When it comes to free WiFi at the library – you CAN take it with you. Bethlehem Public Library loans out WiFi hotspots that provide “Internet to go.” Use the device to stream music or your favorite show or do some online research on your own time and in your own space – there are no restrictions as long as cell service is available.
The devices are portable and can be borrowed for two weeks at a time. Bethlehem cardholders can even request them through the catalog. The hotspots must be returned to the library through a curbside dropoff. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “WiFi” to see what’s available.
Listening Party
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. Listening Parties take a break in December and resume in the new year.
This month, the spotlight is on Aaron Copland. Born in Brooklyn, to a Russian immigrant family, 120 years ago this month, Copland became in the 1930s and 40s the very voice of America in the realm of classical concert music. Join us Thursday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. as we listen to selections of his work from over his long career as a composer.
Clips and commentary from recent Listening Parties are also available online. Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/programs/listening-parties-online for more information.
New life for old home movies
Do you have some old home movies on VHS that you would like to digitize? You can now borrow an analog video converter from our Library of Things. Make a digital copy of those precious memories from a VCR, camcorder or other analog sources using the Elgato Video Capture. The device includes RCA and S-video cables, as well as a SCART adapter. They are available to borrow on a first-come basis, and must be picked up and dropped off at Bethlehem Public Library. Go to behlehempubliclibrary.org and search the catalog for “Elgato” to see what’s available.
BCN-TV reminders
Bethlehem’s public access station, BCN-TV, features productions that range from 30-second public service announcements to long-running series. Shows span a wide range of topics – public affairs and poetry, religion and relationships, music and medicine, education and environment. Local school and town board meetings are also cablecast, and a community calendar runs daily. A number of library-produced programs are also part of the lineup.
You can easily find out what is on and coming up on BCN-TV with our online guide. The listings are continually updated and project the schedule a week out. Find the new weekly BCN-TV guide online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/webapps/tvschedule.asp.
You can watch BCN-TV on Spectrum Channel 1301 and Verizon Fios Channel 28.
Thanksgiving
The library will close at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 26, for the Thanksgiving holiday. The library will be open 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. Curbside pickup hours will be from 1-5 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday. Staff and trustees would like to wish our Bethlehem neighbors a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Library hours
The library is open from 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
Curbside pickup is currently available from 1-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1-6 p.m. Friday.
Visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/coronavirus-information for the latest library service updates.
A reminder about due dates
The moratorium on late fees has been extended through December 31, 2020. In the coming weeks, please check your account for any overdue materials that you might have forgotten about and bring them in. Because of the mandatory four-day quarantine, items returned will not show up on your account right away.
— Kristen Roberts
