Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.58 million for the 2022-23 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.3 million, a 3.25 percent increase over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap.
This spending plan allows the library to continue to invest in physical and electronic resources as circulation reaches pre-pandemic numbers, while making adjustments for expected increases in energy costs, personnel needs and building maintenance over the coming year.
“Our 2022-23 budget gives us the room we need to keep our collections strong and relevant as we return to a pre-pandemic level of service. The library remains committed to providing the resources needed to foster resiliency within our community at a cost well under state spending limits,” said library director Geoffrey Kirkpatrick.
A detailed budget chart and letter from the Board of Trustees are available in the May/June issue of the Footnotes newsletter, which will be mailed next week, and online at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org.
There is one trustee seat on the ballot, currently held by Mary Redmond, who is not seeking re-election. A list of candidates is available on the library’s website.
A Meet the Candidates night will be held Wednesday, May 4, at 6 p.m., and the Board of Trustees will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 9, meeting, which begins at 6 p.m.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 17, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
Leadership lessons from Plutarch
Fans of past programs with Giacomo Calabria, such as the Hamilton and Civil War series, won’t want to miss his latest offering – “Leadership Lessons from Plutarch,” a virtual Coffee and Conversation series that touches on the Ancient Greek philosopher Plutarch’s most famous writings on leadership. What lessons can be learned from these writings to better understand and practice good leadership?
This series will take place every Friday through May 6 at 1 p.m. Register for each talk individually. Visit bethlehem.librarycalendar.com and select the date to sign up.
Coffee & Conversation is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc. and this 4-part series is grant funded by Humanities New York.
Friends Book Sale Fundraiser
Save the date and make some space on your bookshelves to stock up on some new-to-you books and DVDs this spring at the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library’s Pop-Up Book Sale on the library plaza Saturday and Sunday May 21-22, from noon-4 p.m. For sale will be books and other materials that have been removed from the library collection and are in excellent condition. Many are duplicate copies of popular titles, and large print titles will be available.
Pricing is cash-only by suggested donation; the Friends will not be able to make change.
Enjoy some live music while you shop with the following performers scheduled for Saturday, May 21:
• Noon-1 p.m.: Guitarist Warren Sieme will play familiar tunes for families.
• 2-3 p.m.: Jazz trumpeter Steve Lambert and guitarist Joe Finn will perform.
— Kristen Roberts
