Coffee & Conversation returns this month with a virtual lineup that promises an exciting mix of music and thought-provoking presentations. Enjoy the series while staying safe and comfortable at home with your coffee … or tea. Following each program will be some time to chat and ask questions.
Kicking things off on Friday, Sept. 18, is a performance of “Golden Oldies” by Alyssa Yeager, who is both a professional musician and practicing music therapist. On Friday, Oct. 23, the series will feature a presentation by professional genealogist Lisa Dougherty about getting started on your own family history. We’ll end October on a high note, as we are joined by local historians Michael Catoggio and Bill Schilling, who will share their research on the Swing Era in the Capital Region on Friday, Oct. 30.
All Coffee and Conversation programs begin at 1 p.m. To sign up to participate, visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and click on the date and event you are interested in. The series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Listening Parties turns 10
This fall, our popular monthly Listening Parties series will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a special edition that revisits the very first topic discussed — The Beatles’ 1968 White Album. Librarian Michael Farley will facilitate the live discussion Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2pm, sharing selections from the album, as well as the updates that came with the release of the 2018 “Super Deluxe” edition, which adds 27 songs recorded by the band at George Harrison’s house, on an Ampex four-track tape machine.
Our Listening Parties meet monthly to hear selections from classic albums while discussing the life and music of great musicians. Join fellow music lovers and share your personal impressions and memories, rediscover milestones in music history, and talk about the artists that have shaped the musical landscape. It’s like a book club, but for music. Coming in October, we’ll be listening to works by Leonard Bernstein, and in November, the spotlight is on Aaron Copeland.
To sign up to participate, visit our online calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and click on the date and event you are interested in. Clips and commentary from recent Listening Parties are also now available online. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/programs/listening-parties-online for more information.
Library services that work for you
When it comes to getting books, movies, audiobooks and more into your hands, we are one library with many options so that YOU can decide how much contact you are comfortable with.
Curbside pickup is currently available from 1-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday.
The library is open for limited in-person browsing from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Our Pop-Up Library on the Plaza continues on nicer days.
Books to People offers a delivery service for the homebound.
Cardholders can download eBooks and audiobooks, and stream video online anytime.
As we phase in more library services, please know that we are basing our decision on the latest public health and safety guidance from state and local government. Because of the rapidly changing nature of this information, we have created a webpage for the latest building and service updates. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information to stay up-to-date.
Get your canvas
Give back to your community by participating in an outdoor community art show. The goal of this year’s Great Giveback project is to use art to highlight the good in our community while creating a new, safe, outdoor experience for people to enjoy. Use your art to thank a person or organization, or use your art to inspire good feelings in others. The library will provide blank yard signs for interested community members to use as canvases. For more details or to request your canvas: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/great-giveback-2020-outdoor-community-art-show.
Voter info
You can call 1-800-FOR-VOTE to request a voter application.
You can also pick up a voter registration form at the library. They are available at the Information Desk and the Pop-Up Library, and they can also be requested for curbside pickup.
— Kristen Roberts