A well-loved home can get a little cluttered over the years. If you’ve been thinking about downsizing, it can be hard to know where to begin when sorting through all of those accumulated items and memories. At the Friday, Sept. 28, Coffee and Conversation, “Organizing for Downsizing,” a representative from Organize Senior Moves will discuss how to prepare your home and belongings for a move to a smaller space.
The Coffee and Conversation series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc., and programs are free and open to everyone. Programs begin at 1 p.m. and last about 60 minutes with a coffee and social hour following.
Two wheels will travel
Bethlehem is a bicycle-friendly community with some really great green spaces to enjoy and explore, and we want you to join us as we do just that on a “slow roll,” or leisurely paced community bicycle ride on Saturday, Sept. 29.
The all ages and abilities ride begins at the library at 11 a.m. and will meander over to the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail and back, wrapping up with some refreshments and crafts. Ride with us and discover an easy and fun way to get from the Rail Trail to the library!
Please note that an earlier 10-mile ride originally scheduled has been cancelled.
Local Author Book Fair
On Sunday, Sept. 30, we are celebrating our area writers with a Local Author Book Fair headlined by award-winning audiobook narrator George Guidall, whose keynote address kicks off the event at 1 p.m.
Guidall, an acclaimed and prolific narrator, will talk about the process of turning a written art form into a spoken one.
The book fair, where you can browse works for sale and chat with the authors, follows from 2-4 p.m.
Costume swap time
Got an outgrown costume or one in good condition that you just aren’t using? Trade it for one that’s new to you at Bethlehem Public Library’s Costume Swap.
Drop off your gently used costumes between Monday, Oct. 1, and Thursday, Oct. 18, and receive a ticket to pick out a different one on the day of the swap, which takes place Friday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Repurpose those outgrown get-ups and save some money while you’re at it.
The library is accepting costumes in all sizes – from infant to adult. Please note that the library can’t guarantee fit or selection. You can drop off a costume even if you’re not interested in choosing a new one. Once donated, costumes cannot be returned; remaining costumes will be donated.
Check mates
Do you know a kid who loves to play chess or wants to learn how? Tell them to sign up for one of our Tuesday Chess Club sessions.
At Chess Club, teen volunteers play chess with school-age children of all experience levels. Upcoming Chess Clubs will be held Oct. 2 and 23, with sessions at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Additional sessions are scheduled for November and December. Sign up for one timeslot per night at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo from Bethlehem Public Library staff
Team Sprinkle — Bethlehem library staffers Patti Lloyd, left, and Cathy Brenner, right — heads out after work on Thursday, Sept. 13, on a Library Expedition. The goal of the expedition is for participants to visit as many of the 36 libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System as possible from September through November. Expeditioners get to explore new libraries and earn goal prizes along the way. Expedition maps are available at all UHLS libraries.
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If you haven’t yet checked out the entries in our Picturing Bethlehem photography contest celebrating the town’s 225th anniversary, then now’s the time. The photographs are on display in the Bethlehem Public Library lobby and feature a diverse look at the people and places that make up the town Bethlehem.
On Friday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 7:45 p.m., we’ll be holding a special reception for all contest participants where we’ll announce the winners in each age category and award the prizes paid for by the Friends of the Library. Refreshments will be served.
The photographs will remain on display through the end of the month.
Learn how to avoid scams
On Wednesday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 2:30 p.m., representatives from Better Business Bureau of Upstate New York and AT&T will be at the library to talk about how to recognize and avoid scams that prey on seniors, as well as provide tips for safely navigating the internet.
Attendees will be encouraged to log the scams they encounter on the BBB’s “Scam Tracker.” Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518-439-9314 to register.
Get ready to roll
Got any plans on Saturday, Sept. 29? Then come to the library and we’ll explore the Town of Bethlehem together as we celebrate our community on a “slow roll,” or leisurely paced bicycle tour.
We’ll be starting the day at 9 a.m. with a relaxed 10-mile ride showcasing the town’s green spaces and areas of cultural and educational significance. The tour is co-sponsored by the Bethlehem Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee and New York Bicycling Coalition and is open to everyone, although riders should be comfortable navigating roadways. Bathrooms and drinking fountains will be accessible in the library lobby.
We slow things down even more with an all ages and abilities ride at 11 a.m. This tour will meander over to the rail trail and back, wrapping up with some refreshments and crafts.
Both rides begin and end at Bethlehem Public Library and include a bicycle safety education component.
Support local lit
Albany County is home to many established authors, as well as those who have yet to be discovered. On Sunday, Sept. 30, we celebrate our area writers with a Local Author Book Fair headlined by award-winning audiobook narrator George Guidall, whose keynote address kicks off the event at 1 p.m.
Guidall, an acclaimed and prolific narrator, has lent his voice to classics like “Crime and Punishment,” “The Iliad,” “Don Quixote” and more. In addition to his award-winning work as an audiobook narrator, Guidall has enjoyed a career in theater, including starring rolls on Broadway. He will talk about the process of turning a written art form into a spoken one.
The book fair, featuring works for sale, follows from 2 to 4 p.m.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Llama stopped by the Bethlehem Public Library for an impromptu story time as he kicked off his own Library Expedition on Tuesday, Sept. 4. The Library Expedition challenges patrons to visit as many of the 36 Upper Hudson libraries as they can over the next three months.
Rubber Ducky Club, the library’s award-winning early literacy program, is changing the way families participate, and we’re holding a party on The Green this Friday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m. to celebrate the relaunch. There will be games, bubbles, dancing and more!
Families of babies, toddlers and preschoolers are invited to join the club and get started on 1,000 literacy activities before kindergarten. Whether your child is new to Rubber Ducky Club or has participated before, fall is a great time to start reaching for some early literacy goals.
The Rubber Ducky Club is designed to help you work on early literacy skills with your child in a fun and engaging way. Early literacy is the foundation for reading because it can be practiced even before children can read and write. With Rubber Ducky Club, you will practice talking, writing, reading, playing and singing with your child every day to help them get ready for school and a lifetime of reading.
You and your child will track these early literacy moments in a booklet you can pick up at the library. Color in a duck for every activity you share with your child, and don’t worry about repeating activities. If you sing a song five times, it counts as five activities. Choose activities from our booklet, our website or create your own. Everything counts – even library programs!
Each completed booklet earns your child a prize. When you complete four booklets, you will have accomplished 1,000 early literacy activities. If you get stuck or need help, the library is always there. Stop by or give us a call at 518-439-9314.
Book donation event
Got books? 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. 15, from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the library garage.
Grassroot Givers will only accept 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.
Great American Read
Join us as we take a closer look at PBS Great American Read book “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston on Sunday, Sept. 16, from 2 to 3 p.m. Dr. Eurie Dahn, an Associate Professor of English at the College of Saint Rose, will discuss how the use of dialect and the depictions of black love and an all-black town in Zora Neale Hurston’s classic novel are full of subversive pleasures.
To see a complete list of the 100 Great American Read titles and vote for your favorite, visit: pbs.org/the-great-american-read. PBS’ Great American Read is an eight-part series that explores and celebrates the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels, as chosen in a national survey.
More Great American Read events at the library are planned for the month of October. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or pick up a flyer at the Information Desk for details.
Are you ready to become a 36er by visiting all of the libraries in the Upper Hudson system during the 2018 Library Expedition? Then kick off your journey with us on Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m.! Meet your fellow expeditioners, and enjoy some crafts and games as you set off on your goal to explore your area libraries. Learn more about the Library Expedition at uhls.org/expedition
Fall programs for adults
The kids may be heading back to school, but lifelong learning continues at the library as some of our most popular adult series return for the fall season including:
— Our Coffee & Conversation series kicks off the season Friday, Sept. 7, with “Proctor: A Man, His Theater, Our Heritage,” an illustrated look at the history of Proctor’s Theater and its founder Frederick Freeman Proctor. Coffee & Conversation, which is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects format, is an hourlong program starting at 1 p.m. with a coffee and social hour following. 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.
— After the summer hiatus, our book discussions begin anew in early September. DayBooks has added an additional day to accommodate its growing ranks. Discussions will now take place at 1:30 p.m. monthly on a Monday and Thursday.
Featured this fall are “Their Eyes Were Watching God” by Zora Neale Hurston on Sept. 13 or 17, and “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald on Oct. 4 or 8. Both books are PBS Great America Read titles.
— Two evening book discussions — AfterDinner Books on Wednesdays and AfterDinner Too on Tuesdays — meet at 7 p.m. on alternate months. Those discussions will delve into “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller on Sept. 12 and “The Leavers” by Lisa Ko on Oct. 9.
New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the information desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available.
— 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 Join Mitchell on Thursday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. Mitchell, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, created a personal hybrid of pop, folk and jazz.
More information about all of these programs can be found in the latest edition of Footnotes, mailed to every home in the Bethlehem Central School District, and online at bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Got books?
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. 15, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library garage. Grassroot Givers will only accept 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.
During the month of September, the library’s hallway exhibit space will feature photographs from the Picturing Bethlehem Photography Contest. A reception for those who entered the contest will be held later in the month on Friday, Sept. 21, from 7 to 7:45 p.m.
Winners in each age category will be announced and prizes will be awarded. Enjoy some refreshments as you admire the photographs of our community.
In October, the hallway exhibit spaces will feature photography and mixed media by Carole Fults and mixed media by Ellie Prakken.
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.
These spaces provide a public forum for the community to engage with a diversity of ideas, and the library does not exclude materials based on the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation. The library’s Displays and Exhibits policy, available on its website, provides additional guidelines.
Join the conversation
Staff and trustees are looking for your input as we begin a discussion about the long-range goals for the library. We’d like to know what kinds of services are of value to you — whether they are something we currently provide or something we do not yet offer. As we look to the future, we intend to balance the maintenance and upkeep needs of our 45-year-old building with any community-supported enhancements that add value to your library experience.
Please consider sharing your thoughts with us by reaching out to the board of trustees at or to library Director Geoff Kirkpatrick at . We expect this to be an ongoing conversation, and your feedback is important.
You are also welcome to stop by one of the monthly board of trustees meetings, usually held the second Monday of each month. All meetings are open to the community, and there is time set aside for public participation at the beginning and end of each meeting. The board of trustees meets next on Monday, Sept. 17.
Labor Day Weekend
The Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Labor Day weekend from Saturday, Sept. 1, to Monday, Sept. 3. Access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Regular Sunday hours resume on Sept. 9.
Young readers have a new way to enjoy their favorite stories like “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” and “Click, Clack Moo.” The Bethlehem Public Library is now loaning out VOX Books versions of these titles and more.
VOX Books are audiobooks that live in print books. The permanently attached VOX Reader transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There’s no need for computers, tablets, or CDs. Kids can simply push a button to listen and read.
VOX Books combine high-quality picture books and non-fiction with audio recordings that capture children’s attention and make learning and literacy development fun. There’s a speaker for parent and child or group listening plus earphone jack for individual use. The fully portable read-along requires no data or Wi-Fi.
Art excursion
Join the Friends for an autumn excursion to the Clark Art Institute and the Williams College Museum of Art in Williamstown, Mass., Saturday, Oct. 13. Enjoy the leaves at peak color before a one-hour group tour at the Clark. Explore the Institute before and after lunch on your own. In the afternoon, the tour bus will provide transportation to the Williams College Museum of Art.
The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. from the CDTA park-and-ride next to Mercato’s on Delaware Avenue and return around 6:30 p.m. The cost is $85 for Friends of the Library members and $90 for non-members and includes transportation, entrance fee and tour. Lunch can be purchased at the museum cafe or bring your own. For more information, contact Barbara Kling at (518) 439-1199 or visit the Friends page at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Magic moments with Jim Snack
Celebrate the end of a rockin’ summer of reading on The Green with the amazing Jim Snack Thursday, Aug. 23. He’ll be performing two free, family-friendly shows that combine magic, illusion and motivation, with performances at 2:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Meet on The Green and bring your own seat. The shows will move indoors if it rains.
Snack, who is well known throughout the Capital District, has been performing both close up and stage magic for more than 40 years at all kinds of events across the country, including corporate meetings, community gatherings, schools, fairs and festivals. His motivational programs for children teach them about the importance of reading and respect.
Library expedition
Learn more about all 36 of the libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System during the 2018 Upper Hudson Library Expedition. Over the next three months, individuals or teams are challenged to visit as many UHLS locations as possible. Maps are available at all of the libraries. Do you have what it takes to be a #Library36er? Details at uhls.org/expedition.
Kick off your journey at Bethlehem Public Library Saturday, Sept. 8, at 11 a.m. Meet fellow expeditioners and enjoy some crafts and games. See you there!
Holiday
Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Labor Day weekend Saturday-Monday, Sept. 1 to 3. Access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. Regular Sunday hours resume Sept. 9.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Fine art: On Friday, Aug. 10, young stitchers wrap up a week of learning new embroidery skills with members of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America during the library’s annual “Creative Stitches” program.
While they would rarely be considered cuddly, snakes, turtles, and lizards are fascinating — and friendly!
Kids and families are invited to say hello to these remarkable creatures on Monday, Aug. 20, at 10 a.m. when Reptile Adventure brings its hands-on, fully interactive educational program to the Bethlehem Public Library. Sensitive, knowledgeable educators will share stranger-than-fiction facts that will inspire a deeper appreciation of all things that slither, slink, and scramble.
Strike a pose
The library is a great place to relax, made even more relaxing when local yoga instructor Janine Murphy stops by. On Tuesday, Aug. 21, Murphy will present a pair of yoga programs for all skill levels.
At 10:30 a.m., she will share some stretching and relaxing techniques in a yoga class just for adults. Beginners are welcome.
That afternoon, at 2 p.m., she will be sharing poses suitable for kids and families.
If you’ve never tried yoga before, this is a perfect opportunity to give it a try in a low-stress supportive environment.
Photography contest
Celebrate the Town of Bethlehem’s 225th anniversary by entering your best shot of the town in our photography contest. Photos must be submitted framed (maximum size is 11-by-14 inches) and ready to hang through the end of August. Entries will be on display in September with winners in four age groups awarded Friday, Sept. 21.
See www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for entry form and details. Prizes will be provided by the Friends of Bethlehem.
Public Library. Bag lunch
Are you dreading your back-to-school lunch making duties? Are your own sack lunches lacking pizzazz?
Come to the library Monday, Aug. 20, at 6:30 p.m. for “Build a Better Bag Lunch,” and get some bag lunch planning tips and recipes that will save time and money. You’ll also be able to sample some make-ahead ideas and find out how to put it all together in a fun way. This program is presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County.
Labor Day Weekend
The library will be closed this Saturday through Monday, Sept. 1 to 3, for the Labor Day weekend. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 4, at 9 a.m. Sunday hours —noon to 5 p.m. — begin on Sept. 9.
You can always find the library catalog and lots of information, links and services for all ages at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Intro to 3D printing
Want to know more about 3D printing at the library? We’re holding a pair of Intro to 3D Printing programs on Friday, Aug. 17, where we’ll talk about how the printer works and offer tips on how to search for and prepare designs to print.
Sign up for a session at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. You can register online at online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518-439-9314.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Kids and families got creative – and messy! – at the Bethlehem Public Library’s July 30 “Worm Painting” program.
Nothing says summer like sitting around a campfire sharing stories — especially the slightly spooky ones that give you the chills in the middle of August. Local storyteller Maeve McEneny will be joining us at the Bethlehem Public Library on The Green on Friday, Aug. 10, to share some spine-tingling tales at our “Ghost Stories for Young and Old” program.
These family-friendly stories will be suitable for all ages — so come alone or bring the whole gang. Storytelling starts at 7 p.m. and will move inside if it rains. Don’t forget to bring something to sit on!
Wing it
Let’s honor our feathered friends Thursday, Aug. 9, at a program for kids and families that is totally “For the Birds.” Enjoy bird-themed stories and make feeders out of paper towel rolls and peanut butter to take home. (Your backyard birds will thank you!)
The fun starts at 2 p.m. Supplies will be provided, but registration is required. Caregivers must accompany children. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518-439-9314.
A little kindness
You know what really rocks? Kindness. And a kind word or message can go a long way in brightening someone’s day.
At our “Kindness Rocks” event on Monday, Aug. 13, from 10 to 10:45 a.m., we’re inviting kids and families to share those messages and words in a more permanent way by decorating rocks with happy designs. Make one to keep for yourself and one to share with the library community.
Learn a life-saving skill
Hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation is one of those simple skills that can save lives. According to the American Heart Association, more than 20 percent of cardiac arrests occur in public places, and administering hands-only CPR has been shown to greatly improve the chances of survival.
Learn this life-saving skill at the library on Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. A Delmar-Bethlehem Emergency Medical Services representative will demonstrate the hands-only CPR technique followed by some hands-on practice and informal trivia fun with health-related prizes.
Intro to 3D printing
When the library first started offering 3D printing four years ago, we could have never imagined all the wonderful and whimsical ways the printers would get used over the years. While the technology may not be that new anymore, it’s never too late to learn more about it if it’s new to you.
We’re holding a pair of Intro to 3D Printing programs on Friday, Aug. 17, where we’ll talk about how the printer works and offer tips on how to search for and prepare designs to print. Sign up for a session at 10 a.m. or 11 a.m. You can register online at online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 518-439-9314.
It’s showtime! Who doesn’t want a little more drama in their life?
Our very own teen volunteer drama troupe, also known as the Drama Llamas, will present a Puppet Show and Storybook Theatre for kids and families on Tuesday, July 31, from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Expect a super fun, interactive show from these talented teens.
Interested in joining the Drama Llama team? Teens can earn volunteer service hours and have a blast while entertaining younger audiences. You can either be part of the storybook performance on July 31, or be a Drama Llama on Camera by recording some video story times for the library website. On Camera sessions take place Thursday, July 26, from 3 to 4:45 p.m., and Tuesday, Aug. 28, from 10-11:45 a.m.
Sign up at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or give us a call to see how you can participate. You do not have to be part of the summer volunteer program.
Presto!
What better way to enhance the magic of summertime than with even more magic? Local performer Sam Sam the Magic Man has been earning praise for his menu of tricks, which he mixes in with a dash of audience participation for maximum entertainment.
Enjoy one of two shows on Thursday, July 26, at 11 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. Swing by the library for some entertainment, and get your summer reading on!
A busy week
We’ve got plenty of other activities this week to keep your summer rocking! All events are free and take place at the library at 451 Delaware Ave., in Delmar. For more information, call 518-439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org:
— Friday, July 27: Spray and Squeeze Art: Feel free to make a mess as you use spray and squeeze bottles to create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home, from 1 to 2 p.m. For kids in grades 3 through 8. Rain date is Aug. 17. Sign up online or call;
— Friday, July 27: Summer Cinema: Bring a blanket or pillow; we’ll supply the popcorn as you watch “Despicable Me 3” (PG, 89 min, Universal), at 2:30 p.m. For kids and families;
— Saturday, July 28: Traveling Petting Zoo: Meet some of the animals of 4J’s Farm, including goats, sheep, chickens, ducks, bunnies, and pot-bellied pigs, from 11 a.m. to noon. Rain date is Aug. 18. For kids and families;
— Monday, July 30 and Monday, Aug. 6: Introduction to MS Word: Learn the basics of word processing using Microsoft Word in this two-session class, from 10 a.m. to noon. For adults. Sign up online or call;
— Monday, July 30: Worm Painting: Explore different ways to paint using found items as “brushes,” such as cotton balls, feathers and “worms” (cooked spaghetti), from 10 to 10:45 a.m. For kids and families;
— Monday, July 30: Monday Cinema: Darkest Hour (PG-13, 125 min, Universal Pictures). Enjoy popular films geared toward adult audiences, at 2:30 p.m. Shown with subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing when possible;
— Tuesday, July 31: Marvel Trivia Night: Test your knowledge of the Marvel cinematic universe and comics, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Prizes provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library; and
— Wednesday, Aug. 1: Evenings on the Green: Rick Bedrosian. The leader of Hair of the Dog and Hey Jude will perform in a solo show, featuring music from the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, and others, at 7 p.m.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Fore! On Sunday, July 8, the Bethlehem Public Library became an indoor miniature golf course. Community member of all ages took part in the afternoon festivities, which included crafts, snow cones and cotton candy, and, of course, a round of golf.
Music to your ears at the Bethlehem Public Library: The accordions are the stars of the show as the Squeeze Play Accordion Band performs from a variety of musical genres at the next performance in the Evenings on the Green concert series Wednesday, July 25.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair, pick a spot on the green, and get ready to listen to some great music. Concerts are always free, appropriate for all ages, and they take place every Wednesday through Aug. 8. Pick up a flyer or visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for times and details. Concerts will move indoors if it rains.
New “Things”
Host your own backyard movie under the stars using one of the library’s new portable wireless digital projectors, which are now available to borrow from our Library of Things. Turn a blank wall or a bedsheet into your movie screen, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the show.
Each projector comes with a power adapter, HDMI and AV cords, as well as a remote control and user’s manual. They can be used indoors too!
Switch things up
Attention, gamers!
We’ve just added Nintendo Switch games to our collection, and there are tons of new titles for you to try out. Go on a “Super Mario Odyssey” or immerse yourself in the land of Hyrule in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.”
We’ve got racing games, Lego games, sports games, and more. And coming soon, we’ll be loaning out the Switch consoles themselves.
Share your expertise
We are still looking for people willing to share their specials skills at our How-To Festival on Saturday, Aug. 4. from noon to 2 p.m. artisans and instructors will demonstrate their trades — from blacksmithing to yoga — to members of the community.
If you are interested in sharing your knowledge on a topic, we’d love to have you join us! Contact Natalie McDonough at 518-439-9314, ext. 3023 or by email at .
Photography contest
Celebrate the town of Bethlehem’s 225th anniversary by entering your best shot of the town in our photography contest. Photos must be submitted framed (maximum size is 11-by-14 inches) and ready to hang between July 30 and Aug. 31. Entries will be on display in September with winners in four age groups awarded Friday, Sept. 21.
See www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for entry form and details. Prizes will be provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Wi-Fi out and about
You can connect to “Free Library WiFi” when you’re out and about at Five Rivers picnicking, hiking or exploring the nature center. This network is in addition to “Free Library WiFi” at the town park and pool, as well as inside and outside the library building.
Whenever you see “Free Library WiFi” show up on your device, you’ll know you’ve tapped into the library’s growing digital network that provides Internet access all over town.