Our Teen Book Boxes are back for fall! These special care packages for teens are filled with books and fun novelties to keep and enjoy.
Teen Book Boxes are only available to Bethlehem Central School District residents in grades 6 to 12; one box per household. Sign-up for the spring box is open today through Sept. 20.
In October, participants will be contacted when their box is ready for pick-up or delivery. Supplies are limited. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes to sign up.
Our Teen Book Boxes are generously co-sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Buy books,
support the Friends
It’s almost time again for the Friends’ fall fundraiser book sale at the library! Stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Many are duplicate copies of popular titles. Pricing will be cash-only by suggested donation.
See you at
the block party
After the Friends’ book sale, head on over to the Elsmere Fire Department’s 100th anniversary block party Saturday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 9 p.m. Bethlehem Public Library will be on hand as we join the community in celebrating this notable milestone. The fire department is located at 15 W. Poplar Drive in Delmar.
Banned book
bonanza
Let’s band together to read banned books. The Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union is teaming up with the Upper Hudson Library System to celebrate our constitutional right to read what we want during National Banned Books Week.
On Thursday, Sept. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. a “Read Out” will feature regional notables — actors, writers, politicians, poets, and activists of all types — sharing parts of their favorite books that have, at one time or another, been banned or challenged in the United States. Limited in-person seats will be available at Albany Public Library's Washington Avenue branch, and the program will be broadcast live on Zoom. In-person seats are available on a walk-in basis as space permits.
Register at tinyurl.com/ReadOut22 for more information and to receive a Zoom link to this hybrid event.
Donate books,
help Grassroot Givers
Looking for an opportunity to donate books? Bethlehem Public Library is partnering with Grassroot Givers, a local not-for-profit, to collect like-new books for donation to local organizations and individuals in need. Collection day is Saturday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the library garage.
Grassroot Givers can 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.
Collection will take place in front of the library’s garage. Donations that do not meet these criteria, and donations brought before 10 a.m. or after 1 p.m., will not be accepted.
Gain a deeper appreciation for the poetry of Emily Dickinson, considered by many to be America’s preeminent lyric poet, at a four-part workshop series facilitated by Delmar resident and retired attorney Jeff Cohen. Workshop participants will read and explore Dickinson’s work through informed discussion.
The series takes place Tuesdays, Sept. 13, 20, and 27, and Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. Registration is required and will include all four sessions. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the first date in the series to sign up.
Bike-friendly library
Bethlehem Public Library recently received Bike Friendly New York certification. We’re located just blocks away from the Helderberg-Hudson Rail Trail, which makes us the perfect pit stop for weary cyclists looking for clean restrooms, cool water, and a great place to chill out in the middle of a ride. We’ve also got a Dero Fix-it bicycle repair station available 24/7.
Want to make an impromptu stop but forgot your bike lock? Borrow one from our Circulation Desk so you can enjoy a worry free time inside the library.
The Friends’
NYC bus trip is back
The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library are once again sponsoring a trip to New York City on Saturday, Dec. 3. Shop, catch a Broadway show or just soak in that Big Apple ambiance.
The bus will leave CDTA’s Delaware Avenue park-and-ride lot in Elsmere next to The Warbler Brewery at 7:30 a.m. It will depart New York City promptly at 6 p.m. Bryant Park is the arrival and departure point in New York. If you are ordering matinée theater tickets, be sure to ask the time the performance ends so that you will be on time to depart.
The cost is $45 for members and $50 for nonmembers. For more information, call (no texts) Patty Caporta at 518-439-1328 or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library/friends-bus-trip-to-nyc.
Buy books,
support the Friends
The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale Fundraiser will be held on the library plaza Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Pricing will be cash-only by suggested donation.
Donate books,
help Grassroot Givers
Looking for an opportunity to donate books? Bethlehem Public Library is partnering with Grassroot Givers, a local not-for-profit, to collect like-new books for donation to local organizations and individuals in need. Collection day is Saturday, Sept. 24, 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.
Collection will take place in front of the library’s garage. Donations that do not meet these criteria, and donations brought before 10 a.m. or after 1 p.m., will not be accepted.
How to raise a Thriver: Our virtual author talks let readers get up close and personal with some of their favorite authors. Coming up on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 2 p.m. is a discussion with Dr. Michele Borba, author of “Raising Thrivers: Surprising Reasons Why Some Kids Struggle and Others Shine.”
Join us for a thought-provoking webinar with Borba, a bestselling author and expert in child development. Visit libraryc.org/bethlehempubliclibrary to sign up.
Data show that today’s youth are the loneliest, most stressed, and risk-averse on record. Though well-educated, they are failing to launch in real life.
So how can we teach them to be mentally strong and more successful? Through her research, Borba found the difference between those who struggle and those who succeed comes down to the personal traits that set Thrivers apart and set them up for happiness and a greater potential later in life.
Borba will teach you practical, actionable ways to develop these Thrivers traits for kids and show you how to teach them to cope today so that they can flourish tomorrow in school and life. An author Q&A will follow the presentation.
Fall book groups
for all interests
As fall approaches, we can look forward to cooler weather, the changing leaves, pumpkin spice lattes — and the return of our Book Discussion Groups.
This year, we are launching a brand-new group focusing on suspense, mystery, and more. The Dark Corners Book Group will meet every other month beginning Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. You’re invited to join like-minded fans of the genre to discuss “Whisper Down the Lane” by Clay McLeod Chapman. This true-crime-based horror novel takes its inspiration from the “Satanic Panic” of the 1980s and is a tense and compulsively readable exploration of a world primed by paranoia to believe the unbelievable.
Alternating every other month with the Dark Corners Book Group is the Own Voices group, which is dedicated to books by diverse authors in order to gain a better understanding of race, racism and other types of bigotry toward marginalized groups. First up, on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. is a discussion of Rya Aoki’s “Light From Uncommon Stars,” a science fiction extravaganza where the lives of three women become entangled by chance and fate, and a family worth crossing the universe for is found.
Visit the library calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up for either of these discussion groups.
Our monthly Day Books returns Monday, Sept. 12, at 1:30 p.m. with “Pachinko” by Min Jin Lee. This National Book Award finalist features complex and passionate characters and is a story of love, sacrifice, ambition and loyalty. On Oct. 3, Day Books will dive into “The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot” by Marianne Cronin. This bittersweet novel follows 17-year-old Lenni and 83-year-old Margot, terminally ill patients who devise a plan to create 100 paintings showcasing the stories of the century they have lived.
New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the Information Desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available.
When it comes to free WiFi at the library — you can take it with you. Bethlehem Public Library loans out WiFi hotspots that provide “Internet to go.” 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 cell service is available.
The devices are portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem cardholders can even request them through the catalog. The hotspots must be returned to the library through a curbside dropoff. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “WiFi” to see what’s available.
New life for
old home movies
Do you have some old home movies on VHS that you would like to digitize? You can now borrow an analog video converter from our Library of Things. Make a digital copy of those precious memories from a VCR, camcorder, or other analog sources using the Elgato Video Capture.
The device includes RCA and S-video cables, as well as a SCART adapter. They are available to borrow on a first-come basis, and must be picked up and dropped off at the Bethlehem Public Library. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Elgato” to see what’s available.
BCN-TV reminders
Bethlehem’s public access station, BCN-TV, features productions that range from 30-second public service announcements to long-running series. Shows span a wide range of topics – public affairs and poetry, religion and relationships, music and medicine, education and environment. Local school and town board meetings are also cablecast, and a community calendar runs daily. A number of library-produced programs are also part of the lineup.
You can easily find out what is on and coming up on BCN-TV with our online guide. The listings are continually updated and project the schedule a week out. Find the new weekly BCN-TV guide online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/tvschedule.asp.
You can watch BCN-TV on Spectrum Channel 1301 and Verizon Fios Channel 28.
Hours
The library will close for Thanksgiving at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Curbside pickup hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Staff and trustees would like to wish our Bethlehem neighbors a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The library is regularly open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Masks are required, and we are limiting the number of people inside the library at once so there might be a short wait before entering at busier times. Because others might be waiting, we are asking everyone to limit their time inside to simply selecting and checking out materials.
Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m. on Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.
Due dates
The moratorium on late fees has been extended through Dec. 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.
Jazz on the Green: Head into the Labor Day Weekend with your toes tapping from the rich, melodic compositions of the Linda Brown Jazz Project on Friday, Sept. 2, at 2 p.m. on the Green.
The performance, which is suitable for all ages, is upbeat and entertaining. It has been arranged by the Albany Musicians’ Association, Local 14 and sponsored by the Music Performance Trust Fund.
Buy books,
support the Friends
It’s almost time again for the Friends’ fall fundraiser book sale at the library! Stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Pricing will be cash-only by suggested donation.
Performing on the day of the sale will be guitarist Jeff Brisbin at 11 a.m. and Carolyn Shapiro on banjo at 1 p.m.
Summer hours
Through the month of August, the library is closed for in-person use on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Curbside pickup is available, however, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Regular Friday hours will resume in September.
Please note, the library is closed Sundays through August and will be closed for the Labor Day holiday Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3-5. Regular Sunday hours resume Sept. 11.
Back to school support
As your kids get ready to head back to school, we’re here to help. Bethlehem cardholders have access to HelpNow by Brainfuse, a learning resource for all ages with personalized homework help in core subjects, as well as SAT preparation. Live one-on-one online tutoring is available for elementary, middle school, high school and college students. Find HelpNow on the library’s Research page: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/research.asp
Your library
at your fingertips
Have you tried the Upper Hudson mobile app? Use it to find the books, movies and music you’re looking for with a simple, mobile-friendly search from your own phone or handheld device. The app makes it easy to manage your account on the go – place holds, pay fines and more.
You can also browse upcoming events and sign up for what interests you. The app lets you see the new items at all Upper Hudson libraries or locate a library near you. You even have access to digital library resources like Ancestry.com. You can even store more than one account on the app.
But here’s the BEST part: You can use the self-checkout function to scan and borrow items at Bethlehem Public Library right from your phone, which is perfect for those grab-and-go moments or when the kids are ready to leave right now.
To get started, search for “UHLS Mobile App” in your device’s app store. Once you download the app, you’ll select “Bethlehem Public Library” from the options. On the app’s homepage, click “My Account” and then “Manage Accounts,” where you’ll be prompted to enter your card number and PIN. After that, you’re ready to explore all of the app’s features.
Where did the summer go? We bet you were too busy reading to notice that we’re almost halfway through August!
Just a reminder, our Summer Reading challenge wraps up Friday, Aug. 19. That is the final day to log your books, complete challenge activities, and get raffle tickets. Prizes can still be picked up until Sept. 2 and raffle prizes for the adult program will be drawn during the week of Aug. 22 with winners notified by email.
Celebration
As our Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading challenge comes to an end, we’ll be celebrating our accomplishments with music and dancing for all ages.
We’re hosting two family-friendly performances Friday, Aug. 19, with Rick Bedrosian from Hair of the Dog and Hey Jude. Enjoy classics by the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and more as we groove on the Green with this celebrated local musician.
Concerts will take place at 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Concerts will take place on the Green, so bring a chair or blanket to get comfortable. In the event of bad weather, concerts will move inside to the Community Room.
Bedrosian has been a full-time, professional musician since 1973. Throughout his career, he has worked on stage and in recording studios with many well known performers, including Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Summer hours
For the month of August, the library is closed for in-person use on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Curbside pickup is available, however, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Please note, 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.
Bethlehem Public Library will be closed for the Labor Day holiday Saturday-Monday, Sept. 3 to 5. Regular Sunday hours resume Sept. 11.
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.
Make some music with our ukuleles, keyboards, guitar effects pedals and drum kits. Be handy around the house with the laser level, car code reader and home inspection kit. Or try out entertainment devices like the Nintendo Switch, karaoke machines, board games, VR headsets and more. We’ve also got camcorders, Wi-Fi hotspots and Chromebooks, along with telescopes, trail cameras, fishing poles and binoculars. And all of these “things” are just the tip of the iceberg!
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 with your library card.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
The read-alike mini books in the teen area at Bethlehem Public Library can help you find your next favorite novel.
Are you a big fan of young-adult fiction looking for your next read? Swing by the Teen Area at the library and check out some clever read-alike suggestions in our mini-book display.
Do you see a favorite novel featured on the cover of one of our mini books? Open it up to find suggestions for similar titles, along with a QR code that will take you directly to our catalog. There are mini books for every interest — from fantasy to mystery, graphic novels, and more. Be sure to grab a couple of your favorites to take home.
Still going on:
Summer Reading
It’s not too late to be a part of our Oceans of Possibilities Summer Reading challenge for all ages. Sign up today and start checking off those milestones for a chance to win some great prizes sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2022 to join the challenge!
Your library outside
When the weather’s nice, please check out one of our many outdoor spaces for reading and relaxing. At this time, masks are not required outside on library grounds.
Enjoy a picnic at one of our shaded accessible tables, or tap into our Free Library Wi-Fi while working or studying al fresco. Kids will love an interactive stroll around the grounds while enjoying our latest StoryWalk featuring “Turtle Walk” by Matt Phelan.
Or just chill out on our Ian Boegel Memorial Patio, a welcoming outdoor nook just off the Children’s Place filled with fun-sized furniture and whimsical decorations.
In the right light
Borrow a ring light from the library for your next video conference or remote interview and you’ll be more than ready for your close-up. Ring lights are designed to cast an even light on the subject, minimizing shadows and blemishes for a picture perfect image. They are ideal for portraits, selfies, live-streaming, virtual meetings, and social-media videos.
The library’s ring-light setup includes everything you need to get started: light, stand, filter, and accessories.
Search the library catalog at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to request or borrow the ring light.
Summer hours
Reminder: For the month of August, the library is closed for in-person use on Friday evenings from 6-9 p.m. Curbside pickup is available, however, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Please note, 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.
A conversation
about climate change
There are still some spots left at our Monday, Aug. 22, climate change discussion with University at Albany Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science Mathias Vuille, who will talk about the main impacts of climate change, both locally and globally.
Climate change is increasingly affecting our planet and its inhabitants. A main part of the presentation will focus on how we might be able to reduce our vulnerability by transforming our infrastructure and energy production, despite the existing technological, socioeconomic and political challenges. The program is open to teens and adults and will begin at 6 p.m. in the Community Room.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
— Photo from University at Albany
Mathias Vuille, University at Albany Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science, will discuss the main impacts of climate change, both locally and globally, on Aug. 20 at the Bethlehem Public Library.
Reminder: For the month of August, the library will be closed for in-person use on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Curbside pickup will be available, however, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Please note, 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.
Author talk
with Liz Moore
Participate in a live author event Tuesday, Aug. 9, with New York Times Bestselling author Liz Moore as she discusses her international bestseller, “Long Bright River,” and her other works.
The novel takes place in Philadelphia, where Moore has lived for a decade. She traces the story of two sisters estranged from each other but bonded by their choices. Mickey is a cop, and Kacey lives on the streets in the vice of addiction. When Kacey disappears, Mickey panics over her sister’s safety — obsessed with finding the culprit and her sister before it’s too late.
Drawing on deeply personal volunteer work, Liz Moore spins a story that is both graphically honest and dignified. “Long Bright River” puts a very human face on the effect that addiction can have on generations of families and communities.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up for this virtual event, facilitated by the Library Speakers Consortium. Visit libraryc.org/bethlehempubliclibrary to browse upcoming author talks.
Ocean animal fun
Take a deep dive into ocean animal lore Tuesday, Aug. 9, as we take a closer look at our tuxedoed friend – the penguin. Join us again on Tuesday, Aug. 16, when we will focus on the fish.
Our Ocean Animal Exploration programs begin at 11 a.m. and are for children in pre-K through second grade. Enjoy themed stories, activities and a craft on the Green. Please register each child who will be attending. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
A conversation
about climate change
Climate change is increasingly affecting our planet and its inhabitants. Despite a strong consensus within the scientific community about humanity’s role in climate change, the implementation of adaptation and mitigation measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions has proven very difficult.
On Monday, Aug. 20, University at Albany Professor of Atmospheric and Environmental Science Mathias Vuille will discuss the main impacts of climate change, both locally and globally. A main part of the presentation will focus on how we might be able to reduce our vulnerability by transforming our infrastructure and energy production, despite the existing technological, socioeconomic, and political challenges.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Bundle up or binge
Not sure what to read, watch, or listen to next? Our Book Bundles for all ages include selections hand-picked for you by one of our librarians based on the reading preferences you share through this form: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-bundle-request. We use that information to narrow down 10 curated picks in your favorite genres and formats — maybe with a surprise or two thrown in!
— Photo provided by artist
David Engel's “Captain Nemo’s Adventure Academy” will delight audiences of all ages at the July 28 Thursdays in the Park event, sponsored by the Bethlehem Public Library and the town of Bethlehem, held at Elm Avenue Park in Bethlehem.
Dive into a madcap homage to Jules Verne’s famous maritime hero with David Engel's “Captain Nemo’s Adventure Academy” at the Thursday, July 28, Thursdays in the Park event!
Captain Nemo himself will be on hand to entertain, inspire, and challenge while quenching your thirst for knowledge of the Wonders of the Deep. Hear delightful tales about our watery blue planet, the giant squid, the elusive angler fish, and even how whale poop is part of the cycle of life.
Thursdays in the Park is a family-friendly series that takes place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. through Aug. 18. Shows take place at Elm Avenue Park unless noted. This series is presented by the library and the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department and is co-sponsored by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library and Friends of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department.
Other upcoming events:
— Aug. 4: Storyteller Diane Edgecomb’s “Trail Mix”;
— Aug. 11: Playin’ with Fire (at Henry Hudson Park); and
— Aug. 18: The Traveling Lantern Theater Company’s “Camp Ocean.”
Get crafty
with Creativebug
Try something new and crafty this summer. Creativebug provides thousands of high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos. You’ll find fun and engaging classes for artists and makers of all skill levels. In addition to instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking and more – all taught by experts – you’ll have access to downloadable patterns and supply lists.
Creativebug delivers expert instruction straight to your favorite device so you can learn at your own pace – anytime and anywhere. You will need your library card to start an account. Visit www.creativebug.com/lib/bethlehemlibraryand get inspired for your next project!
Stream the Great Courses
You don’t have to be heading back to school to learn something new. Check out The Great Courses on Kanopy and further your lifelong learning goals with a robust selection of college-level video courses on a number of topics including economics, fine arts, music, history, literature, philosophy, science, mathematics, social sciences, professional development and better living.
Use your Bethlehem library card to access the streaming video service. In addition to The Great Courses, Kanopy offers a catalog of more than 30,000 indie films, documentaries and hard-to-find foreign films. Films can be streamed from any computer, television, mobile device or platform by downloading the Kanopy app for iOS, Android, AppleTV, Chromecast or Roku. Visit www.kanopy.com/en/bethpl to get started.
Summer hours
Please note, 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.
Bollywood dancing for tweens and teens
On Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m. instructors from Narthanalaya School of Arts will be at the library for a Bollywood dancing session for tweens and teens ages 10-16.
Bollywood dancing combines a colorful, theatrical style with unique gestures and movements that are used to tell a story through dance. It blends traditional Indian dance with more modern influences like jazz and hip-hop.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
— Photo from the Narthanalaya School of Arts
Bollywood dancing: Instructors from the Narthanalaya School of Arts will teach kids ages 10 to 16 dancing that blends traditional Indian dance with modern influences like jazz and hip-hop at the Bethlehem Public Library on July 30.
At their Monday, July 11, organizational board meeting, the Bethlehem Public Library trustees approved the following 2022-23 slate of officers:
— Mark Kissinger, president;
— Michelle Walsh, vice president;
— Caroline Brancatella, secretary;
— Sharon Whiting, board treasurer; and
— Lisa Scoons, Upper Hudson Library System board representative.
At the same meeting, newly elected trustee Sarah Patterson was sworn in. Board meetings are generally held the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. and are open to the public. Meetings are also broadcast live and archived on the library’s YouTube channel.
Summer hours
Please note, 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.
For the month of August, the library will also be closed for in-person use on Friday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. Curbside pickup will be available, however, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Bollywood dancing
for tweens and teens
Last month, we held a Bollywood dancing program just for kids, but why should they have all the fun? On Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m. instructors from Narthanalaya School of Arts will return for a session just for tweens and teens!
Bollywood dancing combines a colorful, theatrical style with unique gestures and movements that are used to tell a story through dance. It blends traditional Indian dance with more modern influences like jazz and hip-hop.
Students ages 10 to 16 are invited to learn more about this tradition with a demonstration by Narthanalaya School of Arts, followed by instruction and a brief performance.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Museum road trip
Are you planning a trip to the Finger Lakes this summer? Don’t forget to borrow our newest museum pass, which gets you free admission to the world-renowned Corning Museum of Glass.
We’ve also got dozens of great passes to museums and cultural centers closer to home, like Historic Cherry Hill, the USS Slater, Crailo State Historic Site and more. Our museum passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are not requestable or renewable. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.
Up for a challenge?
Summer reading is going strong, and it’s not too late to sign up! Registration for the 2022 Summer Reading Challenge is happening now and open to all ages. Once you sign up, you can track your progress through challenge cards for a chance to earn some great prizes. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2022 to get started.
No judgment, no fines
The library no longer charges fines for overdue books and other media. Replacement fees and charges for lost or damaged items still apply, and fines of $1 per day for Library of Things items and interlibrary loan items, as well as $5 per day for museum passes and Wi-Fi hotspots, will remain.