In May, the library will begin offering an indoor Family Storytime with a limited number of spots available.
Registration for this storytime is required. Please note that this program is NOT available on a drop in basis.
We continue to offer regular Family Storytimes, Baby Bounce and Books, and Music and Movement outside on the Green.
Enjoy stories, songs and more with all of your storytime friends. These programs will be cancelled in inclement weather, so be sure to check our calendar if the skies look “iffy.”
There’s no need to sign up for our outdoor storytimes; just come on by!
Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to browse and sign up for storytimes.
Helping women and girls in need
The library is accepting new, unopened donations of feminine hygiene products to give to our local food pantry. According to the nonprofit organization Feeding the Hungry, millions of women in this country go without important personal care items every day because of shrinking household budgets, and 1 in 5 girls left school early or missed school entirely because they didn’t have menstrual products available. A donation bin will be set up in the library lobby through May 25.
This collection for women in need locally ties into a program we’re holding later this month to help girls around the world have access to menstrual hygiene products through the MoonCatcher project. We’re holding a sewing bee Wednesday, May 25, at 1 p.m. to assemble reusable pads and bags to be distributed to young women in 30 different countries. No special skills are required to participate. Space is limited. Visit our calendar at bethlehem.librarycalendar.com to sign up.
Everything’s better in bundles
Not sure what to read, watch or listen to next? Want to find some new books for your kids without having to scan the shelves for something that jumps out at you? Our Book Bundles include selections hand-picked for you by one of our librarians based on the reading preferences you share through this form: www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org/book-bundle-request. We use that information to narrow down 10 curated picks in your favorite genres and formats – maybe with a surprise or two thrown in!
Bundles are available for adults, teens, grade-schoolers and “read-to-me” children up to age 6. We even have special bundles that can be customized for educators. You will be contacted by e-mail or phone when the items are ready for pickup. Questions? E-mail [email protected]
Budget and election news
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.
There is one open trustee seat. On the ballot are Sarah Patterson and Anne Scott. Visit our website at www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org to learn more about the candidates.
The Board of Trustees will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 9, meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched on the library’s YouTube channel. bit.ly/BethPLYouTube
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.
— Kristen Roberts
