We need to talk
You may be wondering how we as a community can work toward social justice and equality. We can start by talking about it. Our Anti-Racist Book Group is dedicated to reading and discussing books by diverse authors in order to gain a better understanding of race and racism. First up, on Wednesday, July 22, is “So You Want to Talk About Race” by Ijeoma Oluo.
Moderated by Librarian Kate Lambert, the Anti-Racist Book Group meets the fourth Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m. Each month will highlight a nonfiction or #OwnVoices fiction book. The virtual discussion will take place live as a Zoom meeting, and signup is required so we can e-mail the link you will need to participate. You will also find the Anti-Racist Book Group on Goodreads. You’ll find more information, as well as links to register, follow the discussion on Goodreads and download the audiobook from Hoopla here: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-discussions/anti-racist-book-group.
#OwnVoices is a term coined by the writer Corinne Duyvis, and refers to an author from a marginalized or under-represented group writing about their own experiences/from their own perspective, rather than someone from an outside perspective writing as a character from an underrepresented group.
Copies of “So You Want to Talk About Race” are in high demand, but cardholders have instant access to the audiobook through Hoopla. The title is also be available as a simultaneous audiobook through Overdrive through July 26 (so you can save those Hoopla credits for something else).
Sign up for the Summer Reading Challenge
Have you signed up for the 2020 Summer Reading Challenge? It’s easy, fun for all ages and can be done entirely online. Click here for details and to sign up.
One of the challenge activities this year is to take part in a virtual library program. So what exactly is a virtual program and how can you participate?
Our virtual programs take place on our website, Zoom, YouTube, Goodreads and other online platforms. You can sit in on a Zoom Community Chat, watch one of our how-to videos on YouTube, do the activities outlined in our Online Storytime Kits or Listening Parties, or participate in other ways. Visit our online calendar to see what’s coming up, or check out our Programs page where links highlighted in green indicate programs with an online component.
For more information, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-2020.
Curbside and building updates
Now in its fourth week, curbside pickup at the library is going strong. It’s been so popular that we’ve expanded the hours to 1-7 p.m. weekdays and may add more hours in the coming weeks. Please visit our website (www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org) for more details and to learn how you can get your library items to go.
We are also accepting returns 24/7. Please follow the parking lot signs and use the designated drop-off sheds. Just a reminder: Returned materials are quarantined for 72 hours so they will not show up as checked in right away. Fines will not accrue at least through Aug. 7, at which time we will evaluate whether it may be necessary to extend the moratorium.
For the most up-to-date information about the library’s pandemic-related closure and a link to the phased reopening plan, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information.
Holiday hours
The library will be closed for curbside pickup on Friday, July 3, for the Independence Day holiday. Our bookdrops will remain open. As always, cardholders have access to e-books, audiobooks, digital magazines and more online anytime at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
