At Bethlehem Public Library, we’re making it easy for your little one to get excited about early literacy with a new experience that IS all it’s quacked up to be!
Our Rubber Ducky Club, which launches May 1, is a brand new educational early literacy program for you and your child to do together — creating special moments and encouraging a love of language and reading. It may be a while before your child starts kindergarten, but he or she is already developing the skills that will lead to success in learning to read, write and be part of the school environment. Rubber Ducky Club makes learning those skills fun, and it is a great way for families to create some special moments together.
Designed for children from birth to those entering kindergarten, Rubber Ducky Club focuses on five basic early literacy skills: talk, read, write, sing and play. Record your child’s progress online and earn badges and prizes when you reach learning milestones.
It’s easy to register online, or visit us at the Children’s Desk, and we’ll help get you started. All abilities are welcome. Registration opens May 1. To register online, go to: bethlehempubliclibrary.beanstack.org.
To get things started off right, we’re having a Rubber Ducky Club Kickoff Party on Friday, May 5, from 10-11 a.m. It’s a ducky-themed extravaganza to celebrate the launch of this exciting new program. We can’t wait for you to join the club!
Budget review
Don’t forget, the proposed 2017-18 budget will be presented at the Monday, May 8, Board of Trustees meeting at 6 p.m.; we encourage you to attend. On the ballot this year is a library levy 2.07 percent higher than last year, within the limit specified by New York state. You can view the proposed budget in the May/June edition of Footnotes. It is also posted in our lobby and online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Also on the ballot is one seat on the board of trustees with a term of five year. Incumbent board President Mary Redmond is running unopposed. The trustee election and budget vote will take place Tuesday, May 16, at Bethlehem Central High School from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
New Flipster titles
We’ve recently added a dozen new titles to Flipster, our popular, user-friendly digital magazine service. Bethlehem cardholders now have access to Better Homes & Gardens, Glamour, Martha Stewart Living, Taste of Home, Family Circle, Food and Wine, and more. To access the magazines, go to our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org and click on the Flipster icon on the home page.
Upcoming events
All events are free and take place at Bethlehem Public Library, 451 Delaware Ave., Delmar. For more information, call 439-9314 or visit bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
Friday, April 28
Coffee and Conversation: Shakespeare in the Garden
Cathie Gifford will examine the symbolism and mystic meanings conveyed by Shakespeare’s choice of flora in his writing, 1-3 p.m. Hour long program is followed by a coffee hour featuring beverages and light refreshments.
Saturday, April 29
Which Came First?
Meet a rooster and a hen while learning how an egg incubator works with environmental educator George Steele, 2:15 p.m. For all ages.
Sunday, April 30
Monty Python Appreciation
If you’re a fan of Monty Python, come on down to watch some of your favorite sketches and then act them out karaoke-style. Props provided; silly walks encouraged, 2-3:30 p.m.
Monday, May 1
Fun and Games for Grownups
An adults-only gathering where you can play games, including chess, color and socialize, 6-8:30 p.m. An optional Locked Box Challenge at the beginning of the program that lasts 30-45 minutes allows you to work collaboratively with a group to open a locked box by solving a series of clues.
— Kristen Roberts
