Bethlehem Public Library file photo — Kristen Roberts
The reading patio outside the Children’s Place at Bethlehem Public Library is the perfect spot to rest, read, or play on a sunny day.
This spring, you’re invited to spend some time in our welcoming outdoor nook just off the Children’s Place filled with fun-sized furniture and whimsical decorations. The Ian Boegel Memorial Patio is just the place to hang out and enjoy sunny days with your library friends.
Read, relax, or make your mark with a colorful chalk creation! With the Memorial Patio, our young visitors are invited to enjoy the library inside and out.
Become an
armchair scientist
Did you know that you can participate in meaningful scientific research from the comfort of your home? Join us Thursday, April 28, at 3 p.m. for an introduction to the world of citizen science with examples of global, national and local projects for the active and the armchair citizen scientist. Learn about the ways that you can become an active member of the scientific community.
This program takes place over Zoom. Adults and teens are welcome. To sign up, visit the library calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com.
Friendship and art
on the trail
Local author-artists Carole Fults and Diane Kavanaugh-Black will be at the library Saturday, May 7, at 1 p.m. to share stories, conversation and images about friendship, photography, internal and external journeys, critters and plants, bear poo and challenging climbs – all set in walks at local nature areas.
Their co-authored book of poems, essays and photographs, “A Walking Friendship: The First 500 Miles,” was published last summer. Registration for this program is required. To sign up, visit the library calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com.
Budget and elections
Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.58 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.3 million, a 3.25 percent increase over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap. Click here for more information.
There is one open trustee seat. On the ballot are Sarah Patterson and Anne Scott. A Meet the Candidates night will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in the library’s Community Room. Watch it on the library’s YouTube channel.
The Board of Trustees will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 9, meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched on the library’s YouTube channel.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 17, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
Friends Book Sale
Coming soon! Stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this spring at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from noon to 4 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, and large print titles will be available.
Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change.
Enjoy some live music while you shop, with performers scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at noon and 2 p.m.
The Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.58 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.3 million, a 3.25 percent increase over last year and within the state-mandated levy cap.
This spending plan allows the library to continue to invest in physical and electronic resources as circulation reaches pre-pandemic numbers, while making adjustments for expected increases in energy costs, personnel needs, and building maintenance over the coming year.
“Our 2022-23 budget gives us the room we need to keep our collections strong and relevant as we return to a pre-pandemic level of service. The library remains committed to providing the resources needed to foster resiliency within our community at a cost well under state spending limits,” said library Director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick.
A detailed budget chart and letter from the board of trustees are available in the May/June issue of the Footnotes newsletter, which will be mailed next week, and posted online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
There is one trustee seat on the ballot, currently held by Mary Redmond, who is not seeking re-election. A list of candidates is available on the library’s website.
A Meet the Candidates night will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m., and the board of trustees will hold a public budget review at its Monday, May 9, meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget on Tuesday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
“Leadership Lessons
From Plutarch”
Fans of past programs with Giacomo Calabria, such as the Hamilton and Civil War series, won’t want to miss his latest offering — “Leadership Lessons from Plutarch,” a virtual Coffee and Conversation series that touches on the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch’s most famous writings on leadership. What lessons can be learned from these writings to better understand and practice good leadership?
This series will take place every Friday through May 6 at 1 p.m. Register for each talk individually. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the date to sign up.
Coffee & Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. and this four-part series is funded by a grant from Humanities New York.
Friends fundraiser
Save the date and make some space on your bookshelves to stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this spring at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday and Sunday May 21 and 22, from noon to 4 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, and large print titles will be available.
Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change.
Enjoy some live music while you shop with the following performers scheduled for Saturday, May 21:
— From noon to 1 p.m.: Guitarist Warren Sieme will play familiar tunes for families; and
— From 2 to 3 p.m.: Jazz trumpeter Steve Lambert and guitarist Joe Finn will perform.
Author and hiking enthusiast Alan Via will be at the Bethlehem Public Library on Wednesday, April 27, for an in-person discussion of his book “Doghiker: Great Hikes with Dogs.”
At this month’s Listening Party, we turn the spotlight on jazz bassist Richard Davis. Join us over Zoom Thursday, April 21, at 7 p.m. as we listen to and discuss this prolific musician who played with a “who’s who” of music history: from Bernstein to Stravinsky, Sarah Vaughan, Sinatra, Van Morrison, Bruce Springsteen, Miles Davis, and Eric Dolphy.
Our Listening Parties meet monthly through June to hear selections from classic albums while discussing the life and music of great musicians. Join fellow music lovers and share your personal impressions and memories, rediscover milestones in music history, and talk about the artists that have shaped the musical landscape.
It’s like a book club, but for music — everyone is welcome! Bethlehem librarian Michael Farley will facilitate the discussions. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Trustee candidate
info available
Nominating petition forms for the 2022 trustee vote are due to the school district Monday, April 18. Informational packets are available at the library, through curbside pickup or online for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election.
Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18. The election will be held Tuesday, May 17.
Put down
some roots
Get growing with our 2022 seed library featuring a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. You can now select your seeds in person or online for pickup, limited to 10 seed packets per household. Visit webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/seeds/categories.asp to see what’s available.
Hiking with your
four-legged friends
Coming soon! Author and hiking enthusiast Alan Via returns to the library Wednesday, April 27, for an in-person discussion of his book “Doghiker: Great Hikes with Dogs.” A book sale and signing will kick things off at 6:30 p.m. with the regular program beginning at 7 p.m. A chance for questions will follow, along with additional time for book signing.
Space is limited. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Teen Book Boxes
Registration for our Spring Just for Me: Teen Book Boxes is now open through April 18. Book Boxes are a special pick-me-up for teens featuring 2-3 books and fun novelties for teens to keep and enjoy. Book Boxes are for BCSD residents in grades 6-12 only and limited to one box per household.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes to sign up for your box. Please register using an email address that you check regularly. An email will be sent to you once your spot has been confirmed. Participants will be contacted when their box is ready for pick-up or delivery in mid-May.
Teen Book Boxes are generously co-sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Warm up to cold cases: Attention all true crime buffs!
Join us April 13 for a unique virtual talk with Dr. Christina Lane, the program director for the Cold Case Analysis Center at The College of Saint Rose.
The only center of its kind in New York State and one of six nationally, the Cold Case Analysis Center allows selected students from the criminal justice, behavior and law, forensic science, and forensic psychology degree programs to work on true cold cases, addressing a mounting problem in the criminal justice system.
The program’s interns are currently working on unsolved homicides and missing-persons cases. These cases stretch back decades — the focus is to spread awareness and keep these stories alive. Student participants also see the human side of the cold-case problem by working with local nonprofit agencies on fundraisers related to the problem.
Cold Case Analysis with Dr. Christina Lane takes place over Zoom Wednesday, April 13, at 7 p.m. Registration is required. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Paths for paws
Author and hiking enthusiast Alan Via returns to the library Wednesday, April 27, for an in-person discussion of his book “Doghiker: Great Hikes with Dogs.” A book sale and signing will kick things off at 6:30 p.m. with the regular program beginning at 7 p.m. A chance for questions will follow, along with additional time for book signing.
Much more than a guidebook showing readers great places to hike with their canine companions in upstate New York, “Doghiker” is a dog owner’s operating manual and toolkit. A lifelong dog owner, Via makes a strong case for responsible ownership and offers guidance on selecting a canine hiking companion, training, safety, appropriate gear, canine first aid, and keeping your dog fit and healthy.
Covering the Adirondacks through the Catskills, and areas in between, his guidebook includes 77 beautiful hikes that are great for dogs. Each hike has a custom topographic map showing parking areas, trails, viewpoints, water sources, and other points of interest. Included is all the information readers need to easily evaluate which hikes are most suitable for them and their canine companions as they get outside and explore the great outdoors.
Via is a Slingerlands resident, winter 46er and has also written 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.
Space is limited. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Test at home
Got the sniffles? It’s allergy season, and some of those symptoms can mimic those of a COVID-19 infection. A simple, at-home test can give you some peace of mind. Pick up a free COVID-19 test kit at the library while supplies last. The kits are being made available through Albany County and the Town of Bethlehem, NY Emergency Management Office. Stop by the library and ask for one at the Information Desk or request one for curbside pickup. For more information, give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email info@bethpl.org.
If you’ve already mastered the basic Google search then it’s time to take a deeper dive with our newest Crash Course: “Get More from Google.” There’s so much more awaiting you with this powerful search engine!
We’ll take an in-depth approach to learning the various ways to search on Google, including using the Advanced Search and Image Search functions, and much more.
Sign up for one of two sessions in April: Friday, April 1, from 10 to 11 a.m. or Friday, April 15, from 10 to 11 a.m. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and click on the date to register.
Leadership lessons
from Plutarch
Mark your calendars because coming up we have another four-part virtual Coffee and Conversation series with popular presenter Giacomo Calabria, who will be discussing the ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch’s most famous writings on leadership. What lessons can be learned from these writings to better understand and practice good leadership?
This series will take place every Friday from April 15-May 6 at 1 p.m. Register for each talk individually. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Coffee & Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. and this 4-part series is grant funded by Humanities New York.
Reciprocal borrowing
The Upper Hudson Library System recently teamed up with the Mid-Hudson Library System to allow access to more e-book, digital audiobook and e-magazine borrowing options through OverDrive and Libby. Through a reciprocal lending agreement, patrons in both systems can now borrow available titles from the other’s catalogs.
The option to borrow from MHLS will appear under “Partner Libraries” in the upper right hand menu of the OverDrive menu as it appears on the website. If you’re using the Libby app, go to the menu, tap “Add Library” and search for Mid-Hudson Library System. You’ll be prompted to enter your library card number to sign in.
If you’ve got questions about this new service, we can help. Stop by the Information Desk, give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email info@bethpl.org.
Tax forms
As the April 18 tax deadline approaches, we’d like to remind you that the library has federal and state tax forms available in our lobby. Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can also print copies of ANY tax form for you at the Information Desk.
Put down
some roots
Get growing with our 2022 seed library featuring a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. You can now select your seeds online or in-person. The online seed library is currently available to Bethlehem cardholders only, but anyone can pick up seeds in person. There is a limit of 10 seed packets per household. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.
As the April 18 tax deadline approaches, we’d like to remind you that the library has federal and state tax forms available in our lobby. Don’t see what you’re looking for? We can also print copies of any tax form for you at the Information Desk.
Put down some roots
Get growing with our 2022 seed library featuring a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. You can now select your seeds online or in-person. The online seed library is currently available to Bethlehem cardholders only, but anyone can pick up seeds in person. There is a limit of 10 seed packets per household. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to see what’s available.
Tech to take home
Our Library of Things features dozens of cutting edge electronics to borrow so you can have access to the tech tools you need for a special project or “try before you buy” something you might use more often.
Want to upgrade your analog family archives to digital? We’ve got an 8mm film converter, analog video converter, analog cassette converter, and film and slide scanners that might come in handy.
Making new memories? Borrow one of our digital camcorders or GoPro cameras.
Setting up an e-business or looking to polish your social media presence? Check out our portable photo studio and Ring light.
We’ve also got solar chargers, Wi-Fi hotspots, Chromebooks and more.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/library-of-things/electronics to explore more technology available from the library.
Trustee candidate
info available
Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library, at the information desk or online for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election. Visit our website to download a digital version of the candidate petition.
Board meetings are held at the library monthly and are open to the public. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and last about two hours. Trustees are expected to regularly attend.
Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18. The election will be held Tuesday, May 17.
JobNow can help
You get back to work
Are you looking to make a career change? JobNow by Brainfuse is a powerful job search tool featuring up-to-date nationwide and local job search engines, professional resume critique and proven interview techniques, along with live job coaching from 2 to 10 p.m. daily. Available to Bethlehem cardholders, it’s like a personalized career center that uses advanced virtual technology to help job seekers of diverse backgrounds and needs. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/research.asp for more information.
In addition to JobNow, the library has compiled a list of local and national employment and training opportunities, as well as unemployment information, to help you take that next step. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/workforce-development-resources for our Workforce Development Resources.
Ready, set — grow! Our seed library has returned with a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs, and some flowers. Seed packets will be located behind the Information Desk.You can choose up to 10 seed packets per household.
Also returning this year is our online “shopping” portal that makes it easy for you to select your seeds for pickup. The online portal is available exclusively to Bethlehem cardholders through the end of March, after which it will be open to everyone.
On our seed library webpage, you’ll be able to browse different categories and learn more about the varieties through links to the Hudson Valley Seed Co., where our seeds are sourced from. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to get started ordering your seeds online. We’ll be in touch with you when your seeds are ready to be picked up.
Seed libraries like ours support sustainability and food security by allowing the community free access to the means of growing their own food.
Make it a museum day
Chilly days are made for museums, and we’ve got your ticket!
Check out our huge collection of individual and family passes to dozens of regional museums, including Albany Institute of History and Art, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art, MASS MoCA, Hildene, Olana State Historic Site, and more for free.
Museum passes may be borrowed for three days and are available first-come, first-served; there are no requests or renewals. Please be sure to check museum websites for hours and current exhibit information, as well as any ticket reservation requirements. Some museums may ask you to show your library card with your pass when you arrive.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library/museum-pass-program to view the collection. Our museum pass collection is generously supported by the Friends of Bethlehem Library.
Celebrating
women in rock
While the advent of rock ‘n’ roll is credited to a handful of well-known male performers, we will celebrate Women's History Month at our Listening Party Thursday, March 17, by hearing a few of the hundreds of forgotten women who had careers performing, recording and contributing to the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll. The discussion begins at 7 p.m. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Storm warning
In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead at 518-439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Your library
on YouTube
Visit our YouTube channel to watch our monthly board meetings live, learn more about library services – including tutorials for using our library app or making a Creativebug account, explore some DIY crafts with our librarians, and enjoy recordings of past programs. Programs are organized into playlists by theme, making it easier to find what you are looking for. Search YouTube for our channel or click through from our website to see what’s available.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
These three colorful tote bags were made following Creativebug’s “Market Tote Bag” tutorial available to Bethlehem library cardholders.
Carry your stuff in style. You can never have too many tote bags. It’s good to keep them on hand at home, in the car, and at the office for all those spur-of-the-moment outings (like a trip to the library). With their simple straight seams, they’re also a perfect sewing project for beginners.
One of our staffers recently whipped up a trio of totes using a video tutorial from Creativebug, an online crafting resource available to Bethlehem cardholders. The verdict: super easy, and the sky’s the limit when it comes to color and print combinations.
Ready to get started on your own? Visit www.creativebug.com/lib/bethlehemlibrary and search for “Market Tote Bag.” You will need your library card to create a free Creativebug account.
Creativebug provides thousands of additional high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos on drawing, painting, sewing, knitting, crochet, quilting, baking and more — all taught by experts.
Libby reminder
The Libby app makes it easy to borrow OverDrive e-books, audiobooks and magazines to read on your smartphone or tablet. With your library card and the app, you have access to OverDrive’s extensive digital collection.
Libby is compatible with all major computers and devices, iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets and Chromebooks. Through Libby, you can also send titles to your Kindle. All titles will automatically expire at the end of the lending period and there are no late fees. Readers can also download titles onto Libby for offline use.
Earlier this year, OverDrive discontinued their legacy app to focus on Libby. Are you struggling with the transition from the OverDrive app to Libby? We’ll help with your questions and concerns, and show you how to navigate the Libby app at one of two programs scheduled for Friday, March 11, and Friday, March 18, at 10 a.m. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and click on the date of your choice to sign up.
Ready to roam
Join us as we explore all of the useful features and tools that Google Maps has to offer at our Introduction to Google Maps program Tuesday, March 15, at 7 p.m. We will take a look at driving directions, street view, live traffic updates, satellite imagery, local restaurant and business reviews, and much more. This program takes place over Zoom.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Trustee candidate
information available
Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library, through curbside pickup or online for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election. Candidate petition packets are available online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org or in-person at the Information Desk.
Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18. The election will be held Tuesday, May 17.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Congressman Antonio Delgado, right, dropped by the Bethlehem Public Library on Wednesday, Feb. 23, to talk with library trustees and staff about what they do and their goals for the future.
The board of trustees recently put the finishing touches on the library’s Long-Range Services Plan for 2022-2025. This plan identifies strategic goals for the coming years to promote inclusion and equity, education, and sustainability.
The services plan joins the Long-Range Facilities Master Plan that addresses space needs for programming, events, collections, quiet study, storage, staff workspaces, comfort, and accessibility.
Both plans represent months of discussion and information-gathering and provide the framework for where we’d like to devote our energy as a library in the years to come. To read both of the plans, visit our board of trustees’ webpage at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Trustee candidate
info available
Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library, through curbside pickup or online for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/board-candidate-information to download a digital version of the candidate petition packet.
Bethlehem Public Library takes very seriously its responsibility to serve the community by providing access to resources and programming that enhance the quality of life of our residents. Our trustees make this possible through their dedication and vision, and they fill a very important public service role that affects every tax-paying resident, whether that person has stepped foot in the library or not.
Board meetings are held at the library monthly and are open to the public. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. and last about two hours.Trustees are expected to regularly attend.
Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18. The election will be held Tuesday, May 17.
Storm warning
In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Call ahead at 518-439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Earlier this month, our board of trustees voted to extend the library’s mask policy while the community spread of COVID-19 remains high. At this time, masks are still required inside the library building for everyone ages 2 and older. The library will continue to re-evaluate this policy and make decisions based on the latest public-health guidelines.
We appreciate your support as we remain mindful of the health of our more vulnerable visitors, as well as our staff, who are crucial to keeping our doors open.
Forgot your mask? We have plenty of disposable ones available, and curbside pickup remains open seven days a week. We are also allowing individuals in our small study rooms to remove their masks while the doors are closed. These rooms have been equipped with air filters.
Questions or concerns? Please feel free to contact us at . The board of trustees’ next meeting is Monday, March 14, at 6 p.m.
Get ready to garden
Save the date! Our Seed Library returns March 14 with a variety of open-pollinated vegetables, herbs and some flowers. Seed packets will be located behind the Information Desk. You can choose up to 10 seed packets per household. Also returning this year is our online “shopping” portal that makes it easy for you to select your seeds for pickup.
Seed libraries like ours support sustainability and food security by allowing the community free access to the means of growing their own food.
Auto renewals
Just a quick reminder: We are now automatically renewing eligible items that have reached their due date. This means you won’t have to lift a finger to have your loan period extended.
When you receive your due-date reminder, it will show the items that have been automatically renewed along with the new due date. You will also see which items cannot be renewed, so you’ll know exactly what has to go back to the library and what you can keep a little bit longer.
Borrow a Chromebook
These days, technology is proving vital to staying connected. The library wants to make sure everyone in our community has access to the tools they need so we've added dozens of Chromebooks to our catalog that can be requested and checked out by Bethlehem cardholders for 28 days at a time. To request a Chromebook: bit.ly/2XFORJg.
Trustee candidate
information available
Nominating petition forms and informational packets are available at the library, through curbside pickup and on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org) for candidates interested in serving on the Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees. There is one seat on the 2022 ballot, currently held by incumbent Mary Redmond, who will not be seeking re-election.
Petitions will need at least 51 signatures of voters residing in the Bethlehem Central School District. Petitions must be filed with the District Clerk, Bethlehem Central High School, 700 Delaware Ave., Delmar by 5 p.m. on April 18.
The election will be held Tuesday May 17.