#BethlehemPublicLibrary #Events #SpotlightNews
Our goal at the library is to provide patrons with plenty of lifelong learning opportunities, and the Coffee and Conversation lecture series for adults delivers. We work hard to keep the series fresh and exciting, with a variety of presenters and topics – from the American musical to beekeeping and everything in between. If you haven’t yet joined us for one of these exciting talks, now is the time to stop by and see what it’s all about.
This Friday, June 1, at 1 p.m., amateur historian and Grant Cottage tour guide Steve Trimm will present “Mahican, Mohican, Mohegan?” a discussion of the Native American tribe that was once a force to be reckoned with in the Hudson Valley, with a nation that once stretched from Dutchess County to Lake Champlain. Who were they? Where did they go and why? Trimm will answer these questions and more.
The following Friday, June 8, join us for “History of the Hudson River Valley.” Enjoy a talk with Vernon Benjamin, Hudson River Valley historian and author of “The History of the Hudson River Valley: From Wilderness to the Civil War” and “The History of the Hudson River Valley: From the Civil War to Modern Times.”
Rounding out the month is a Coffee and Conversation program on Friday, June 15, titled “The Joy of Trains.” Local author and entertainer Chuck Oates will tell stories, sing songs and share video clips celebrating the historic railroads of the American West.
The Coffee and Conversation series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc., and programs are free and open to everyone. They begin at 1 p.m. and last about 60 minutes with a coffee and social hour following. The series is co-sponsored by Bethlehem Senior Projects, Inc.
Call (518) 439-9314 or visit www.bethlehempubliclibrary.org for more information.
Read It Forward
Teens, it’s Read It Forward time again at the library! This year, the featured book is “Beneath” by Roland Smith. The novel is a fast-paced thriller that follows Pat O’Toole as he searches for his brother, Coop, who has run away after a big fight with his parents. With little in the way of clues, Pat must locate and bring home his brother, who has joined a secret society living beneath the streets of New York City.
No due dates, no late fees, no worries! Just read the book, tell a friend about it, and pass it on. A limited number of books will be available at the library.
For details, see the guidelines found in each book, visit www.bplteens.org or stop by the desk in the Children’s Place. Keep the reading chain going this summer, and tell us what you think about the book. This is a collaborative project with the Upper Hudson Library System.
Be a summer volunteer
We’re looking for volunteers who will be in grade 6-12 in September to help with our summer reading program. Our teens staff the summer reading desk, assist with online submissions, read to children, review books, and help with programs and activities. Applications are available online at www.bplteens.org and in the library. They will be accepted until 9 p.m. June 4 or until all positions are filled. Volunteers must attend an orientation session.
Just for fifth-graders
Middle school can seem like an awfully big place when you don’t know that many people. That’s why the library is holding a special event just for fifth-graders Thursday, May 31, from 3:45-4:45 p.m. At “Tween Fuse Beads,” fifth-graders from all of the Bethlehem schools can come together, mingle, and make some crafts with teen librarian, Tori. Snacks will be served! Now when school starts up in fall, it won’t seem so full of unfamiliar faces.
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.
Monday, June 4
Intro to Microsoft Excel
Find out how to get started with the spreadsheet software in this two-session program, 10 a.m.-noon. Sign up online or call.
Fun and Games for Grownups
An adults-only gathering where you can play games, including chess, color and socialize, 6-8:30 p.m. Snacks served!
Wed., June 6
Trivia Night for Adults
Come alone or as a team and match wits with others, 7-8:15 p.m.
— Kristen Roberts