— Photo by Kristen Roberts
A tentative firefighter tries on a helmet at Selkirk Station No. 2 in Glenmont, where participants enjoyed stories, crafts, a demonstration of firefighter gear, and a tour of the trucks. It was one of six Bethlehem library story times held simultaneously on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at fire stations throughout Bethlehem.
As we wrap up Teen Read Week at the Bethlehem Public Library, we’d like to remind you that you can stop by the teen area anytime through Saturday, Oct. 15 to enjoy our interactive display and see how to vote online for your pick of the teens’ top 10 book award nominees.
The fun doesn’t stop when Teen Read Week ends. On Monday, Oct. 17, we’ll be making cool illuminated pop-up cards with easy electrical circuits using LED lights and copper tape. Paper circuits and pop-up cards begins at 7 p.m.
Our 3Doodler 3D pens are going to get a workout during the 3Doodler Eiffel Tower program on Thursday, Oct. 20, from 3 to 4 p.m., where teens compete with their friends to build a model of the Eiffel Tower with the 3Doodler and a template.
Both programs are for teens in grades six through 12. Sign up online or call.
Listening parties
Our next Listening Party focuses on some musicians that you may have heard a little something about — The Beatles. On Thursday, Oct. 20, we’ll be focusing on their post-breakup solo work. Join fellow music lovers at 7 p.m. for what is sure to be a lively conversation.
A community room with a view
Author and outdoor adventurer Alan Via returns to the library on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. with “Above It All,” the second program in our National Parks 100th anniversary celebration. Enjoy a slideshow celebrating the spectacular mountain scenery and more that can be found in the national parks.
Alan is a Slingerlands resident, winter 46er and author of the hiking guide “The Catskill 67: A Hiker’s Guide to the Catskill 100 Highest Peaks Under 3,000 Feet.” He has hiked extensively throughout the United States and Canada. This program is free and open to the public.
Looking to volunteer?
There are many opportunities for adults to volunteer in the Bethlehem area. Our booklet “Volunteer Opportunities for Adults” lists local not-for-profit organizations and information about how to get in contact with them. The brochure can be found on the library’s website www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/volunteers.asp and also in print at the library.
Speaking of volunteering, are you handy with a sewing machine and willing to share your knowledge with others? Experienced sewers are needed to help patrons with their projects on library machines. Call the library at 439-9314 to find out more.
The library is also looking for volunteers in grade six through 12 who are willing to teach chess to younger kids and play games with them on Tuesday evenings. Call or email Tori at 439-9314, ext. 3034, or email her at tori@ bplteens.org and see how you can get involved.
Scare up some fun.
Do you know a child who has a talent for telling terrifying tales? We’re looking for storytellers in grades 1 to 6 who can spin a yarn that is both creative and creepy to enter the library’s online Spooky Stories contest. Beginning Oct. 1, interested young writers can go to www.bplkids.org, click on the link, and enter their original scary stories of 500 words or less.
Need a little help getting started? Come to our “Spooky Stories: Good Beginnings” writing program on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at 4 p.m. to get your creative juices flowing. We’ll listen to some successful scary stories and brainstorm ideas to get those creative juices flowing.
The winning story will be posted online and transformed into a library storywalk display. You’ll find more details at www.bplkids.org. Last day to enter: Oct. 31.
A welcome place
The library has always been a place where people of all abilities are welcome. That’s why we support the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities’ Welcome campaign to promote community inclusion. You can too by submitting your own welcome message on social media using hashtags #nysopwdd #welcome.
Alzheimer’s programs
This October, the library is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York to offer a pair of programs targeted to those who care for people with Alzheimer’s disease.
On Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m. Maura Fleming, a presenter with the Alzheimer’s Association, will discuss “The Basics,” an overview of what you need to know about memory loss and the difference between age-related memory loss and Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Fleming returns Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. for “Communication Strategies,” where she will talk about ways to understand the verbal and behavioral messages of someone with Alzheimer’s and identify strategies that may help caregivers connect and communicate.
The programs are free, but registration is required.
WiFi at playground
We’ve boosted the library WiFi signal at the town park to include areas around the tennis court, the parks and rec building, and the brand-new playground area, which is located behind the pool complex. We’re looking at other public areas where we can provide free WiFi to residents in the future, so stay tuned to find out where we’re going next.
Drink up
The newly installed replacement water fountain near our parking lot entrance has a very special feature — a sensor-activated bottle filler. A counter near the top righthand side of the fountain shows how many water bottles are saved from the landfill with each use. A refreshing and eco-friendly addition to the library.
Bestselling author Ann Leary, whose writing credits include “An Innocent, A Broad,” “The Good House,” and “Outtakes From a Marriage,” will be stopping by the library on Sunday, Sept. 18, at 2 p.m. to discuss her creative process and her latest book, “The Children.”
Leary’s novels have always had a certain New England sensibility to them, and “The Children” continues that tradition with the story of a wealthy but unconventional Connecticut family.
Leary’s work has been translated into 18 languages, and she has written for “The New York Times,” “Ploughshares,” “National Public Radio,” “Redbook” and “Real Simple” among other publications. “The Good House” is currently in development for a feature film. She and her husband, Denis, live on a small farm in northwestern Connecticut.
Copies of her books will be available for purchase at the event through I Love Books. The author will also be signing copies following her talk. Because space is limited, this free event is first-come, first-admitted, and doors will open at 1:45 p.m. Leary’s talk is a Writers and Friends program underwritten by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Clear out clutter at book donation event
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. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library garage.
Donations to the Book Project must fit the following criteria: current adult paperback fiction and nonfiction; current adult hardcover fiction and nonfiction; current children’s board books; current children’s hardcover and softcover picture books; current elementary and middle school chapter books; current adult biography, self-help, cookbooks, 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.
Sewing volunteers
Are you handy with a sewing machine and willing to share your knowledge with others? Experienced sewers are needed to help patrons with their projects on library machines. An ongoing commitment is preferred. Call the library at 439-9314 to find out more.
Stamp sampler
In our display cases in the library hallway this month we highlight selections from the stamp collection of Richard Covuoto of Bethlehem. Over approximately three decades, Mr. Covuoto amassed a robust collection that was representative of important milestones in American history. On display is just a small part of it, but every stamp has a story to tell. Check them out from now until the end of September.
Bethlehem Public Library’s annual report for fiscal year 2015-16 is now available online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org. In it, you’ll find an easy-to-read summary of the programs and services the library offered in the past fiscal year. Printed copies are available as a brochure in the literature rack at the information desk.
A card with cache
September is Library Card Sign-up Month, and we’re celebrating all month with a fun scavenger hunt, a Bad Kitty themed creation station and a visit from Bad Kitty herself on Wednesday, Sept. 21.
If you don’t already have a library card, sign up for one today. With your library card, you can borrow passes to regional museums; check out fishing poles, telescopes, metal detectors and more; request and renew items online; download audiobooks and eBooks; use a public computer; and access library-purchased online reference tools and training tutorials.
You also have access to materials at the 28 other libraries within the Upper Hudson Library System.
Show your gratitude
Every year, Operation Gratitude sends more than 250,000 care packages to deployed troops, wounded heroes, veterans, and new recruits. They include letters in each of these packages so they need a lot of them, and they could use your help.
Bethlehem Public Library is working in collaboration with the Guilderland Public Library in order to help them reach their goal of 250 letters. You are invited to drop by our activity station near the information desk to write a letter or draw a picture to thank our troops and veterans. We will collect them through Tuesday, Sept.13.
Reminders
— The free WiFi at the Elm Avenue pool complex offered through a partnership with the library and the town is available year-round, not just when the pool is open. This summer, our IT department has expanded the signal so it includes the areas around the tennis courts and at the parks and rec building. The signal will appear on electronic devices as “Free Library WiFi” and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week;
— 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. 17, 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;
— Regular Sunday hours resume this Sunday, Sept. 11. The library is open from noon until 5 p.m.; and
— Coffee and Conversation kicks off this season on Friday, Sept. 9, with To Life! a celebration of the songs of optimism and hope from popular Broadway musical scores by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Stephen Sondheim, Cole Porter, and more. Richard Feldman is the presenter. The hourlong program starts at 1 p.m., with a coffee and social hour following.
There’s no need to be wistful as you bid farewell to summer. At the library, fall marks the return of some of your favorite series, along with some new and exciting programs.
Coffee & Conversation
Our Coffee & Conversation series continues to expand due to popular demand. It kicks off this season on Friday, Sept. 9, with To Life! a celebration of the songs of optimism and hope from popular Broadway musical scores.
The Coffee & Conversation format features 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.
Book discussions
After the summer hiatus, our book discussions begin anew in early September. DayBooks meets at 1:30 p.m. monthly on a Monday. Featured this fall are “The Good House” by Ann Leary (who will be speaking at the library on Sept. 18) and “Mycroft Holmes” by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Anna Waterhouse.
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 “Euphoria” by Lily King in September and “The Life We Bury” by Allen Eskens in October. New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the information desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available.
Listening parties
Our popular 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 Art Pepper on Thursday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. This alto sax player was one of the great leaders of West Coast cool. Join us for one or many; everyone is welcome.
Tai Chi
Regular Tai Chi instruction returns at a new day and time, beginning Sept. 12 at 4 p.m. and continuing on Mondays through the fall. The program focuses on the core movements of the Tai Chi for diabetes form. These movements build on skills week to week and provide a solid foundation in Tai Chi for people of any age.
Cinema series
Our cinema series will continue through the fall with 2 p.m. showtimes on select Thursdays and Sundays. We’ll be watching critically acclaimed films such as “Joy” and “Me Before You,” among others.
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.
Holiday
The library will be closed this Saturday through Monday, Sept. 3 to 5, for the Labor Day weekend. Regular hours will resume Tuesday, Sept. 6, at 9 a.m. Sunday hours, noon to 5 p.m., begin on Sept. 11.
You can always find the library catalog and lots of information, links and services for all ages at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Pour it on! Jodie Fitz brought Kids Cooking Club program to Bethlehem Public Library on Wednesday, Aug. 17. Participants got to make Sun's Up Smoothies and Pinkalicious Pancakes.
The birds are back. Wildlife rehabilitator Joyce Perry of Whispering Willow Wild Care returns to Bethlehem Public Library at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 29, joined by some of her rescued raptor “ambassadors.” See live owls, ravens and falcons up close and learn more about these magnificent birds.
Whispering Willow Wild Care rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife and releases the animals back into the wild when they are able to survive on their own. Many birds of prey sustain injuries that prohibit them from returning to the wild, and some of those birds become ambassadors, teaching people how important they are to our environment and what can be done to help these species survive.
This program is for all ages.
Reference only a mouse click away
Our Gale Virtual Reference Library database has recently added a number of additional test prep materials and study guides, just in time for back to school. The GVRL e-books are available 24-7 with no wait and can be browsed, searched, and downloaded anytime from any Internet-connected device. Other topics include financial literacy, job readiness, computer literacy, do-it-yourself projects, and cooking. They are also integrated into the library’s online catalog, so they will show up if they match any of your searches.
The Gale Virtual Reference Library e-books can also be browsed by going online to www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and clicking on “databases” in the Quick Links section.
Internet to go
The Pocket WiFi hotspots that we’ve been loaning out since the beginning of the month allow users WiFi access within the Sprint network anywhere in the United States. 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 Special Collections shelf near the information desk, and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem library 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.
— Photo from Bethlehem Public Library volunteers
Catfish Charlie got some help, with washboard accompaniment, from a diminutive Spider-Man when he played songs and told tales about the great outdoors on Monday, Aug. 8, at the Bethlehem Public Library.
When it comes to the free WiFi access at the library, you can take it with you.
Bethlehem Public Library has started loaning 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. As WiFi usage at the library and the library-sponsored signal at the town pool continues to grow, adding portable hotspots to our catalog was the logical next step.
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. You can even take it with you on vacation if you still crave that connection with the outside world.
The devices can be found on our special collections shelf near the information desk, and they are easily portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem library 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.
Amazing animal disguises
Did you know that some animals are masters of disguise? Learn how they hide in plain sight at our animal camouflage program for kids and families on Thursday, Aug. 18, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. You’ll also get a chance to create your own camouflage pattern.
Ready to race
Educators from the Tang Teaching Museum will be dropping by on Wednesday, Aug. 24, for an art activity that ties in with our summer reading theme of “On your mark, get set … READ!” From 2 to 3 p.m. kids in grades one to five are invited to create a colorful felt-on-felt racing flag featuring images related to health and fitness. Sign up online or call to register.
Mark your calendars because we have a busy week coming up, filled with some exciting summer reading programs for kids and families.
On Monday, Aug. 15, our friends from Five Rivers will be at the library for a program about migration. Do you have what it takes to go the distance? Find out when you put yourself in an animal’s “shoes” to learn the many migration hurdles they face on their epic journeys. “Five Rivers Presents: Going the Distance” starts at 2 p.m. and takes place in the library Community Room.
We’ll be keeping you on your toes with a program the following day to harness your inner ninja. Hone your skills in espionage, throwing, meteorology, geology and more at Ninja U on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Be sure to bring a long-sleeved T-shirt to create a ninja disguise. This program is for kids in kindergarten through fifth grade.
Later on in the week, we’ll marvel some more at the animal kingdom as we learn about the ways animals use camouflage to hide from their enemies. We’ll also spend some time making our own “camo” patterns. “Animal Camouflage” takes place Thursday, Aug. 18, from 2:30-3:15 p.m. in the Community Room.
Summer reading is going strong through the end of the month with programming, prizes and more! Don’t forget to report your reading progress.
Take us with you!
How do you improve on a vacation? Bring the library along for the ride!
We’ve got a lot of cool special collection items that can add excitement to your summer adventure. Borrow one of our Orion StarBlast telescopes and get a whole new perspective on the night sky. Or check out one of the metal detectors (we have them for adults and kids) and turn your next beach outing into a treasure hunt.
We’ve also got GoPro cameras and accessories so you can capture your summer YouTube moment, and fishing poles for all ages if you are looking for a more contemplative way to pass the time.
You’ll find these items and more on our Special Collections shelf behind the Information Desk.
Mark your calendars because we have a busy week coming up, filled with some exciting summer reading programs for kids and families.
On Monday, Aug. 15, our friends from Five Rivers will be at the library for a program about migration. Do you have what it takes to go the distance? Find out when you put yourself in an animal’s “shoes” to learn the many migration hurdles they face on their epic journeys. “Five Rivers Presents: Going the Distance” starts at 2 p.m. and takes place in the library community room.
Inner ninja
We’ll be keeping you on your toes with a program on Tuesday, Aug. 16 to harness your inner ninja. Hone your skills in espionage, throwing, meteorology, geology, and more at Ninja U. Be sure to bring a long-sleeved T-shirt to create a ninja disguise. This program is for kids in kindergarten through grade five.
Animal kingdom
Later on in the week, we’ll marvel some more at the animal kingdom as we learn about the ways animals use camouflage to hide from their enemies. We’ll also spend some time making our own camo patterns. “Animal Camouflage” takes place Thursday, Aug. 18, from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. in the community room.
Summer reading is going strong through the end of the month with programming, prizes and more. Don’t forget to report your reading progress.
Take us with you!
How do you improve on a vacation? Bring the library along for the ride. We’ve got a lot of cool special collection items that can add excitement to your summer adventure. Borrow one of our Orion StarBlast telescopes and get a whole new perspective on the night sky.
Or check out one of the metal detectors (we have them for adults and kids) and turn your next beach outing into a treasure hunt. We’ve also got GoPro cameras and accessories so you can capture your summer YouTube moment, and fishing poles for all ages if you are looking for a more contemplative way to pass the time.
You’ll find these items and more on our Special Collections shelf behind the information desk.
Who doesn’t love the great outdoors? Especially this time of year when warm days and nights beckon you outside to enjoy the fleeting northeast summer. Catfish Charlie is a huge fan of getting outside and exploring nature, and he’s going to be at the library Monday, Aug. 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. for a super celebration of the great outdoors.
Joined by his puppet pals Skeeter the bear and Hubert the hound dog, Catfish Charlie will use songs and humor to share his love of camping and fishing and all things “outdoors.” Get ready for a rousing, family-friendly performance that includes sing-alongs with the ukulele and harmonica. Please note, the topic may be all about the outdoors, but the program will take place inside the library’s community room.
“Catfish Charlies Great Outdoors” is presented by A Barrel of Fun Productions, based in the Finger Lakes region of the state. Founder Art Miller is a professional entertainer who works as a musician, clown, comedian, puppeteer, magician, ventriloquist, and more. His co-performer, Terri Miller, studied acting at UCLA and is a professional musician, actress, puppeteer and teacher. She has a background working with at-risk children in theater, music and art.
Speaking of fishing …
Don’t forget, you can check out ready-to-use fishing poles of every size at the library. The poles, given to the library by local bass fishing pro Dennis LeGrange, are outfitted with reels donated by Bass Pro Shops.
Included with each fishing pole are two hooks and a bobber that you get to keep, along with information about local fishing spots and suggested titles to read up on before you head out. Please note that anyone 16 and older needs a license to fish in the state of New York.
Got game?
Does your family have game? Then stop by Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., for an all-ages game night featuring bingo, bean bag toss, cup stacking, tabletop board games and more. Snacks will be served.
Evenings on the Green
The final performance of our summer Evening on the Green series takes place on Aug. 10 and features Andy the Music Man, who will be closing out the season with an energetic and interactive family-friendly performance.
Stop by a little early and enjoy an ice cream social and membership drive at 6:30 p.m. sponsored by our Friends of the Library.
Evenings on the Green concerts are free, appropriate for all ages, and start at 7 p.m. in the outdoor concert space at the library.