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Richard Feldman is back at the library Friday, Oct. 26, to present Part V in his ever-popular To Life! series as part of the Coffee and Conversation programming. This time around, he will showcase songs from popular American musicals about the fun and unexpected ways people fall in love.
Feldman has directed and choreographed more than 125 musical productions at local venues and taught English, creative writing and American musical theater at Bethlehem Central High School for more than three decades. He’s also a frequent contributor to Bethlehem’s Humanities Institute of Lifelong Learning.
Coffee & Conversation programs are free and open to everyone. They begin at 1 p.m. and last about 60 minutes with a coffee and social hour following. The series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Call 518-439-9314 or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for more information.
Shadows in the spotlight
Shadow puppetry is a unique form of storytelling with a spare and beautiful quality.
Learn more about this ancient art Monday, Oct. 29, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the library’s “History of Chinese Shadow Theater” program.
UAlbany professor Dr. Fan Pen Chen will talk about the history and social functions of shadow theater using footage of the puppet-making process and performances.
Your input is important
Tell us what you think! If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the library services survey included in the November/December Footnotes, we encourage you to take the time to do so and return your answers to us before Nov. 30.
An online version may be found at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org can be filled out and submitted electronically, or a large-print version can be picked up at the library Information Desk.
Trick or treat at the library
This Halloween, pint-sized princesses, ghouls, pirates and superheroes will haunt our hallways as they trick-or-treat their way among the books.
On Wednesday, Oct. 31, we’ve set aside two drop-in trick-or-treating times for our littlest patrons – at 10:15 to 10:45 a.m. and 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Kids can show off their costumes and enjoy Halloween in a safe, dry place.
This “freestyle” trick-or-treating format makes it easier to work around you and your child’s schedule.
Drop by the Children’s Place at any point during the above times to pick up a free treat bag and get started on some library trick-or-treating fun.
Get ready to write
Do you know what NaNoWriMo means? It’s a catchy way of referring to National Novel Writing Month, which just happens to be in November.
The goal of NaNoWriMo is to create the first draft of a novel within the month. The library is here to encourage that creative enterprise by offering working and collaboration space in one of our meeting rooms for adults taking up the NaNoWriMo challenge.
Join other would-be authors in this exciting literary pursuit starting Friday, Nov. 2, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Other drop-in times include Nov. 9 and 16, both Fridays, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Stop by for one or more sessions at your convenience; writing instruction is not provided. Visit nanowrimo.org for more details and tips for getting started.
Other upcoming 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.
Thursday Oct. 25
Make a Great Pumpkin
You bring the pumpkin; we’ll provide the decorating supplies. Then watch the Charles Schultz classic, “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” from 6:30-7:30 p.m. For kids and families.
Sunday, Oct. 28
Sunday Cinema:
‘The African Queen’ (PG, 105 min.,
Paramount Pictures)
A WWI 100th Anniversary event! Film series with titles suitable
for adult audiences. Shown with Subtitling for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing when possible, 2:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 29
Escape Room:
Halloween Edition
An Escape Room with a spooky twist. Use puzzle-solving skills to unlock the box in time, 4 p.m. For grades 6-12. Sign up online or call.
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Tai Chi for Health
Weekly class explores the Tai Chi for Energy form. No experience is needed, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, 4 p.m. Participants will build on skills from week to week. Teens welcome!
— Kristen Roberts