#BethlehemPublicLibrary #SpotlightNews
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 HVAC 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.
• Summer Reading was a huge hit. Teen volunteers kept everything running smoothly, and adults were encouraged to take part with their very own Bingo reading challenge.
• We celebrated Bethlehem’s 225th anniversary by hosting a photography contest featuring images of the town.
• 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.
• A series of films, music and lectures marked the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI.
• A survey sent to all households in the school district asked for community feedback on libraries services. Hundreds of people responded.
Holiday hours
The library will be closing at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 31, and all day Tuesday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. We’re always open online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
— Kristen Roberts
