Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, September 16, 2021
— Photo by Kristen Roberts
A brand-new book drop has been installed in the Bethlehem library parking lot, replacing the temporary drop-off sheds. The high-capacity book drop is open 24/7.
As the 2021-22 school year begins, we’re bringing back our Just for Me: Teen Book Boxes as a special pick-me-up for teens facing yet another unconventional year of learning. The boxes are filled with books and fun novelties for teens 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. Books are being chosen from a limited stock and specific requests cannot be accommodated.
Registration for the fall box is open through Sept. 24. In October, participants will be contacted when their box is ready for pick-up or delivery. Supplies are limited. To sign up for your Book Box, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/teen-book-boxes.
Our Teen Book Boxes are generously co-sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
Get to your roots
The library has a number of tools to help you dig deep into your family history, chief among them is Ancestry.com, which is available remotely to Bethlehem cardholders through Dec. 31, 2021, after which it must be accessed using the WiFi inside the library building or on our grounds, including the parking lot.
With Ancestry.com, you can search billions of records, including census, military, and immigration records, to discover your family’s story.
You might also find what you’re looking for with HeritageQuest, which gives you access to United States census data and over one million genealogy and local history articles. On our Local History webpage you’ll find even more resources, including our Spotlight newspaper archive and the New York Heritage digital collections. Find all of these resources linked from our “Research” page on our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org).
Have you hit a genealogical “brick wall” in your own search that you need to break through? Email us at with your genealogy research questions so we can point you in the right direction.
COVID-19 info
Do you have questions about COVID-19 and your health? Our librarians have compiled a list of resources to help you find the answers. To learn more, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/covid-19-wellness-resources.
Buy a book,
help the Friends
The Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 4 p.m. Pricing will be cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change. The book sale is weather-permitting and a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 19, has been scheduled.
Donate a
musical instrument
Vanguard, a group of volunteer supporters of the Albany Symphony Orchestra, is seeking donations of musical instruments for low-income Capital District children whose families aren’t able to cover the rental or purchase fees. They will be on the library Green Saturday, Sept. 25, from 1 to4 p.m. for a special collection event. Donated instruments should be gently used and in good condition.
Sunday hours resume
The library is once again open Sundays. Drop by from noon until 5 p.m., or get your items to go with curbside pickup from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information about library hours and services, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.