— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Two young readers find a pint-sized perch at the Bethlehem Public Library to pore over their pile of picture books.
Fans of graphic novels or those just interested in the creative process that goes into bringing these art-novel hybrids to life will not want to miss the Bethlehem Public Library’s upcoming author talk with the Capital District’s own Sean Lewis on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 6:30 p.m.
An author of many talents, Lewis is co-creator and writer of the comic books “Saints,” “The Few,” “Coyotes” and the upcoming “Thumbs,” published by Image Comics. He is also the creator of the comic books “Betrothed” and “Clankillers,” published by Aftershock Comics. A noted essayist, he can be heard on NPR’s “This American Life” and most recently he directed the television pilot for “Adult Ed,” which will premiere at the TriBeCa Film Festival. Lewis is also an award-winning playwright who has traveled extensively performing in solo shows across the country.
Adults and teens ages 14 and up are welcome.
Library barnyard
Goats and chickens and pigs, oh my!
On Sunday, Sept. 15, the library will host a tiny temporary farm as the Traveling Petting Zoo heads our way bringing some friendly goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, bunnies and pot-bellied pigs. Stop by from 1 to 3 p.m. to meet these adorable critters. Don’t forget your camera!
Piece it together
Are you a puzzle pro? Would you like to test those skills against others for a chance to win prizes? Then sign up for our Jigsaw Puzzle Challenge Monday, Sept. 16, at 6 p.m. Come as a team (up to five) or by yourself to see how quickly you can put together a 300-piece puzzle.
Prizes will be awarded for the fastest three teams. Teens ages 14 and up are welcome. Call 518-439-9314 to register or do it online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Donate books for a good cause
The library is once again partnering with Grassroot Givers, a local nonprofit, to collect books for donation to local organizations and individuals in need. Collection day is Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library garage.
The organization is particularly interested in early literacy, children’s and YA books. The Book Project is also seeking current adult paperback and hardcover fiction and nonfiction, as well as adult biography, self-help, cookbooks and history books.
Grassroot Givers will not accept books older than 10 years; torn or moldy books; encyclopedias; videos, tapes or CDs; magazines; computer books older than three years; test prep books older than the current year; textbooks of any kind, including law and medical books. Donations that do not meet these criteria, and donations brought before 10 a.m. or after 1 p.m., will not be accepted.
Grassroot Givers is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the connection between the needs in our community and those with resources to share.
For more information, visit www.grassrootgivers.com.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Children stake out a spot on the Green to take in the End of Summer Concert by Rick Bedrosian on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Bethlehem Public Library. Bedrosian played a pair of family-friendly shows to celebrate another successful summer of reading.
What’s in an Adirondack name?
Author and outdoor enthusiast Erik Schlimmer has spent a lot of time in the Adirondacks — from Good Luck Lake to Whiteface Mountain — and he’s gotten to know some of the places and their names pretty well. So well, in fact, that he’s written two books dedicated to Adirondack place-name history: “History Inside the Blue Line” and “Among the Cloud Splitters.” What he’s found is that “behind every name is a story, and that story’s usually pretty good.”
On Friday, Sept. 6, Erik will kick off the 2019 Coffee and Conversation series at the Bethlehem Public Library by sharing some of these stories and talking about the research that went into decoding the history behind hundreds of Adirondack names. The program — “Adirondack Place Names: Why is That Thing Over There Called That?” — starts at 1 p.m. and will be followed by a coffee break. Coffee and Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects Inc.
Erik first visited the library this spring to discuss his book “Cradle of the Union: Albany History Uncovered,” where he took a closer look at the street names of Albany. He has written for a number of outdoor publications and is also the author of “Thru Hiker’s Guide to America,” “Blue Line to Blue Line” and “My Adirondacks.”
Expedition Anniversary Party
It’s been one year since hundreds of library enthusiasts visited all 36 Upper Hudson Library System libraries. Everyone (whether you completed the expedition or not!) is invited to celebrate the anniversary of the Library Expedition on Tuesday, Sept. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Crossings in Colonie.
There will be cider and doughnuts, as well as fun activities. Enjoy a lovely fall day with fellow expeditioners from across the Upper Hudson Library System. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call.
Make a mandala
Intricate mandalas are a popular subject of adult coloring books, but where did they come from and what do they mean?
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, at 7 p.m., the library will host a Mandala Workshop, where you will be given a brief introduction on the history and significance of mandalas, then learn how to draw your own mandala and color it in.
Yoga at the library
This fall, you are invited to find your center at the library at one or more hatha yoga sessions led by a local instructor. The first session is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m.
Mats will be provided, but bring your own if you have one. Beginners are welcome. Register online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Erik Schlimmer returns to the library to talk about some of the more unusual Adirondack nomenclature
The September/October Footnotes newsletter has been mailed, and it is packed with some excellent autumn programs, including the return of some of our popular series for adults.
Coffee & Conversation kicks off the season on Friday, Sept. 6, with “Adirondack Place Names.” Author and avid outdoorsman Erik Schlimmer returns to the library to talk about some of the more unusual Adirondack nomenclature.
According to Schlimmer, behind every name is a story, and that story’s usually pretty good! Coffee & Conversation, which is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, is an hour-long program starting at 1 p.m. followed by a coffee break.
A strong lineup continues through fall with topics that touch on music, history, culture, and more. Pick up a flyer at the library or find the schedule online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Book talk
After the summer hiatus, our book discussions begin anew in early September — with some changes. We have added a Monday evening group — Check ’em Out Books — to replace the Wednesday night group.
DayBooks discussions will take place at 1:30 p.m. monthly on a Monday and Thursday. Featured this fall are “Washington Black” by Esi Edugyan on Sept. 12 or 16, and “Exit West” by Mohsin Hamid on Oct. 7 or 10.
Check ‘em Out Books meets Mondays and AfterDinner Books meets on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. on alternate months. Those discussions will delve into “The Winter People” by Jennifer McMahon on Monday, Sept. 9, and “Warlight” by Michael Ondaatje on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the information desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available. A list of discussion books through December is available online.
Listening Parties
Our monthly Listening Parties with Bethlehem librarian Michael Farley are also back! This is a great chance for you to join fellow music lovers and share your opinions about the artists that have shaped the musical landscape.
Up first is “Jazz and the Spoken Word” on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. Hear examples of jazz and spoken word poetry from the 1950s to the present.
Reminders
— Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Labor Day weekend, from Saturday to Monday, Aug. 31 to Sept. 2. Access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Regular Sunday hours resume Sept. 8;
— The free WiFi network at the Elm Avenue Pool complex and park, as well as the Five Rivers and the Colonial Acres Park signals, are available year-round — not just during the warmer months. The signal will appear on electronic devices as “Free Library WiFi” and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week; and
— Got books? The library is once again partnering with Grassroot Givers, a local not-for-profit, to collect books for donation to local organizations and individuals in need. Collection day is Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library garage. Grassroot Givers will accept only books that are in good shape and are dropped off during the designated collection time. They are especially interested in like-new children’s books.
— Photo by Kate Lambert
A bubble party was hosted by the Bethlehem Public Library at Colonial Acres Park in Glenmont on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Pop-Up Library events have taken place at community spaces throughout Bethlehem over the summer.
We explored a Universe of Stories this summer, and now it’s time to celebrate with a family-friendly concert on Wednesday, Aug. 28, featuring Rick Bedrosian from Hair of the Dog and Hey Jude. Enjoy classics by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and more as we celebrate our summer reading accomplishments with music and dancing.
We’ll be hosting two concerts that day, one at 3:30 p.m. and the other at 6:30 p.m. If it’s nice out, concerts will take place on the Green, so bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable. In the event of bad weather, concerts will take place in the library’s community room.
Explore Space Land
Imagine the game Candy Land, but with a space theme. Then imagine it as a life-size version. Sound like fun? See for yourself Tuesday, Aug. 27, at 3 p.m. as we transform the Children’s Place into Space Land for kids and families.
While you’re waiting your turn to embark on the out-of-this-world adventure, you can decorate an uplifting greeting card for Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which will distribute them to young people across the United States who could use a kind word.
Faux stained-glass fun
Color and take home a beautiful faux stained glass creation at our DIY False Stained Glass program on Thursday, Aug. 29, at 2 p.m. This project is fun yet simple enough for all levels of crafters to create something wonderful. For kids in grades 1-5.
Labor Day Weekend
Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Labor Day weekend Saturday-Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Access the library catalog and other library services online anytime atwww.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Regular Sunday hours resume Sept. 8.
Internet to go
When it comes to the free WiFi access at the library — you can take it with you. The Bethlehem Public Library loans out Pocket WiFi hotspots that allow users WiFi access within the Sprint network anywhere in the United States.
Say what you will about our wired world, but there is no denying that internet access opens up new possibilities in education, entertainment and commerce. By providing “Internet to Go,” the library is making sure that access is available to everyone in our community.
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 Sprint service is available.
The devices can be found on our Library of Things shelf near the Circulation Desk, and they are easily portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem cardholders may request the WiFi devices, but anyone in the Upper Hudson Library System can check out the ones on the shelves on a first-come basis. The hotspots must be returned to the Bethlehem library circulation desk. Check one out today, and get your free library Internet to go.
The robotics team of Bethlehem Central High School demonstrates its robot at the Bethlehem Public Library on Saturday, Aug. 3, where team members provided tech help to the public.
Get crafty at the Bethlehem Public Library next week with a pair of programs that will have you whipping up some spa essentials or creating a special box to store your favorite memory keepsakes.
On Monday, Aug. 19, at 6 p.m., join us as we learn how to make a do-it-yourself mocha lip scrub and coffee salt scrub to give your grooming a caffeine kick! Supplies will be provided, but registration is required. Although the Aug. 19 program is just for adults, we’re repeating it for ages kids ages 9 to 14 the following day, Aug. 20, at 3 p.m. Once again, registration is required.
Display your treasured memories in style when you decorate a small wooden memory box using decoupage on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. Bring an image of your choice for the lid; other paper samples and wooden box provided. Registration is required.
You can sign up for one or both of these programs online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518-439-9314.
Be a Friend
The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library meet on Monday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m.
Want to know more about what the Friends do? Be sure to drop by – new members are always welcome!
The Friends are dedicated to increasing public awareness of the library’s mission, as well as sponsoring programs that enrich the entire community. Some of the library’s most popular events and activities are funded by the Friends, including mini-golf, bus trips to Glimmerglass or New York City and the ice cream social during the Evenings on the Green summer concert series finale.
If you’ve ever borrowed a WiFi hotspot or checked out a pair of binoculars, drum kit, karaoke machine or metal detector, you have the Friends to thank as well.
The Friends also underwrite the popular winter concert series,
“A Little Sunday Music,” and they support the “Evenings on the Green” summer concert series and author visits.
Because of the Friends, Bethlehem patrons can check out free passes to a number of area museums and historic buildings, as well as a New York State Empire Pass. (You’ll find the complete list at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org; find “museum passes” under the “More” tab.)
The all-volunteer group meets 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, please contact the Friends liaison at .
Still some summer left
It’s not too late to sign up for summer reading at the library. Readers of all ages are invited to participate. Register online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org (Click on the Summer Reading image on the home page) or in person, and check out our upcoming programs on the website or in the latest version of the Footnotes newsletter.
Summer hours
The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo by Patti Lloyd
A snail and a slug intrigue children during a nature walk at the Bethlehem Town Hall with environmental educator Anita Sanchez on Tuesday, July 30. The Bethlehem Public Library will be on the go again Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 10 a.m. with a bubble party at Colonial Acres Park.
After taking a year off, our Tween/Teen Lock-In is back and better than ever!
Bring a friend and make some new ones at this after-hours party for kids in grades 6 to 12 on Friday, Aug. 9, from 8 p.m. to midnight. This teens-only event will feature a scavenger hunt, MuVChat, photo booth, and more! Registration and a permission slip are required.
Books + chocolate = perfection!
Most library fans will agree that books are one of the finer things in life. And many of us would also say the same about chocolate.
If you agree, join us Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m. for a Book and Chocolate Pairing. Sample books in a variety of genres paired with different flavors of chocolate that may inspire you to read something new to you!
Read a children’s classic with us
Keep your child’s reading skills sharp this summer with our Reader Read-In Thursday Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. featuring the classic “Frog and Toad Are Friends.”
Practice reading in a relaxed environment with a teen volunteer (supervised by one of our literacy experts), or read quietly alone or as a family. The Read-In starts at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available. For kids in grades 1 to 5.
On display
During the month of August, the library’s hallway exhibit space is featuring photographic works by Hillary Raimo and landscapes in oils and pastels by Jaqueline Smith.
Do you have artwork or a message you would like to share with others? The library has three different display and exhibit spaces available to the public on a first-come basis. It is easy to sign up through www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org by clicking on the “Book a Space” tab, or visit the Information Desk to see what is available.
The three different exhibit areas include: hallway wall space, which can be reserved up to 24 months in advance; three, 6-by-3-foot exhibit tables opposite the entrance to the library proper, which can be booked one to six months in advance; and locked exhibit cases in the hallway and Children’s Place, which can be reserved up to a year ahead of time.
Library of Things
Have you checked out our Library of Things recently? New things are being added all the time to this innovative collection supported by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
With the Library of Things, you can borrow the tools you need to explore a new hobby, experience nature, play a game, be a do-it-yourselfer, investigate new technology, and so much more! We have dozens of “things” to check out, so you don’t have to invest in pricey goods that may only get used once or twice.
Visit www.bethlehemlibrary.org /borrow/library-of-things or pick up a brochure at the library to see a complete list of what’s available.Most items in the Library of Things collection are requestable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time.
Summer hours
The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo by Kate Lambert
A young reader entertains a Paws to Read puppy volunteer at the Bethlehem Public Library on Saturday, July 12. More Paws to Read sessions are scheduled for August. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for upcoming dates and times.
Let’s explore the Solar System together!
Kevin H. Knuth, a University at Albany professor of physics and former National Aeronautics and Space Administration research scientist, has a universe of stories to tell.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, at 7 p.m., he will be at the library to discuss the last 50 years of space exploration — with a focus on the major planets and their moons. Enjoy high-quality images of each of these worlds, as well as images from the surface of Venus, Mars, and Saturn’s moon Titan.
Learn about the volcanoes and molten lava fields of Jupiter’s moon Io, as well as the subsurface oceans of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Take a closer look at Saturn’s rings, the methane seas and lakes of Saturn’s moon Titan, and the liquid nitrogen geysers of Neptune’s moon Triton.
You’ll find that the diversity of worlds in our own solar system hosts a multitude of wonders and discoveries that will engage explorers for centuries to come.
Knuth is something of an expert in this area, having spent time at the NASA Ames Research Center in the Intelligent Systems Division, designing artificial intelligence algorithms for astrophysical data analysis.
His current research includes the search for and characterization of extrasolar planets. He has authored more than 90 peer-reviewed publications and lectured in more than a dozen countries. His presentation is the final in a series of space-themed programs for adults that tie into the Summer Reading theme of a Universe of Stories.
Concert and ice cream social
The 2019 Evenings on the Green summer concert series wraps up Wednesday, Aug. 7, with a family-friendly focus, thanks to the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, our series sponsors. The Friends will be hosting an ice cream social and membership drive beginning at 6:30 p.m. Later on at 7 p.m.,
Alyssa Yeager takes the stage to perform some energetic music for all ages that will engage the imagination with imagery and creative storytelling.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the Green, then sit back, relax and enjoy the last concert of the series. Concerts are always free. We will move indoors if it rains.
Family Book discussion
Reading is a family affair, and according to literacy experts, children read more when they listen to and discuss books. Help encourage a love of reading in your child at our next Family Book Discussion on Thursday, Aug. 8, where both parents and children are invited to talk about Kieran Larwood’s “Podkin One-Ear,” a tale of three young rabbit siblings on the run from the villainous Gorm.
Share your impressions and enjoy activities related to the story at one of two sessions: 2:30 or 6:30 p.m. Haven’t read it yet? Pick up a copy at the Children’s Place desk.
Check out the calendar at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for even more upcoming school-age literacy events. (P.S. Many of these activities will help you reach your Summer Reading Challenge goals!)
Summer hours
The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime atwww.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Ready to golf: this tyke was among the players enjoying a round of mini-golf inside the air-conditioned comfort of Bethlehem Public Library Sunday, July 14. The annual event attracts mini-golfers of all ages seeking that elusive hole in one.
It’s all about the books!
All summer long, the literacy pros at the Bethlehem Public Library are promoting and supporting school-age literacy with events such as First Chapters, Family Book Discussion, Reader Read-Ins, and Paws to Read. With these programs, young readers can explore new and exciting stories while developing crucial reading skills.
Kids and families are invited to stop by Saturday, July 27, at 2 p.m. for a First Chapters book event where first impressions count. Read the first chapter of one of our selected books and check it out or pass it on.
On Monday, July 29, at 10 a.m., we’re hosting a Reader Read-In with the Summer Reading theme: A Universe of Stories. Kids in grades 1 through 5 are invited to practice reading with a teen volunteer (supervised by one of our literacy experts), or read quietly alone or as a family. Refreshments will be available. More read-ins are scheduled for August.
Check out the calendar at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for even more upcoming school-age literacy events. (P.S. Many of these activities will help you reach your Summer Reading Challenge goals, so sign up today and get rewarded for reading!)
Plan your escape
Would your puzzle-solving skills be enough to save you in an unforgiving environment like space? Will your team be able to cooperate long enough to survive? Can you keep your wits about you as the clock counts down to zero? Find out at one of our upcoming space-themed breakout rooms celebrating Summer Reading’s Universe of Stories.
Adults get first crack at the adventure on Monday, July 29, at 7 p.m. with the Breakout Room: Lost in Space program. On Wednesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. children ages 7 to 11 are invited to solve the Breakout Room: Galactic Space Race. Later that day, at 2:30 p.m., is the Breakout Room: Space Rocks, just for teens.
All programs are similar to an Escape Room, where you use your puzzle-solving skills to unlock the box before time is up. Sign up by calling 518-439-9314 or selecting your event on the calendar online atwww.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Evenings on the Green
The summer music continues July 31 with Evenings on the Green headliners Casey and Spain. The multi-instrumentalist duo will be playing American covers and originals.
The concert starts at 7 p.m. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the Green, then sit back, relax, and enjoy.
Concerts are always free, appropriate for all ages, and they take place every Wednesday through Aug. 7. Pick up a flyer or visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for times and details. Concerts will move indoors if it rains. This series is generously sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Summer hours
The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo by Bethlehem Public Library staff
Reactions vary as kids cook up some starry slime at the Bethlehem Public Library Wednesday, July 10, to tie in to the Summer Reading Universe of Stories theme.
We’re launching a new Dungeons and Dragons gaming group for teens at the Bethlehem Public Library this Saturday, July 20, at 10:30 a.m. Use your imagination and problem-solving skills while meeting and socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games.
Teens of all experience levels are welcome. Playing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own dice or D&D 5th Edition Character Sheet. This group is for kids in grades 6 to 12. Additional gaming groups take place Saturday, Aug. 3, at 10:30 a.m. and Saturday, Aug. 10, at 2:30 p.m.
Explore great picture books
The Caldecott Award is like the Oscars, but for picture books. Every year since 1937, the prestigious award is given to the very best in American picture books for children.
We figure those award-winners have gotten plenty of attention already, so on Monday, July 22, at 10 a.m. we’re celebrating the also-rans at our “CaldeNotts: Picture Books with Pizzazz” program.
We’ll be exploring the picture books didn’t win a Caldecott Medal this year but are still wonderful in every way. Enjoy reading selected books and doing related activities. For kids and families.
Humans on Mars
As the world gets ever closer to sending humans to Mars, questions remain about what life would actually be like on the red planet. Join us Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. as Dudley Observatory chief astronomer Dr. Valerie Rapson discusses the physical, social and technological challenges of living on Mars and what scientists have already learned from astronauts living on the International Space Station.
Evenings on the Green
Evenings on the Green continues Wednesday, July 14, with Off the Record, an energetic rock ’n’ roll trio that plays hits from the early ’60s. The concert starts at 7 p.m., but stop by earlier, beginning at 5:30 p.m., to try out the library’s Oculus Rift virtual reality headset at a special demo.
Concerts are always free, appropriate for all ages, and they take place every Wednesday through Aug. 7. They will move indoors if it rains. This series is generously sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Board officers
On Monday, July 8, the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees selected the following officers for 2019-20: Mary Redmond, president; Mark Kissinger, vice president of policies and governance; Brian Sweeney, vice president of strategic planning; Caroline Brancatella, secretary; and Robert Khalife, board treasurer. Lisa Scoons will continue to serve on the Upper Hudson Library System board. At the same meeting, newly elected trustee Michelle Walsh was sworn in.
Board meetings are generally held the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. and are open to the public.
Summer hours
The library is closed Sundays in July and August. You can access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Sign up for Summer Reading
Summer Reading sign-up is in full swing so get ready to explore a Universe of stories – and earn cool prizes while you’re at it! Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or in person; there’s a Summer Reading Challenge for all ages.
— Photo by Bethlehem Public Library staff
Be the star of your own vacation-themed Bethlehem library card at the Wish You Were Here custom-printed library card program held July 16 and 17.
It’s tee time!
Bethlehem Public Library will transform into an 18-hole miniature golf course on Sunday, July 14, from 1 to 5 p.m., and you can step up your mini-golf game and impress your friends by designing your very own hole-in-one! This opportunity is free and open to all, but sign up soon — only 18 spots are available: https://bit.ly/2Jis4wF.
Mini-golf is free and open to all ages — pros and duffers alike — and there’s no need to register to play! Regular library services will be limited, but if you spot a book or movie you just have to have while putting your way through the stacks, we’ll be on hand to check it out for you. Mini-golf is sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Library cards starring you
There’s so much about the library that makes it a destination in itself, and that’s why our latest custom-printed library card program is highlighting all of the things about Bethlehem Public Library that keep you coming back for more! Our Wish You Were Here custom library cards will feature you enjoying your favorite part of the library with a fun, vacation-themed border.
Sign up for an evening session on Tuesday, July 16, or a morning session on July 17. Let us know what you like to do or borrow at the library, and we’ll take a picture for your library card, which will be printed and ready on the spot.
Do you like relaxing in the periodical room? Maybe playing a game in the Children’s Place? Or is browsing the travel section your thing? Perhaps you enjoy the library gardens on a sunny day. Your photo will capture whatever it is about the library that you love the most – starring you! Your “Wish You Were Here” image could also be part of our upcoming parking lot banner series.
Programs take place Tuesday, July 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday, July 17, from 10 a.m. to noon. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518 -439-9314. If you don’t already have a card, bring in a photo ID and proof of residence within the Bethlehem Central School District. (Non-BCSD residents can still receive printed cards; they just can’t be used as library cards.)
Over the moon
Calling all elementary engineers! Drop by the library Wednesday, July 17, at 2 p.m. to design a moon lander using cardboard, paper, index cards, bubble wrap, toothpicks, tape, straws and rubber bands that will keep astronauts safe as they touch down. For ages 6 to 10.
Evenings on the Green
Our Evenings on the Green concert series continues at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, with Electric City Chorus, an a cappella group that performs in the traditional Barbershop Quartet style.
Concerts are always free, appropriate for all ages, and they take place every Wednesday through Aug. 7. Pick up a flyer or visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for times and details. Concerts will move indoors if it rains.