kits are available for children up to age 11; BCSD residents only; one per child.
You will need your library card to get started, and you will be contacted once your kit is ready to be picked up. To sign up for your Kindness Kit, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/kindness-matters/kindness-kits-for-kids. Our Kindness Kits are generously co-sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Digital literacy
The Upper Hudson Library System is hosting dozens of online digital literacy classes through GoToMeeting. These classes are available at no cost to library cardholders in the system, including Bethlehem. Now you can brush up on some of those skills that look great on a resume.
Classes include Facebook Pages for Business; Introduction to Google Apps Suite; Introduction to Microsoft Excel; Introduction to Windows 10; Digital Organization Sampler; Email Marketing with Mailchimp; and Polling, Quizzing, Signups and more with Google Forms.
To see what’s available or to sign up, visit bit.ly/2M5lMnU.
Warm up
with story time
All winter and into spring, you’ll find some of your favorite storytime and early literacy programs on Zoom. Bring your baby, toddler or preschooler and join us online for stories, music and activities. Some programs will even have crafts or activities to do together that you can pick up at the library in advance.
Connect with all your library friends virtually! Winter and Spring Potpourri programs take place on a Tuesday or Wednesday at 2 p.m. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com for dates and times.
Trustee candidate
petition packets available
Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library through curbside pickup or digitally by e-mailing for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2021 ballot, currently held by incumbent Harmeet Narang, who is seeking another 5-year term on the board.
Petitions will need at least 98 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 19. The election will be held Tuesday, May 18.
New Facebook page
Don’t forget to follow us on over to our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BethPL! Our new page features all of the latest library news, information about library services and upcoming events, and a way to engage with fellow library fans.
Library hours
No-contact curbside pickup is now available seven days a week. Staff are also available by phone and email. Please email or give our Information Desk a call at or call 518-439-9314 and we do everything we can to get your questions answered.
Curbside hours are currently: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.
Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for hours of service and building updates.