— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Curious George stopped by the Bethlehem Public Library on Saturday, Feb. 7, for Take Your Child to the Library Day and decided to stick around for a while. On Monday, Feb. 16, the library said bon voyage to the popular primate.
There are so many ways to e-read at the Bethlehem Public Library, and our librarians are more than happy to help you get started.
The library’s e-readers are geared toward children, teens and adults. Some are pre-loaded with an author’s entire e-collection (great for vacation reading when you’re not in the mood to haul a bunch of books in your suitcase). Some simply put a selection of bestsellers at your fingertips. The library also has ready-to-load e-books for loan and a vast e-collection that can be accessed through Overdrive.
Patrons thinking about purchasing an e-reader or those who are just curious are encouraged to test-drive our Kindles and NOOKs to get a better feel for the devices. Our librarians can talk you through every step of using an e-reader, including how to download books using Overdrive. Directions are also available at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
If you’ve always wondered how e-readers worked but were unsure of where to begin, stop by the information desk, and we can get you on your way.
Don’t worry if you find that digital books aren’t your thing — we have plenty of the paper kind, too.
Planning ahead
Is it too early to start planning for warmer days? We certainly don’t think so.
We’re asking teens in grades six to 12 for their input on spring and summer programs at the library. Stop by Friday, Feb. 27, and share your ideas at the Teen Advisory Group meeting.
Catalog update
In the coming weeks, we will be rolling out our new integrated catalog and circulation system, with a go-live date set for March 31. Patrons should notice very little disruption as we make this transition. The exception is library holds, which may be unavailable at some point during the final two weeks of March as we migrate to the new system. The new catalog will offer a range of improvements, including the ease with which you can search, place holds and gain access to the library’s collection, including our e-books and e-audiobooks.
We have scheduled a demonstration in April of the new catalog to help you get acquainted with all it has to offer. More demonstrations will likely be scheduled as we get closer to implementation.
Seussabration
On Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., join us for stories, crafts and a video. This program is for kids and families.
Vacation cinema
On Friday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m., bring a blanket and pillow for comfy watching. Call 439-9314 for more information. This program is for all ages.
Performance
A Little Sunday Music program on Sunday March 1, at 2 p.m., features lutenist Andy Rutherford and singer/harpist Marcia Young performing Renaissance music.
The musical storytelling duo Tales ‘n’ Tunes presents “From Snowflakes to Raindrops: Winter Into Spring” at the Bethlehem Public Library on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 7 p.m.
In their 20 years as a duo, storyteller Carol Connolly and musician Don Darmer have engaged people of all ages with stories of wit and wisdom from around the world. Connolly has collected and told folk and fairy tales of many traditions for over 30 years, performing throughout the Northeast and North Carolina. Darmer has performed locally with “Frosty Morning” and accompanied performances of Four Stories High, a Capital District storytelling quartet.
This program is an offering of the Ann Seegal Memorial Storytelling Series, and is open to all.
Winter break
Not heading south for the winter break? Neither are we. Stop by for some great library programs for all ages, including a farewell party for Curious George, Lego We Do workshop, and 3D printer fun. We’re also planning a Seussabration and family movie night. Check out a complete schedule at www.bplkids.org, and please note that sign-up is required for some programs.
Homework and reading help
Our Homework Helpers and Book Buddies programs pair young students with trained teen volunteers to provide reading and homework assistance in a setting free from peer pressure. So many students have benefited from these programs in the past, and the library has a new crop of volunteers eager to make a difference.
A recent change to evening hours was made to better accommodate working parents’ schedules. The half-hour sessions take place Wednesdays at 6:30 and 7 p.m. and are open to students in kindergarten through grade 5. Sign-up is required. For more information or to sign up, contact the library’s Youth Services desk at 439-9314, ext. 3012.
Valentines’s Bingo
On Saturday, Feb. 14, at 2:30 p.m., join us for Valentine’s Bingo. Bring your sweetheart for some candy-heart bingo. This program is for families.
Bon Voyage, Curious George
On Monday, Feb. 16, at 2 p.m., stop by for a movie and a craft, and to say goodbye to Curious George in person. This program is sponsored by Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. Families are welcome.
Edible Books Festival
On Monday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m., everyone’s invited to see, judge, and taste edible art based on books. If you wish to enter an item, call 439-9314, ext. 4 for details.
Teen movie
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 2 p.m., join us for a movie. Call 439-9314, ext. 4 for information. This movie is for kids in grades six through 12.
Lego WeDo Workshop
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m., combine imagination with construction and simple computer programming to bring your creations to life. Call 439-9314, ext. 4 to sign up as a family; at least one adult must be present.
Cookie cutter design
On Thursday, Feb. 19, at 2:30 p.m., create a cookie cutter; print it on the library’s MakerBot 3D printer. Call 439-9314, ext. 4 to sign up. This program is for kids grade four and up.
Listening Party
On Thursday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m., we will be listening to recordings of Ornette Coleman, one of the most important and controversial jazz innovators. Explore jazz history; share stories.
Seussabration
On Friday, Feb. 20, at 10:30 a.m., join us for stories, crafts and a video. This program is for kids and families.
Vacation cinema
On Friday, Feb. 20, at 2:30 p.m., bring a blanket and pillow for comfy watching. Call 439-9314 for more information. This program is for all ages.
By Kristen Roberts
Eat your words. Satisfy your hunger for reading at the Bethlehem Public Library’s first ever Edible Books Festival on Monday, Feb. 16. Modeled after similar programs at libraries all over the world, this event invites patrons of all ages to create and share edible art based on a book. Your entry can look like a book, illustrate a theme or scene from a book, play on the title (see www.books2eat.com for inspiration), or depict something about books in general.
All entries must be related to books or a particular book, entirely edible, appropriate for family viewing, and displayed on disposable serving dishes; no serveware will be returned.
Drop off your entry between 6:30 and 6:45 p.m. All entries must include a card with the book title, your name, and a list of ingredients. You may choose to display your entry with a copy of your book.
Doors will open at 7 p.m. for viewing and judging, and everyone’s invited. Two people’s choice awards will be given — one for the “punniest” entry and one for best in show. Call 439-9314 to sign up.
After that, we will eat the books.
Memorial donation
A memorial donation in the name of longtime library patron Nancy Henderson is being used to purchase more than 50 books for the library Children's Room. Nancy, who passed away in September, taught for 26 years at Hamagrael Elementary School. Each book purchased through the donations of Nancy’s friends and family will bear a bookplate in her honor.
The library is pleased to receive monetary donations for the purchase of memorial items. Every effort is made to select an appropriate purchase in a subject area designated by the donor. For more information about our policy on gifts, memorials and bequests, visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the Board of Trustees link, or call the library at 439-9314.
DayBooks
On Monday, Feb. 9, at 1:30 p.m., join our book discussion of The Foreign Correspondent by Alan Furst. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.
Board meets
The library board of trustees will meet on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6 p.m. This meeting is open to the public.
Sewing machine basics
On Monday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., learn the basics of the sewing machine. You can try out one of the library’s sewing machines. This program is for adults and teens.
AfterDinner Too
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 7 p.m., the book discussion is Cartographer of No Man’s Land by P.S. Duffy. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.
During the month of January, the Bethlehem Public Library will be hosting a Rape Aggression Defense self-defense course presented by the Office of the Albany County District Attorney and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.
The program, which takes place on Fridays, Jan. 9 through 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., is a comprehensive, women-only course in rape aggression defense. The aim is to promote awareness, prevention and risk avoidance strategies through basic, hands-on defense training. It is not a martial arts program; the goal is escape and survival.
The R.A.D. program is open to adults and teens 16 and older. This is an active participation class. Parental consent forms for minors and health release forms for all participants are required and will be completed at the first session. Snow dates are Feb. 6 and 13.
Snowy and Warm
It may be cold outside, but your preschooler is in no mood to hibernate. What’s a parent to do? At the Snowy and Warm program at 10 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 12, kids age two and up can play with some “unmeltable” snow at the library without freezing their fingers.
Do the Snowy Pokey
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, kids can kick it into high gear and get their bodies moving to winterized versions of their favorite songs and dances while they do the Snowy Pokey. The fun starts at 1:30 p.m., and is open to children six and under and families.
Listen up
Join fellow jazz enthusiasts at the library’s monthly Listening Parties to hear the best in jazz, explore jazz history and share stories. This month, the featured artist is Tal Farlow, the bebop guitarist who helped define modern jazz guitar. In Doug Ramsey’s collection of essays called “Jazz Matters,” he wrote that “part of the fascination with Farlow’s playing is that he plays close to the edge of time.”
Drop in on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. to hear more. Everyone is welcome.
A reminder
There will be no story times held during the month of January, but there is still plenty to do. Check out our calendar online at bplkids.org. Story times will resume in February.
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.
Board meets
On Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m., the library’s board will meet. This meeting is open to the public.
More upcoming events
Daybooks meets on Monday, Jan. 12, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Book of Ages by Jill LePore. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.
Afterdinner Books meets on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. to talk about Orbit by John Nance. New members are welcome. Copies available at the information desk.
During the month of January, the Bethlehem Public Library will be hosting a Rape Aggression Defense self-defense course presented by the Office of the Albany County District Attorney and the Albany County Sheriff’s Department.
The program, which takes place on Fridays, Jan. 9 through 30, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., is a comprehensive, women-only course in rape aggression defense. The aim is to promote awareness, prevention and risk avoidance strategies through basic, hands-on defense training. It is not a martial arts program; the goal is escape and survival.
The R.A.D. program is open to adults and teens 16 and older. This is an active participation class. Parental consent forms for minors and health release forms for all participants are required and will be completed at the first session. Snow dates are Feb. 6 and 13.
Snowy and Warm
It may be cold outside, but your preschooler is in no mood to hibernate. What’s a parent to do? At the Snowy and Warm program at 10 a.m., on Monday, Jan. 12, kids age two and up can play with some “unmeltable” snow at the library without freezing their fingers.
Do the Snowy Pokey
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, kids can kick it into high gear and get their bodies moving to winterized versions of their favorite songs and dances while they do the Snowy Pokey. The fun starts at 1:30 p.m., and is open to children six and under and families.
Listen up
Join fellow jazz enthusiasts at the library’s monthly Listening Parties to hear the best in jazz, explore jazz history and share stories. This month, the featured artist is Tal Farlow, the bebop guitarist who helped define modern jazz guitar. In Doug Ramsey’s collection of essays called “Jazz Matters,” he wrote that “part of the fascination with Farlow’s playing is that he plays close to the edge of time.”
Drop in on Thursday, Jan. 15, at 7 p.m. to hear more. Everyone is welcome.
A reminder
There will be no story times held during the month of January, but there is still plenty to do. Check out our calendar online at bplkids.org. Story times will resume in February.
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.
Board meets
On Monday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m., the library’s board will meet. This meeting is open to the public.
More upcoming events
Daybooks meets on Monday, Jan. 12, at 1:30 p.m. to discuss Book of Ages by Jill LePore. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.
Afterdinner Books meets on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at 7 p.m. to talk about Orbit by John Nance. New members are welcome. Copies available at the information desk.
On Friday Jan. 2, at 10 a.m., come to the Bethlehem Public Library and celebrate the New Year with a Wii dance party. Families are welcome.
Family movie
On Friday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m., join us to sing along with one of last year’s most popular family movies. Call 439-9314 for more information. This program is for children and families.
Knit One, Purl One
On Sunday, Jan. 4, at 2 p.m., experienced knitters, bring a project and beginners, bring size 8 knitting needles to Knit One, Purl One. Yarn and instruction are provided. This program is for adults and youth age nine and up.
Tabletop gaming
On Monday, Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m., come to the library for tabletop gaming night and snacks. This program is for adults and teens ages 16 and up.
Book Buddies
On Wednesdays, Jan. 7 through Feb. 25, at 6:30 and 7 p.m. Little Buddies read and do activities with Big Buddies to build reading skills and self-confidence. Call 439-9314 for more information and to sign up. (No session February 18.) This program is for kids in kindergarten through grade five.
Homework helpers
On Wednesdays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 25, at 6:30 and 7 p.m. homework help is provide for kids in kindergarten through grade five.
Call 439-9314 for more information and to sign up. (No session February 18.)
On Sunday, Dec. 28, at 2:30 p.m., the Bethlehem Public Library will present the Amazing Mr. Snide performing classic magic. His alter ego Dr. Heckle performs the same feats using the tools of modern technology. Physics or phabulous? Space is limited. Families are welcome.
Building challenge
On Monday, Dec. 29, at 3 p.m., join us to team up and build a weight-bearing bridge out of drinking straws and tape. How many pennies will your bridge hold? A STEM program for school-age children; call 439-9314 to sign up.
Bethlehem Public Library has added Braille library cards to its array of community services. The cards are printed in-house on the library’s MakerBot 3D printer. They are made of biodegradable plastic and measure 1.5- x 4-inches. A Braille card is available to anyone eligible for a library card. It provides access to the entire collection, including large-print books, audiobooks, ereaders and ebooks—all practical options for people with limited vision.
The library also has several ereaders available for loan, and offers one-on-one instruction in their use.
Braille cards are available at the library circulation desk; bring a photo I.D. and proof of current residence. Those holding conventional Bethlehem Public Library cards can receive a Braille card with the same number. Because they are printed in-house, Braille cards are ready within a few days of request. Call 439-9314 for more information or to request a Braille card.
Winter Sew-cial
On Friday Dec. 26, at 3 p.m., use the library’s sewing machines or hand-sew your choice of winter-related sewing projects. This program is for kids in grades six through 12.
The Bethlehem Public Library will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 24 and 25, for the Christmas holiday. The library will close at 3 p.m. on Wednesday Dec. 31, and remain closed on Thursday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday.
Access the library catalog and other library services online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org
On Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m., the Teen Advisory Group will meet at the Bethlehem Public Library. TAG shares ideas and helps plan programs and activities for teens at the library. This group is for kids in grades six through 12.
Schedule change
The library will open at 1 p.m. on Friday Dec. 5, so that library employees may attend an on-site staff development session in the morning. Outdoor book drops will be open. There will be no telephone service in the morning. The public may access the catalog and other library services online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Saturday movie
On Saturday, Dec. 6, at 2:30 p.m., join us for a movie rated for all ages. Call 439-9314 for more information.
A Little Sunday Music
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., the library’s A Little Sunday Music will present bass-baritone Steve Dahlin and soprano Margaret Lampasi performing songs by Henry Purcell.
A Little Sunday Music is generously underwritten by Friends of the Bethlehem Public Library. The library is located at 451 Delaware Ave. in Delmar.
Knit One, Purl One
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 2 p.m., experienced knitters can bring a project and beginners can bring size 8 knitting needles to this group. Yarn and instruction will be provided. This program is for adults and youth ages nine and up.
Daybooks
On Monday Dec. 8, at 1:30 p.m., our Daybooks group will discuss Burial Rites by Hannah Kent. New members are welcome. Copies of the book are available at the information desk.
Board meets
On Monday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m., library’s board will meet. This meeting is open to the public.