The Bethlehem Press calendar listings are, to the best of our knowledge, correct at the time of printing. We are not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of information submitted by external parties.

General information

Visit the Bethlehem Area Public Library at 11 E. Church St. (main) or 400 Webster St. (Southside branch) or 2740 Fifth St. (Coolidge) or visit www.youtube.com/channel/UCsuAN4Af6kv3jQl1us_WkWQ/featured and www.bapl.org/events/categories/virtual-events for a variety of items. For hours, information or to speak with staff members, call 610-867-3761 (main-11 W. Church St.) or 610-867-7852 400; Webster St. (Southside branch) or 484-892-6267 (Coolidge). Chat service and general information: visit www.bapl.org (main) or at www.facebook.com/paBAPL or www.bapl.org/ssmain.htm (Southside) or https://www.bapl.org/coolidge/ (Coolidge).

Events are held live and virtually; refer to BAPL calendar for details. Due to the pandemic: hours, masking and capacity limits may change without prior notice. Check websites or call the above listed numbers to speak with staff members.

REQUEST ITEMS FROM THE LIBRARY for Bookmobile pick-up: call 610-867-3761, ext. 399 or e-mail info@bapl.org for adult materials. Children’s items: call 610-867-3761, ext. 499 or e-mail youthservice@bapl.org at least one day in advance of pick-up. Select pickup location: bookmobile before submitting request.

RENEWALS FROM HOME: log in to account at www.bapl.org or call 610-867-3761(x299) for the circulation desk.

SOUTHSIDE BRANCH: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays. Call 610-867-7852 for more information.

BOOKMOBILE SCHEDULE CHANGES AND CANCELLATIONS: Contact mhenninger@bapl.org to be notified about cancellations. Updates posted on news blogs at www.bapl.org; click ‘BAPL News’ on left-side of menu.

BOOKS ON THE HILL, Stanley & Spiegel, Fountain Hill: hours: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; closed Wednesdays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. alternate Fridays and Saturdays.

EVENTS CALENDAR: Visit www.bapl.org/events/

ALL LIBRARIES: CLOSINGS AND CHANGES OF HOURS HOLIDAY CLOSURES: The main library and the branches are closed on holidays. For information re: hours including time and date changes, information or to speak with staff members, call 610-867-3761 or 610-867-7852 400 or visit www.bapl.org

BOOKS ON THE HILL -Fountain Hill

Tuesdays: Poem of the week at Books on the Hill. A new poem is selected and recited by performance poet/library staff Cleveland Wall. No registration needed. No registration necessary--this is a drop-in between 1 and 5 p.m. event.

COOLIDGE

Thursday, December 21

Family story time - stars. Ages two to five. Themed storytimes featuring picture books, puppets, childhood rhymes, songs, and a simple craft. 10:15 to 11 a.m. Must register, visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/family-storytime-coolidge-8588

Thursday, December 28

Family story time - winter. Ages two to five. Themed storytimes featuring picture books, puppets, childhood rhymes, songs, and a simple craft. 10:15 to 11 a.m. Must register, visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/family-storytime-coolidge-8589

SOUTHSIDE

Reminder: Accessible by stairs only.

December events:

Tuesdays

Playtime at the SouthSide Library: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Children up to four years old, parents and caregivers. Sharing, being silly and having fun. No drop-offs allowed. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/playtime-library-46

Tuesdays and Thursdays

The YMCA will be preparing and delivering meals to eat at the SouthSide library for adults age 18 and up while supplies last. 5 to 6 p.m. Visit: Tuesdays: https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/free-dinners-adults-80; Thursdays: https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/free-dinners-adults-81

Food Allergies: No guarantee that food served at this program has not come into contact with tree nuts, soy, or other allergens.

Wednesdays

Preschoool Storytime at SouthSide Library: 10:30 to 11 a.m. Children up to four years old, parents and caregivers. Sharing, being silly and having fun. No drop-offs allowed. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/preschool-storytime-south-side-8

Thursday, December 21

Winter Solstice Party at the South Side

Warm up with a cup of hot cocoa and try to pin the carrot on the snowman! We will also have a winter-themed slime station, along with other crafts, snacks, and free gifts. 5 to 6 p.m. Ages two and up with accompanying adult(s). Must register: visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/winter-solstice-party-south-side-8916

MAIN LIBRARY

Mondays in December

Toddler storytime stories and songs. 10 to 10:30 a.m. for two to three and one-half year olds. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/toddler-storytime-2-3-12-year-olds-8237

Tuesdays in December

Family Story time; stories, songs, and fingerplays for the family. 10 to 10:30. Selected dates only; visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/family-storytime-32

First and Third Tuesdays ‘till December 19

Fiber Arts: Bring knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, sewing and fiber project. Monthly themes, challenges, yarn exchange. All ages, experience levels. 6 to 8 p.m. First and third Tuesdays; ends December 19. Must register: visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/fiber-arts-friends-22

Wednesday, December 13

Writer’s Workshop. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Open to anyone who writes in any genre, from novels to cover letters to essays. We will use the first 45 minutes to write together, setting goals for ourselves and working independently. Prompts will be available if you need inspiration. Our last 30-45 minutes will be open for workshopping your writing with other group members and peer-reviewing works in progress.Information: https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/writers-workshop-7311

Thursday, December 14

Preschool block party. Ages 2 and up with accompanying adult. Build and create with our collection of preschool blocks and building toys. No registration needed. 10 to 11 a.m. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/preschool-block-party-ages-2-5-adult-8834

That’s My Story memoir writing. A form of creative nonfiction in which the author recounts experiences from his or her own life. Whether your intention is to pass along your story to family or to write for self-healing, with reflection and practice, you will learn to find meaning in the past and refine your writing skills. We are a small group of novice writers who enjoy sharing and listening to each other’s stories noon to 1 p.m. Register at https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/thats-my-story-memoir-writing-group-4202

Saturday, December 16

Toy Bingo! We’ll play bingo games and do some toy-related crafts throughout the morning. The best part--all bingo winners will get to pick out a toy to take home and keep FOREVER! These are all gently used toys and we will have piles separated depending on age group and which toy is appropriate for each child. No registration. 11 a.m. to noon.

Liberty High School: 100 Years...100 Notable Graduates. Book signing with author Mark Iampietro. Books will be available for signing and purchased. Part of the proceeds benefit the Bethlehem Area Public Library. 2 to 3 p.m. Information: visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/book-signing-100-years100-notable-graduates

Christmas trvia for adults. Teams of four or fewer 2 to 4 p.m. Must register in advance https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/christmas-trivia-so-called-adults-or-whomever-7388.

Monday, December 18

Holiday edition of “We’ve Got the Beat”. Ages two and up. Play preschool instruments and keep the beat. No registration. 10 to 10:30 a.m. https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/holiday-edition-weve-got-beat-dance-jam-session-ages-2-8836 Open Mic Night, hosted by Bill Medei. Music, comedy, poetry. Performers arrive at 5 p.m. to sign-up. 15 minute time limit for musicians; six minute time limit for poets, comedians. 5 to 7:30 p.m. Visit- https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/open-mic-night-bapl-26

Tuesday, December 19

After school holiday crafting. Stop in, make something seasonal to display at home or share with someone. No registration required. Grades K-to five. 4 to 5 p.m. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/after-school-holiday-crafting-prek-gr-6-8837

Fiber arts: bring knitting, crocheting, cross stitch, sewing and fiber project. Monthly themes, challenges, yarn exchange. Ends December 19. Last one. All ages, experience levels. 6 to 8 p.m. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/index.php/event/fiber-arts-friends-25

Virtual film club: Alphaville. Watch the film on your own time, then meet with our virtual film club to discuss the film on Zoom. Registration is required. Zoom Invites will be sent out via email. 7 to 8 p.m.Must register: https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/virtual-film-club-16

Wednesday, December 20

Hear stories about kindness and create a work of art to take home. No registration is required. All ages. 10 to 10:30 a.m. Visit https://bethlehemarea.librarycalendar.com/event/holiday-kindness-stories-art-activity-8838 Other facilities:

The library makes every effort to ensure that programs may be enjoyed by all. If you have any concerns about accessibility or need to request specific accommodations, please contact the library.