 Bethlehem Public Library has a proposed budget of $4.45 million for the 2021-22 fiscal year. The levy portion of the budget comes in at about $4.2 million, a zero percent increase over last year and within the state-mandated spending cap.
By identifying areas of savings, this spending plan allows the library to continue to invest in physical and electronic resources, as well as online access to research and investing tools, and career and educational support — without increasing the levy.
“We worked very hard to come up with a budget that maintains and grows our collection without an increased tax burden. We know that many have found the library and its resources to be a comfort during these tough times, and we believe the 2021-22 budget will allow us to continue the level of service our community deserves,” 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 and online. Click here for more.
There is one trustee seat on the 2021 ballot, currently held by incumbent Harmeet Narang, who is seeking re-election unopposed. An informal virtual Meet the Candidates evening will broadcast on the library’s YouTube channel Wednesday, May 5, at 6 p.m.
The Board of Trustees will hold a public budget review at their Monday, May 10, virtual meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. and can be watched on the library’s YouTube channel.
Bethlehem Central School District residents will vote on the budget Tuesday, May 18, from 7 a.m.-9 p.m. at Bethlehem Central High School.
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Friends host pop-up book sale
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 Save the date and make space on your bookshelves and 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. The sale will take place Saturday, May 15, from 1-4 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. Visitors are required to wear a mask that covers their nose and chin, and hand sanitizer will be available. The book sale is weather-permitting, and a rain date of May 22 has been scheduled.
Click here for more information about the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
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Pandemic health and wellness series
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In May, we’re offering a virtual Pandemic Health and Wellness Series designed to help you focus on your own self care and take a break from the stress and anxiety of these challenging times. Sign up for one or more of the following events and join us as we invite area experts to share some tried and true ways to relax and be well – even amid the chaos.
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Evening Qi Gong
Tuesday, May 4 • 7 p.m.
Explore gentle postures that incorporate movement, visualization and breathing in this class is taught by librarian Cathy Brenner, who is a certified tai chi instructor. All ages welcome. Click here to sign up.
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Staying Motivated to Eat Healthy
Thursday, May 6 • 7 p.m.
Bounce back from a tumultuous year by learning mindful ways to choose nutritious, plant-forward foods and move more with Karen Roberts Mort from the Cornell Cooperative Extension. Click here to sign up.
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Learn to Meditate
Monday May 10 • 7 p.m.
Join the Shambhala Center of Albany to learn to meditate, to cultivate stability, clarity, and strength. For beginners and those who would like to refresh their skills. Click here to sign up.
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Zentangle
Wednesday, May 12 • 6:30 p.m.
Join certified Zentangle Instructor Lisa Lehman for an intro to the Zentangle Method and practice some basic tangles. Click here to sign up.
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 Just like we actually DO judge a book by its cover, so do we judge a movie by its trailer. That’s why Kanopy, a video streaming service available to Bethlehem cardholders, is now offering trailers for its top 100+ films with plans to add even more. Kanopy’s trailers are a great way to see if a movie is what you’re looking for without having to lose one of your play credits if it isn’t.
Videos with trailers available will have a button underneath the title. Trailers are currently only available on the web platform.
Ready to start browsing Kanopy’s collection to see which quick clips make it to your “must watch” list? Click here to get started.
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The library is currently open for in-person use, as well as curbside pickup. Hours are subject to change, so please visit our website for the most up-to-date information. Click here for more information about the COVID-related health and safety requirements in place at this time.
The library building is open:
- Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Saturday 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Curbside hours remain:
- Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday 1-5 p.m.
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