The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library is an advocacy group dedicated to increasing public awareness of the library, and its generosity has supported many important library programs and services. Want to know more? The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library is holding its annual organizational meeting on Monday, Dec. 20, at 6:30 p.m. New Friends and those interested in the all-volunteer group are always welcome.
At the annual meeting, members of the Friends will vote on agenda items and select those serving on the board of directors. The meeting will take place in person at the library. Masks are required. Those who would like to attend virtually using Zoom can contact Friends President Jeremy Johannesen at for the meeting link.
Some of the library’s most popular activities and services are supported by the Friends, including author visits, community events like Trunk or Treat, our summer and winter concert series, as well as museum passes and our growing Library of Things collection.
The Friends also support the Krakower-Storch Family Technology Fund founded by Joe and Naomi Storch to purchase items for the library’s collection that use technology to inform, educate or entertain.
If you would like to play a greater role in this community organization, introduce yourself at the next meeting or contact the Friends liaison at or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/about-us/friends-of-bethlehem-public-library.
Graphic novels
on Hoopla
One of the great things about Hoopla, which gives you on-demand access to popular e-books, audiobooks, streaming video and music, is its vast selection of graphic novels and comics.
Fans of the genre will appreciate the diverse collection of 15,000+ titles from dozens of different publishers (not just big names like Marvel and DC) and including works spanning different genres and interests from the last 100 years.
Both fans and newcomers to graphic novels will like Hoopla’s user-friendly browsability. You can search by genre, publisher, audience or popularity, and you’ll also find links to series pages with other volumes and editions listed. The digital reading experience is also a plus, with Hoopla's built-in technology that enables full-page and panel-by-panel views for an immersive experience.
If you haven’t yet explored the world of graphic novels, Hoopla’s expansive catalog gives you the perfect excuse to check it out! Visit hoopladigital.com to get started. Bethlehem cardholders can borrow 10 titles a month.
Holiday hours
The library will be closed Friday and Saturday, Dec. 24 to 25, for the Christmas holiday, and Friday and Saturday, Dec. 31 to Jan. 1, for New Year’s.
Storm warning
In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Weather conditions can occasionally cause icing near the entrances that could lead to closure even when the town roadways are clear. Call ahead at 518-439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
BeOur technology classes for adults are a great way to pick up new skills and learn more about the library’s online resources in a low-key, friendly environment.
Join us for one of two sessions of “Crash Course: Scholarly Research with Gale Academic OneFile” to get a jumpstart on your research and brush up on your searching skills while browsing scholarly sources from Gale Academic OneFile.
This database contains millions of periodical sources on a variety of subject areas including: sciences, criminal justice, economics, history, political science, and more! With a few tips, you can dig deep into your research right from home.
This is a virtual program, and all participants will be emailed a Zoom link prior to the event. Classes will take place Monday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. or Friday, Dec. 10, at 10 a.m. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Make sense
of streaming
Did you know you can watch feature films, indie movies, TV shows and award-winning documentaries from home with your library card? Join us Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. for an overview of all the streaming video options that the library provides. Bring your phone, laptop, or tablet if you would like help getting started.
This is an in-person program and space is limited due to COVID occupancy restrictions. Bethlehem Central School District residents will be given registration priority. Masks are required. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Trivia
Compete for bragging rights as the top know-it-all at our Thursday, Dec. 9, Trivia Night! Get together over Zoom with other trivia buffs for an evening of wit and whimsy focused on wide-ranging general trivia knowledge.
We’ll be self-scoring on the honor system. The fun starts at 7 p.m. Click here to sign up. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Creativebug
The season of gathering and giving has begun. Create beautiful handcrafted gifts and make entertaining easier by watching expert-led online classes for artists and makers of all ages and skill levels at Creativebug, an online resource that provides thousands of high-quality, on-trend arts and crafts instructional videos.
Visit the library’s Research webpage at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the Creativebug link to get started. If you haven’t used Creativebug before, you will need your Bethlehem library card to set up a free account.
Closing reminder
Just a reminder, the library will be closed all day Friday, Dec. 3, for staff training.
Storm warning
In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Weather conditions can occasionally cause icing near the entrances that could lead to closure even when the town roadways are clear. Call ahead at 518-439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Get our
e-newsletter
For the most up-to-date building and program information delivered to your inbox, subscribe to our e-newsletter. We promise to keep it short and sweet, and we won’t overload your inbox! Sign up here: mailchi.mp/bethpl.org/e-newsletter.
Have you tried Hoopla yet? With Hoopla, Bethlehem cardholders have on-demand digital access to ebooks and audiobooks, digital magazines, movies, music, comics, and TV shows. The best part is: There’s no waiting.
You can now get up to 10 instant borrows each month, but some titles are “Bonus Borrows” and won’t count toward your monthly total. For more information and to start reading with Hoopla today, visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/hoopla.
More ways to watch,
read and listen online
When it comes to downloadable content from the library, Hoopla’s just the tip of the iceberg. Your library card also gives you access to OverDrive, Flipster and Kanopy. Head to the library’s eContent webpage (bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/ebooks-emagazine) to learn more about these services and to see what’s available to download and stream. Need additional help? Just send us an e-mail to or give us a call at 518-439-9314.
New life for
old home movies
With the holidays approaching, you may find yourself taking a trip down memory lane. Do you have some old home movies of Thanksgivings past 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 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, library 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 watch BCN-TV on Spectrum Channel 1301 and Verizon Fios Channel 28. Click here for more information about the station.
Switch things up
Attention, gamers! Are you itching to try out the Nintendo Switch? We have the consoles available to borrow from our Library of Things. We’ve also got dozens of Nintendo Switch games for you to try out.
Spend some time on a delightful deserted island with “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” go on a “Super Mario Odyssey” or immerse yourself in the land of Hyrule in “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” We’ve got racing games, Lego games, sports games and more.
Visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Nintendo Switch” to see what’s available.
Storm warning
In the event of inclement weather, the library’s telephone system will provide information on a closing or delayed opening. Weather conditions can occasionally cause icing near the entrances that could lead to closure even when the town roadways are clear. Call ahead at (518) 439-9314 if you are unsure. Information may also be available on our website at bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Photo from the Bethlehem Public Library
The eyes have it: The Bethlehem Public Library and the town Parks and Recreation Department co-hosted a Trunk-or-Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 28, with the help of numerous community organizations.
Our book-discussion groups always have room for one more reader, and with a variety of meeting days and times, there’s sure to be a group that fits your schedule.
Our afternoon book group, Daybooks, will be taking a closer look at “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman on Monday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 p.m. Join others virtually to discuss this tale of a group of well-off retirees-turned-detectives trying to solve a murder mystery.
Check ’Em Out Books, an every-other-month evening book discussion group, next meets Monday, Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. on Zoom to discuss “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig, an enchanting bestseller about all the choices that go into a life well lived.
In January, our Antiracist Book Group returns with a new name — Own Voices Book Group. It is dedicated to reading and discussing books by diverse authors in order to gain a better understanding of race and racism. Every other month will feature a nonfiction or #OwnVoices fiction book.
Book discussions are open to everyone and are facilitated by Bethlehem librarians, who carefully select books spanning a variety of topics and genres. New members are always welcome, and copies of the books are available at the Information Desk. Audio and downloadable copies may also be available. Our discussions can also be found on Goodreads. To learn more about our book discussion groups, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-discussions.
Thanksgiving hours
The library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 25, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 26. Staff and trustees would like to wish our Bethlehem neighbors a very Happy Thanksgiving!
The library will also be closed all day Friday, Dec. 3, for staff training.
Story time
Our story times are a great way for your little ones to practice their early literacy skills in a fun and engaging way. Join us and all your storytime friends as we learn and grow together!
In November and December, we’re offering virtual versions of Baby Bounce and Books, Music and Movement, and Family Story Time. Our story times are currently taking place Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. over Zoom. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to see what’s available and to sign up.
Trunk-or-Treat
We’d like to express our appreciation to all of the wonderful groups that participated in the 2021 Trunk-or-Treat at Elm Avenue Park last month hosted by the library and the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Department.
It was a fun-filled festive evening thanks to all of these community organizations: Selkirk Fire Department, Bethlehem Softball League, Bethlehem Flag Football, Town of Bethlehem Seniors Department, Town of Bethlehem Police Department, Bethlehem Children's School, Town of Bethlehem Clerk’s Office, YMCA, Elsmere Fire Department, Slingerlands Fire Department, Delmar-Bethlehem EMS, Friends of Five Rivers, Friends of the Bethlehem Public Library, Therapy Dogs, Brightside Up, BCHS Latin Club, Boy Scout Troop 75, and Girl Scout Troop 1433.
If you fold it, will it fly? Are you a folding phenom?
Then join us Sunday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. for our first-ever Paper Plane Flyoff! We will be designing and flying paper airplanes in the library, and the plane that flies the farthest will win a trophy. We also have a special prize for the most original design, so don't be afraid to get creative.
This program is for ages kids 12 to 18, but grown-ups are welcome to come and help. Please register each individual separately. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Please note for all indoor, in-person programs: Space is limited and Bethlehem Central School District residents will be given priority. If a program is not at maximum capacity 48 hours before the registration closes, registration will be open to anyone.
Crash Course:
Consumer Reports
If you weren’t able to get into our “Crash Course: Consumer Reports” program earlier this month, there are still some spots available for a second session Monday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. Join us for a virtual introduction to our popular Consumer Reports database, where you will learn how to access unbiased reviews for all types of products, as well as back issues of Consumer Reports magazine.
All BPL cardholders can access this database from the comfort of their own home, so with a few tips and tricks you'll be ready to research. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Blood drive
Bethlehem Public Library is hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive Thursday, Nov. 18, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Community Room. Donors must be at least 17 years old and in good general health. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Bethlehemlibrary.
The stories
behind the music
You’re invited to a Listening Party this month highlighting the music of Laura Nyro, an American singer-songwriter who wrote dozens of pop hits in the ’60s and ’70s. This month 52 years ago, three songs out of Billboard's Top Ten were written by Nyro, and all three were recorded by other performers. We'll listen to Nyro's own recordings of her pop hits and explore her enchanting music.
This is a virtual program held over Zoom. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Speak up
with Pronunciator
There are so many benefits to learning a new language. While there are a lot of language-learning programs out there, Pronunciator, the library’s newest online language resource, takes a personalized approach to make learning work for you (without the hefty price tag). Just select the language and topics you love, the skills you want to build, and how much you want to study each day, and Pronunciator will build a personalized course just for you. You can choose from over 160 languages to learn, including American Sign Language.
Bethlehem cardholders can access Pronunciator on the library’s Research page at webapps.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/research.asp.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Trick-or-treaters made their way through the Bethlehem Public Library on Thursday, Oct. 28. The popular annual event returned after a pandemic hiatus in 2020.
A patron from another library recently received a phone message from someone claiming to be from the Upper Hudson Library System (UHLS) stating that she had fines. THIS IS A SCAM. UHLS does not use a collection agency and will not seek fine payments on behalf of member libraries.
The Knapp Family
at Cherry Hill
Harriet Maria Elmendorf “Minnie” Knapp and her sister, Jane Amelia Knapp, came to Cherry Hill in 1854, shortly after the death of their mother, Jane. They and their two brothers were raised as wards and servants in four Van Rensselaer households.
How common was this practice, in Albany and elsewhere, during the 19th Century? What was the special relationship between the Knapp family and the Van Rensselaers of Cherry Hill?
On Friday, Nov. 5, at 1 p.m., a speaker from Historic Cherry Hill will join us virtually for “The Knapp Family: Kinship and the Struggle for Autonomy.” This Coffee and Conversation presentation will explore the family’s experiences, their enduring ties to one another, and their mysterious connection to earlier generations of the Van Rensselaer family, dating back to the time of enslavement.
Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com or call the library at 518-439-9314 to sign up.
Blood drive
According to the Red Cross (www.redcrossblood.org/learn-about-blood/), someone in the United States needs blood every two seconds. You can do your part.
The Bethlehem Public Library is once again hosting a Red Cross Blood Drive, on Thursday, Nov. 18, from noon to 6 p.m. in the Community Room. Donors must be at least 17 years old and in good general health. To make an appointment call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit www.redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code: Bethlehemlibrary.
Another way to read
For young readers, there’s more than one way to enjoy favorite stories like “Stellaluna,” “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs,” and “Click, Clack Moo.” The library is loaning out Wonderbooks and VOX Books versions of these titles and dozens more.
VOX Books and Wonderbooks are audiobooks that live in print books. The permanently attached readers transforms an ordinary print book into an all-in-one read-along. There’s no need for computers, tablets or CDs. Kids can simply push a button to listen and read.
These read-alongs combine high quality picture books and nonfiction with audio recordings that capture children’s attention. There’s a speaker for parent and child or group listening plus earphone jack for individual use. The fully portable read-along requires no data or Wi-Fi. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “VOX” or “Wonderbooks” to see what’s available.
Meet Libby
The Libby app makes it easy to borrow OverDrive ebooks, audiobooks and magazines to read on your phone or tablet. You can download Libby from your app store. Setup is simple for new users and current OverDrive app users.
In early 2022, the legacy OverDrive mobile app will no longer be available to download and will be phased out. Current OverDrive app users are encouraged to switch to Libby. Need help? Give us a call at 518-439-9314.
In the interest of protecting the health and safety of everyone at the library, we are continuing to require masks inside the building for all visitors ages 2 and up regardless of vaccination status. Our staff will also be looking to see that masks remain in place once inside the library and may give a gentle reminder if someone’s mask slips below their nose or is lifted for any length of time. For this reason, we are currently not allowing food or drink inside the building.
If you don’t have a mask with you, we are happy to provide one for you to use. Those who prefer not to wear a mask can take advantage of curbside pickup — even for print jobs. We also loan out Chromebooks and WiFi hotspots for off-site use. Email us at or give us a call at 518-439-9314 to find out how we can help you.
We thank everyone for their understanding as we do our best to protect our community while providing the library services that entertain, inform, and engage our users.
Aging vision
Join us on Monday, Oct. 25, for an engaging presentation designed for adults to learn about the leading causes of vision loss, early warning signs, eye health, vision rehabilitation therapy and low-vision adaptive aids, such as magnifiers, large print, and talking items. The Independent Living with Aging Vision program is presented by Lisa Jordan from the Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany (NABA).
Masks and social distancing will be required for all attendees. Please visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Storytime online
Looking to explore some picture books at your own pace? Bethlehem librarian Miss Anne has put together some Storytime Online Kits highlighting popular titles like “The Kissing Hand,” “The Day the Crayons Quit,” “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and more. So whether you are traveling or the library is closed, you can treat your little ones to a storytime – anytime.
Each “kit” features a video of the story being read – sometimes even by the author – along with several related activities to do at home. Visit https://bit.ly/BPLStorytimeOnlineKits and then click on the cover you want to explore.
Good 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.
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! Many items in the Library of Things collection are requestable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time with your library card. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/library-of-things to see what’s available.
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
Five new American Girl dolls have been added to the library’s collection. The dolls can be checked out for 14 days at a time and come with a journal to record your adventures to share with the next borrower.
It’s time to meet the five newest members of our American Girl doll collection:
— Rebecca Rubin, a charismatic girl from the 1910s whose heart belongs to the stage;
— Optimistic Melody Ellison who is growing up in the 1960s and wants to use her voice to stand up for what’s right;
— Modern-day Kira from Australia who loves caring for animals;
— Joss, a surfer girl whose hearing challenges can’t keep her from following her dreams; and
— Sparkle and Shine, a girl with purple hair and a fierce, independent spirit.
The dolls can be borrowed for 14 days at a time. Visit our catalog to see who’s available for your next adventure: bit.ly/BPLAmericanGirl.
Each doll comes with a book that tells her story, as well as a notebook for your child to share their own adventures with their new friend.
You’ll also find “Making a Difference: Using Your Talents and Passions to Change the World,” a book that offers young readers lots of ideas — big and small — on how to spark change.
Good works
Speaking of making a difference, we are now highlighting the volunteer activities of kids in our community on a special bulletin board in the library hallway. The Kids Making a Difference display currently features the volunteer work done by Bethlehem resident and Girl Scout Abby Edgar and Troop 1342 at the Regional Food Bank, as well as ways others can help out.
Do you know someone under 18 who has made a contribution to the community that you’d like to highlight on the board in the future? We want to know! E-mail the information desk at or give us a call at 518-439-9314 for details.
You can give back, too
Join us in the Great Give Back, an opportunity for library patrons of all ages to partake in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. Through Oct. 17, we will be collecting new, unopened household cleaning and hygiene supplies for the Bethlehem Food Pantry. A collection receptacle is set up in the lobby.
You can also stop by the library’s Community Room Saturday, Oct. 16, from 3-4 p.m. to create handcrafted cards with kind and inspiring messages to be given to people at local assisted living facilities.
Dungeons and Dragons
Our Dungeons and Dragons gaming group for teens is a great way to use your imagination and problem-solving skills while meeting and socializing with others who enjoy role-playing games.
All experience levels welcome. Playing materials will be provided, but feel free to bring your own dice or D&D 5th Edition Character Sheet.
The gaming group takes place every other Friday and is open to teens 12 and up. Click here for a schedule of upcoming dates. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to search for upcoming dates.
A conversation with
Jean Hanff Korelitz
New York Times bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz will join us for a virtual talk Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Registration for the talk is currently open. Visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
— Photo by Michael Avedon
The Bethlehem Public Library is hosting a virtual event with bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m.
Spend the afternoon with New York Times bestselling author Jean Hanff Korelitz at a special virtual event on Sunday, Oct. 17, at 1 p.m. Korelitz is the author of seven novels, including “The Plot,” which was featured on The Tonight Show as the Fallon Summer Reads 2021 pick.
She also wrote “You Should Have Known,” which was adapted as the HBO series, “The Undoing,” starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant, and “Admission,” which was the basis for the 2013 film starring Tina Fey. A new novel, “The Latecomer,” will be published on May 31, 2022.
Visit our online calendar to sign up: bethlehem.librarycalendar.com/events/afternoon-jean-hanff-korelitz.
Welcome October
October is almost here, and with it comes all the spooky fall fun this month is known for. At the library, we love Halloween, and we’ve scheduled a bunch of activities to help you get into the spirit.
Great gourds
Our Virtual Pumpkin Carving Contest is back! Carve a pumpkin with panache at your own pace in this event for families and adults. Simply email a full-color photo of your pumpkin to . Include your full name, email, phone number and category. Entries will be accepted from Oct. 11 through Oct. 29.
Prizes will be awarded for scariest pumpkin and silliest pumpkin in both the adult and family categories. Please enter only pumpkins carved by you or your family this year. Entries will be judged by library staff and prizes, provided by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library, will be awarded in the beginning of November.
Spooky savings
Join us Monday, Oct. 11, at 3 p.m. on the Green to customize your own monster bank with either acrylic paint or permanent markers. While your monster bank dries, you can relax and enjoy a variety of Pixar short films. This event is for kids in second through eighth grades. To sign up, visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com/events/monster-bank.
Trunk or treat
We’re teaming up with the Town of Bethlehem Parks and Recreation for another awesome outdoor Trunk or Treat event Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Elm Avenue Park. This free community event will feature dozens of creative trick-or-treating stations hosted by local community groups.
Library trick-or-treat
Our preschool friends are invited to trick-or-treat at the library on Thursday, Oct. 28, but in order to be mindful of everyone’s health and safety, it will look a little different this year. We’re asking everyone to stop in at any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to keep the crowds from getting too busy at any given time. Costumes are optional but fun is not! Treat bags will be provided.
A great way
to give back
Also in October, we’re taking part in the Great Give Back, an opportunity for library patrons to partake in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. From Oct. 1 to 17, we will be collecting new, unopened household cleaning and hygiene supplies for the Bethlehem Food Pantry. A collection receptacle will be set up in the lobby.
You can also stop by the library’s Community Room on Saturday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. to create cards with kind and inspiring messages to be given to people at local assisted living facilities.
— Provided by Bethlehem Public Library
The winning artwork from Bethlehem Public Library’s summer bookmark contest for kids and teens, pictured above, is now featured on bookmarks distributed at the library. Drop by and pick up one of these colorful testaments to reading.
The Great Give Back is an opportunity for library patrons statewide to partake in meaningful, service-oriented experiences. At Bethlehem Public Library, our visitors can participate in the following ways:
— First, we are collecting new, unopened household cleaning and hygiene supplies for the Bethlehem Food Pantry from Oct. 1 to 17. A collection receptacle will be set up in the lobby; and
— Second, stop by the library’s Community Room Saturday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 4 p.m. to create handcrafted cards with kind and inspiring messages to be given to people at local assisted-living facilities.
Get crafty
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. You will need your library card to start an account. Visit www.creativebug.com/lib/bethlehemlibrary to check it out and get inspired for your next project!
Bookmark winners
The winners of our 2021 summer bookmark design contest have been selected, but it wasn’t an easy choice. The library received so many colorful, whimsical entries that it was hard to narrow down the winners. Thank you to all of the artists who participated!
And now, without further ado, we congratulate the following winners: Cavah C., Christina V., Emily C., Helen K., Melanie C., Melissa Y., Sylvia G. and William G. The winning bookmark designs have been printed and are being distributed in the library in the Children’s Place.
STEAM-powered
fun for families
Our October Family STEAM event that was originally scheduled for later in the month has been moved up so that it can take place outside on the Green during the day. Like building gadgets and gizmos? Then join us Saturday, Oct. 9, at 10:30 a.m. and work together as a family to design your own Rube Goldberg Machine out of pipes, Legos, and other craft and building supplies.
A Rube Goldberg Machine is a chain reaction-type machine or contraption designed to perform a simple task in an indirect and overly complicated way. This event is for kids grades K-8 and families (younger and older siblings welcome to attend).
Register one person per family. This program will be cancelled in the event of inclement weather. Call or check the online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up or check the status of this program.
Bundle up
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!