Bethlehem Library Notes for Thursday, December 27, 2018

Another exciting year at the library is coming to a close and, as we look back, we are reminded of all the different ways our patrons use our services to enrich their lives and connect with the community.

Some highlights from 2018:

— Customized library-card programs let our patrons to be the stars of their own cards (along with Bad Kitty);

— We completed heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning construction to modernize our heating and cooling system and prepare our building for a comfortable and sustainable future;

— Two library programs — Rubber Ducky Club and The Federalist Papers series — earned Program of the Year honors from the Upper Hudson Library System;

— In a partnership with Bethlehem Senior Services, the library co-hosted a prom for senior citizens at Town Hall;

— Wi-Fi signal was expanded to the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in the first state-and-public-library partnership of its kind;

— Author Sue Halpern stopped by as part of the Writers and Friends series;

— The Krakower-Storch Family Technology Fund, founded by library supporters Joe and Naomi Storch, received an anonymous donation of $10,000, significantly increasing the amount available to spend on new technologies for public use;

— We added Chromebooks, solar chargers, American Girl dolls, ukuleles, analog video converters, and wireless projectors to our Library of Things;

— Our annual indoor miniature golf event was free and open to the entire community;

— The new self-checkout kiosks at the Circulation Desk and the Children’s Place are giving patrons plenty of checkout options;

— Our Local Author Book Fair was headlined by award-winning audiobook narrator George Guidall;

— Patrons can now sign up for one-on-one genealogy help with a librarian;

— Bethlehem was one of 36 libraries participating the 2018 Upper Hudson Library Expedition; and

— A series of films, music, and lectures marked the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

First Night

The library will be hosting a number of family-friendly activities from 7 to 10 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, as part of the townwide Bethlehem First Night celebration.

Andy the Music Man returns with two high-energy musical performances, and we’ll have theater workshops with Broadway Bound Performing Arts Academy, along with face-painting and green-screen fun throughout the evening.

All activities take place in the library’s lobby and meeting rooms, and regular library services will not be available.

The library is also a venue for First Night advance button purchases.

New Year’s Eve – Preschool Style

Do you have little ones who lack the energy for those late-night New Year’s Eve festivities? Then come to the library earlier in the day to celebrate with us and be home before naptime!

On Monday, Dec. 31, kids and families are invited to our New Year’s Eve Until Noon party that begins at 11 a.m. Wear something fancy or keep it casual to enjoy some bubbles, dancing, and games as we count down to noon.

Holiday hours

The library will be closing at 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 31, and all day Tuesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.