Bethlehem Library Notes for Wednesday, October 21, 2020

The Bethlehem Public Library Board of Trustees voted this month to extend the current fine moratorium through the end of the year. At the beginning of the pandemic and during the library’s unexpected closure, a decision was made to waive fines until there was a safe and reliable way to return materials.

With so many things to worry about in those early days, being charged for an overdue book didn’t need to be among them.

We have since been able to set up a system that accepts most returns 24/7, as well as a “reverse curbside pick-up” for Library of Things items. Automatic due date reminders are once again going out, and quarantine procedures are being rigorously followed.  

With these things in place, the library will once again charge fines for overdue items returned after Dec. 31.

What does this mean for you?

— This two-month extension of the fine moratorium gives you a little time to get back into the habit of returning library items when they are due;

— 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. Don’t worry, we will be taking that lag time into account once fines have been reinstated;

— Remember to always renew or return your items by the due date to avoid late charges beginning Jan. 1, 2021;

— Please note: The maximum charge for an overdue item is $5. For more information about our loan periods and fines, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/borrow/loan-periods-and-fines; and

— Fees for lost or damaged items are not being waived.  

Still have questions? Give us a call at 518-439-9314 or email us at .  

Democracy in America 

In the early 19th Century, Alexis de Toqueville, a French aristocrat, political scientist, and historian, traveled extensively throughout the United States, analyzing American society. Following his travels, he penned the well-known “Democracy in America,” which describes the young country’s emerging political system.  

The library is hosting a virtual series on de Toqueville's “Democracy in America” presented by Giacomo Calabria and grant-funded in partnership with Humanities New York. This series will provide an opportunity for participants to examine and discuss our Puritan-founded history, our Constitution, our representative democracy, and the tyranny of the majority as captured in “Democracy in America.” Each week will focus on a different topic.  

The series, which began Oct. 19, will continue on the following Mondays at 7 p.m.: Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9. Registration is required. Visit our online calendar (bethlehem.librarycalendar.com) to sign up. 

Library hours

The library is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday; and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Curbside pickup is currently available from 1 to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday and from 1 to 6 p.m. on Friday.

Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates. 

Halloween fun 

We are still accepting entries in our virtual pumpkin-carving contest. Spooky or silly? You decide! Entries will be accepted through Oct. 29. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/virtual-pumpkin-carving-contest for more information.