Have you met our Friends? If you were on the Friends-sponsored bus to New York City in December or enjoyed some ice cream during the final performance of our Evenings on the Green summer concert series then you probably have. If you’ve ever borrowed a museum pass or checked out an American Girl doll, ukulele, telescope or GoPro camera, then you have our Friends to thank as well.
If you haven’t met the Friends already (and even if you have!), then stop by the library Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 7-8 p.m. and get to know them a little better at an informal Friends of Bethlehem Public Library meet and greet. This is your opportunity to learn more about what they do and how you can become more involved.
Friends of Bethlehem Public Library is an advocacy and support group dedicated to increasing public awareness of the library, and their generosity has supported many important library programs and services.
Think you’d like to be a Friend too? Memberships start at $20. For more information, visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and find the Friends link on the “About Us” page.
Making a federal case
The third talk in our four-part Federalist Papers series takes place Monday, Feb. 19, from 7-8:30 p.m., with humanities scholar Giacomo Calabria discussing Papers No. 39 and 51.
Initiated by Alexander Hamilton, the 85 anonymous Federalist Papers advocated for the adoption of the United States Constitution. Federalist No. 39 defines what a republican form of government is and considers whether the nation is federal or national. No. 51 addresses means by which checks and balances can be created in government and also advocates a separation of powers.
The series ends March 19 with a look at Papers No. 64, 70 and 78.
The Federalist Papers can be accessed through Wikipedia, with limited paper copies available during the presentations. Pick up a brochure with additional details about the series at the Information Desk or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org, where a recording of the second talk and interview with Calabria are also available.
The series is grant-funded and sponsored by Humanities New York.
Winter break at the library
Stop by for some great library programs for all ages during winter break week, starting off with a return of The Puppet People on Monday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. Solve the mystery of Book Island and help the hero save the day in a performance for kids and families that promises plenty of public participation. Doors open 15 minutes prior to performance and space is limited. This program is part of the Ann Seegal Memorial Storytelling Series.
Also coming up during winter break week:
Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 10 a.m.: Hula Hoop for Health and Fun
Get healthy and have fun in an instruction-based hula hoop exercise class just for teens, Sign up online or call.
Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 2-3 p.m.: Build with Dominos
Come to the library to build with dominos.
Tuesday, Feb. 20, at 6:30 p.m.: “The Lego Ninjago Movie”
Six young ninjas are tasked with defending their island home using their warrior skills (PG, 100 min., Warner Bros.).
Thursday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m.: KBA: Kids Builder Association
Build your own fun with Legos, Snap Circuits, K’nex, blocks, puzzles, origami and more.
More events
All events are free and take place at Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call (518) 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Friday Feb. 16
Rubber Ducky Club: Animals A to Z
Drop in to the Community Room and give us your best animal imitations, or try some animal yoga poses and more at 26 different activity stations, 10-10:30 a.m. For children and families.
Super Smash Tournament
Will you be the champion of the ultimate Super Smash Bros. battle on the WiiU? Winners get bragging rights and a 3D printed trophy, 3:30 p.m. Sign up online or call.
— Kristen Roberts
