It may be winter, but here at the Bethlehem Public Library, it’s Mango season. Bethlehem, along with the rest of the libraries in the Upper Hudson Library System, now offers Mango Languages, a fun and easy-to-use, self-paced language learning program with more than 70 language courses.
It’s easy to get started, just head to our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the Mango Languages icon on the home page. You’ll be asked to create an account using your email address, and then you’ll be ready to say “bonjour” to your new language.
Available courses include widely spoken languages, like Italian and Chinese, as well as less commonly used languages, such as Biblical Hebrew and Scottish Gaelic. There are also 17 English as a Second Language courses available. There are even some fun mini-courses like Pirate, Medical Spanish and romance courses.
Mango teaches practical vocabulary with pronunciation demonstrated by professional native speakers of the language you wish to learn. You can hear words in any language offered both at a conversational speed and at a slowed-down, easier-to-understand speed.
So if learning a foreign language is on your list of things to do in the new year, or if it’s something you need for business, travel or professional development, Mango Languages is a great way to broaden your vocabulary.
Open sewing
The library has a number of sewing machines that are used for sewing and quilting programs for all ages. We also make these machines available for independent use during our Open Sewing sessions, the next of which takes place Monday, Jan. 9. Sign up for a two-hour block of time, and bring your own project and supplies. Volunteers may be available to assist you. Open Sewing takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. with more sessions scheduled for Jan. 23 and Feb. 27. Questions? Give us a call at 439-9314.
Holiday hours
The library will close at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, and remain closed until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Storm warning
Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.
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.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Pensive puppeteer: The free-standing puppet theater in the Children’s Place at Bethlehem Public Library was recently the scene of a battle between a superhero and a knight. It ended in a draw.
Winter is the perfect time to start planning that trip of a lifetime. If your dream getaway has you leaving the country — and your comfort zone — for the first time, then you’ll want to hear what experienced world travelers and educators Donna and Patrick Keegan have to say at their “Travel Abroad Safely” program on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m.
The Keegans have traveled all over the world and have led multiple student trips and exchanges abroad. They will share their insight on what and how to pack, how to successfully carry and exchange money, how to safely navigate a foreign country, and how to maximize your vacation — however long it may be.
What Friends are for
Have you met our Friends? If you were on the Friends-sponsored bus to New York City last week or enjoyed some ice cream during Andy the Music Man’s performance at our Evenings on the Green summer concert series then you probably have. If you’ve ever borrowed a museum pass or checked out a special collection item like a telescope or a GoPro camera, then you have our Friends to thank as well.
Friends of Bethlehem Public Library is an advocacy and support group dedicated to increasing public awareness of the library, and their generosity has supported many important library programs and services.
The Friends underwrite our popular winter concert series, A Little Sunday Music, which brings quality classical music performances to brighten the short days of winter.
Because of the Friends’ support, the library has been able to expand our special collection shelf, offering GoPro video cameras and accessories, as well as high-power telescopes and metal detectors for young and old.
Our museum pass program is also underwritten by the Friends and allows us to offer free passes to Mass MoCA, the Norman Rockwell Museum, Albany Institute of History and Art, the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, the Schenectady Museum and Planetarium, and more; you’ll find the complete listing at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org; click on the “museum passes” quick link.
In addition, the Friends run annual trips to Glimmerglass Opera in the summer and New York City in December.
Think you’d like to be a Friend too? Memberships start at $10. Business memberships are also available. For more information, visit friends.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Holiday hours
The library will be closed Saturday through Monday, Dec. 24 through 26, for the Christmas holiday. We’ll close at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, and remain closed until 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 3. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Storm warning
Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.
— Photos by Kristen Roberts
Adult newcomers to computers can learn the basics one-on-one with a library-trained volunteer by signing up for Computer Partners at the Bethlehem Public Library. Call the library at (518) 439-9314 for more information.
The library’s 2016-17 season of A Little Sunday Music continues on Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. with a concert by the Helderberg Madrigal Singers performing music that was first heard centuries ago in the castles, cathedrals, synagogues, drawing rooms and village greens of medieval and Renaissance Europe.
The group is composed of sopranos Martha Bond and Sarah Johnson Popiel, altos Dawn Dana and Beth Gurzler, tenor Dick Dana, and basses David Metz and Tim Smith. When the music calls for accompaniment, members’ talents on the recorder, krumhorn, viola da gamba, oboe, guitar and percussion are employed.
Founded in 1978 by a group of Capital District singers who relished the challenge and rewards of a cappella music, the ensemble’s repertoire has grown to more than 400 works. The Helderberg Madrigal Singers are all Capital District residents with experience in other groups, including Albany Pro Musica, Glimmerglass Opera, Octavo Singers and more.
Frequently performed composers include Thomas Morley, William Byrd, Orlando Gibbons, Guillaume de Machaut, Heinrich Isaac, among many others.
A Little Sunday Music is generously underwritten by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. The library is located at 451 Delaware Avenue in Delmar.
Senior chorus
December is a musical month. The Bethlehem Senior Chorus presents “As Evening Comes” Friday, Dec. 2, at 1 p.m. in the Bethlehem town hall. Directed by Claudia Summers, the chorus is a mixed group of about 60 senior citizens who have enjoyed singing and entertaining folks in the community for more than a decade.
Open to all, the concert is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. Please note that this event does not take place at the library. Bethlehem town hall is located at 445 Delaware Ave., in Delmar.
Closing reminder
The library will be closed Friday, Dec. 2, to accommodate a staff development training session. Our bookdrops will be open, but there will be no telephone service. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Storm warning
Please remember that in the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead.
Upcoming events
Drop by the evening of Monday, Dec. 5, for “Fun and Games for Grownups,” an adults-only gathering where you can play games, color and socialize. It all takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Snacks will be served.
On Thursday, Dec. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m., longtime teacher Christopher Conway will share some Spanish-language basics and useful vocabulary for traveling in “Spanish for Beginners.” Sign up online or call.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Supreme Ultimate Boxing: Participants in the Bethlehem Public Library’s Tai Chi program marked World Diabetes Day on Monday, Nov. 14, with the Tai Chi for Diabetes form.
Providing free and equal access to computers and the Internet has been an important part of the library’s mission for a long time, and the popularity of our public access computers is a testament to that – there are many times when every station is spoken for.
Beginning this month, we are able to get more computers in front of the people who need them by offering laptops that can be checked out and used anywhere on site until the library closes. We’ve got more than a dozen Chromebooks, which are suitable for browsing the web, online research, accessing Gmail and more. Also available are four Microsoft Office-enabled laptops, perfect for word-processing or resume-writing.
To borrow a laptop, all you need is a valid library card. They can be used anywhere on library property, including the comfy chairs in our hallway and – when the weather eventually warms – our grounds outside. Our super-fast WiFi makes it easy to search the web or stream video. Laptops are available for one-day use and must be returned at least 15 minutes before closing.
Tech tools
If you want to raise your comfort level with the electronic devices and media out there, you can get one-on-one coaching at the library by scheduling a half-hour appointment. A librarian or volunteer can help you with your smartphone, tablet, or eReader. You can also learn how to setup and manage an email account, get started on Microsoft Word, or navigate Facebook and Twitter.
Make an appointment at least a week in advance by visiting the information desk or calling the library at 439-9314, ext. 3009.
We’d also like to remind you that the library has a number of tech tools available for the public to use, including Makerbot 3D printers, a VHS-to-DVD conversion deck and a flatbed scanner that will scan photos, slides and negatives. There’s also a large-format scanner and color printer, as well as Adobe programs for photo and video editing. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on “tech tools” to learn more.
Thanksgiving hours
The library is closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday and will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
Also, the library will be closed Friday, Dec. 2, to accommodate a staff development training session.
STEM programs
On Friday, Nov. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m., we’ll be holding a LittleBits Workshop for kids in grade two to five. They’ll learn how to make electric circuits that control lights, sounds, movements and more with LittleBits magnetic building blocks. Sign up online or call.
Teens in grades six to 12 can learn how to program and control the Ozobot, a tiny robot, using only paper and markers at the Ozobot Robotics program on Monday, Nov. 28, from 7 to 8 p.m. Registration is required.
— Photo from Sonny and Perley
Sonny and Perley — the husband-and-wife duo of pianist Sonny Daye, left, and vocalist Perley Rousseau — will perform at the Bethlehem Public Library Friday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. The concert will feature selections from the Great American Songbook and more.
Our Coffee and Conversation series is wrapping up its 2016 season this Friday with a page from the Great American Songbook and more featuring local legends Sonny and Perley.
The husband-and-wife duo of vocalist Perley Rousseau and pianist Sonny Daye will present a mixed concert that introduces listeners to the material they regularly draw from, including the Great American Songbook (the Golden Age of popular songs from the 1920s through ’50s), post Golden Age material from 1960-1980, international cabaret, and bossa nova.
Sonny and Perley have spent the last several years developing and perfecting their unique repertoire and have performed extensively throughout the region and abroad.
The hourlong concert begins at 1 p.m. and is followed by a coffee hour featuring beverages and light refreshments. Coffee and Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Emergency prep
Join us Saturday, Nov. 19, for “In Case of Emergency,” a program that will give you the tools and resources you’ll need to prepare for, and recover from, any type of disaster. Attendees receive an emergency prep starter kit.
The program is free and open to everyone, but you must register with Citizen Preparedness Corps at www.prepare.ny.gov/training-events. Trainings are led by the New York National Guard, working with experts from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control.
Holiday hours
The library will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
The sky’s the limit
Don’t forget, the library now has Orion StarBlast 4.5” telescopes for loan. When you borrow one, you get everything you need to start stargazing – the telescope itself, a carrying bag, lens brush, Celestron flashlight, guides to the night sky, and an easy-to-follow user manual. Telescopes are available to borrow for one week at a time.
Free job coaching
Bethlehem Public Library offers free one-on-one job coaching for adults seeking to enter or re-enter the job market. Find out how to craft effective resumés and cover letters; learn the finer points of written and online applications, LinkedIn accounts, and interview protocol. Call 439-9314, ext. 3009 for an appointment.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
A smiling elephant was among the participants in one of two not-so-spooky parades on Monday, Oct. 31, for pint-sized trick-or-treaters at the Bethlehem Public Library. The parades made their way through the main part of the library to the delight of patrons and staffers.
It’s that time of year again — time for the return of our ever-popular winter concert series, A Little Sunday Music. The Etude Club of Schenectady opens the 2016-17 season on Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m. with a performance of chamber music by Mendelssohn, Mihaud, Brahms, and more. Expect to hear a variety of soloists, duos and trios on piano, violin, cello, flute, and clarinet.
The Etude Club brings together women from all over the Capital District who share a love of music study and performance. It was founded in 1925 by Louise Newkirk. The club traditionally focuses on the music of recognized masters, but is open to performing pieces by composers in many genres.
A Little Sunday Music continues with a performance by the Helderberg Madrigal Singers on Dec. 4 and a recital by soprano Rose Hargrave on Feb. 5. The 2016-17 season closes with Capital City String Quartet featuring pianist Michael Clement on March 5.
A Little Sunday Music is generously underwritten by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. All concerts are free and open to everyone.
A salute to naval heroes
On Friday, Nov. 11, the focus of our Coffee and Conversation series will be “Heroes All Around Us,” featuring staff from the USS Slater.
This program explores the fascinating history of destroyer escorts, the USS Slater and the lives of three men who served in the United States Navy during World War II and are tied in some way to these trim but deadly warships. The first is Frank Slater, killed in action at Guadalcanal and for whom the USS Slater is named. The second is Leonard Roy Harmon, who served alongside Frank Slater aboard the USS San Francisco and would go on to receive the posthumous distinction of being the first African-American to have a ship named in his honor. Finally, the remarkable story of the USS Samuel B. Roberts will be examined, highlighting the actions of Paul Henry Carr.
The hourlong program begins at 1 p.m. and is followed by a coffee hour featuring beverages and light refreshments. Coffee and Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Second chance to catch ’em all!
Did you miss the first Pokémon hunt last Sunday? Don’t worry, we are hosting a second session of Pokémon Go(es) to the Four Corners on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Meet at the library with your Pokémon Go app ready to play, and we’ll provide the free WiFi with our mobile hotspot devices as we walk to the Four Corners to see if we can catch ’em all. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult.
Holiday hours
The library will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25.
Do you know what NaNoWriMo means? It’s a catchy way of referring to National Novel Writing Month, which just happens to be this November.
The goal of NaNoWriMo is to create the first draft of a 50,000-word novel during the month of November. The library is here to encourage that creative enterprise by offering writing and collaboration space in our board room for adults taking up the NaNoWriMo challenge.
Join other would-be authors in this exciting literary pursuit beginning this Friday, Nov. 4. Other drop-in times include Nov. 11 and 18, both Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop by for one or more sessions at your convenience; writing instruction is not provided. Visit nanowrimo.org for more details and tips for getting started.
Legendary producer John Simon in the house
On Saturday, Nov. 5, the library is hosting a talk with living legend John Simon, an accomplished music producer, composer, writer, and performing artist in pop, rock, television, movies, and on Broadway. Simon was one of the top record producers in the United States during the late ’60s and the ’70s.
He will be at the library, at 1 p.m. to discuss how he first became involved with The Band and producing (and occasionally playing on) their albums. This is a first-come, first-admitted event; doors will open at 12:45 p.m. For more information, visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or give us a call at 439-9314.
This program is part of the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center’s “New York Living Legacy” project, which celebrates the work of legendary New York artists.
The “Living Legacy” program includes other events and activities related to The Band’s legacy that will take place at The Egg throughout the months of November and December. Visit their website at www.theegg.org to learn more.
Let’s catch ’em all!
Get ready to go Pokémon hunting. Meet at the library on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. with your Pokémon Go app ready to play, and we’ll provide the free WiFi with our mobile hotspot devices as we walk to the Four Corners to see if we can catch ’em all. For all ages; children must be accompanied by an adult. We’ll be hosting a second session of Pokémon Go(es) to the Four Corners on Friday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. Come to one or both.
Not sure how to play? No worries. Email librarian Cathy Brenner at to ask questions or set up a tech help appointment.
Learn to meditate
Are you interested in learning more about meditation and mindfulness? On Sunday, Nov. 6, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., the library will be hosting instructors from the Shambhala Meditation Center of Albany who will go over the basics and provide an introduction to meditation. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing.
— Provided by The Egg
John Simon, producer of The Band’s iconic albums, will be at Bethlehem Public Library on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. as part of a lecture circuit that will stop at a number of area libraries.
Music lovers, mark your calendars. We’ve got an event coming up on Nov. 5 that you won’t want to miss. Take a load off and spend an afternoon at the library with John Simon.
An accomplished music producer, composer, writer and performing artist in pop, rock, television, movies and on Broadway, Simon was one of the top record producers in the United States during the late ’60s and the ’70s, responsible for producing dozens of recordings, including The Band’s iconic albums (as well as classics by Janis Joplin, Simon & Garfunkel, Leonard Cohen, Blood, Sweat & Tears, among many others).
He will be at the library on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m. to discuss how he first became involved with The Band and producing (and occasionally playing on) their albums “Music from Big Pink,” “The Band” and “The Last Waltz,” offering insight into how the compositions, arrangements and instrumentation came together. This is a first-come, first-admitted event; doors will open at 12:45 p.m. For more information, visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or give us a call at 439-9314.
This program is part of the Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center’s “New York Living Legacy” project, which celebrates the work of legendary New York artists.
The “Living Legacy” program includes other events and activities related to The Band’s legacy that will take place at The Egg throughout the months of November and December. Visit their website at www.theegg.org to learn more.
Get charged up
Don’t forget, the library’s charging kiosk provides free, secure charging for most mobile devices. Each locker has three universally compatible charging cables – MicroUSB, iPhone 3/4/4S, and iPhone 5/5C/5S cords. Users simply need to key in a four-digit code to secure the locker and use the same code to retrieve their devices.
Culture conversation
Our Coffee & Conversation series rounds out the month of October with a program on Friday, Oct. 28, titled “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” Learn about the dramatic landscapes, rich Buddhist culture and local cuisine of Bhutan through the photographs and stories of Delmar couple Jerry Andritz and Carole Nemore. The hourlong program begins at 1 p.m. and is followed by a coffee and social hour featuring beverages and light refreshments.
An interest in Pinterest
Learn how to plan with Pinterest and use the popular social media tool to inspire and organize holiday projects. It’s easy to get started, and we’ll show you how on Tuesday, Nov. 1, at 11 a.m. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 439-9314.
—Photo from Bethlehem library staff
The Puppet People entertained an audience of all ages at the Bethlehem Public Library on Sunday, Oct. 9, with a retelling of three of Aesop’s more well-known fables, including “The Tortoise and the Hare.”
We’re gearing up for some super Halloween fun at the library.
What makes a pumpkin great? Your very own artistic touch. On Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 4 p.m. kids three and up and their families are invited to the library to watch the Charles Schulz animated classic, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” and decorate a pumpkin. It’s BYOP — bring your own pumpkin — but we’ll provide the decorating supplies.
Our Halloween festivities culminate with one of our most popular events of the year — the Halloween Parade through the library for children up to age six and their families. The parade is so popular, in fact, that we have scheduled two of them, at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 31. Festivities will kick off with some seasonal movie shorts and a craft before trick-or-treaters make their way through the library. Costumes are optional.
Books to people
“Books to People” is Bethlehem Public Library’s free delivery service provided for patrons living within the Bethlehem Central School District who are unable to visit the library. If you qualify, a librarian selects items from our collections based on your interests. These items are delivered every other week by the Bethlehem Public Library van.
Choose from a wide variety of new and classic fiction and nonfiction in several formats: print, large-print, audiobooks, and Playaways. (A Playaway is an audiobook and player in one neat package.)
You can also choose magazines from our periodicals collection, as well as our CDs and DVDs.
You qualify for Books to People if you live in the Bethlehem Central School District and if you have a permanent or temporary physical disability or medical condition that prevents you from coming to the library. There is no age restriction. The library van will make deliveries to your home every two weeks and pick up materials ready for return.
To request the Books to People delivery service for yourself or someone you know, call the library at 439-9314. A librarian will take your name, address and phone number, ask about what you would like to receive, and set up a delivery schedule. Deliveries will begin shortly after your request is processed. You can end the service at any time.
Understanding Alzheimer’s
In the second part of our Understanding Alzheimer’s series, Communication Strategies, we’ll be learning about ways to understand the verbal and behavioral messages of someone with Alzheimer’s, as well as identify strategies that might facilitate communication.
Join presenter Maura Fleming of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York on Wednesday, Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. for this informative presentation. This program is co-sponsored by Community Caregivers and the Alzheimer’s Association. Sign up online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or call 349-9314.