“Turkey in the MERF: a Tug Tale,” the latest Tug story from Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Catherine McCafferty, made its debut in a special story time at the National Museum of Industrial History recently in conjunction with the annual Steel Weekend celebration.

Sadly, the former steelworker guest reader was unable to attend, so the author herself read the story. The concept for the story was codeveloped by NMIH’s Mike Piersa from stories told by former Bethlehem Steel workers about holiday celebrations cooked in the equipment at the foundry.

In addition to the story time, the library had a display with children’s activities. Pat Burke, a volunteer docent at the museum, had children assist in making a sand mold. Then, he carefully added molten metal to the mold to produce half-dollar sized smiley faces.

An upcoming workshop at the museum Dec. 17 will feature making holiday tin ornaments. Visit NMIH.org to learn more.

“Turkey in the MERF: A Tug Tale” may be purchased at the National Museum of Industrial History’s gift shop or from the Bethlehem Area Public Library’s Main Branch. Additionally, library card holders may borrow passes to the National Museum of Industrial History from the library’s Southside branch. Visit BAPL.org to learn more.

“The publishing of the books was generously supported by Textron Specialized Vehicles Inc.,” said Megan Pildis, director of development at the National Museum of Industrial History. “Textron is the parent company of the TUG brand and continues to manufacture and innovate in the field of specialty vehicles such as airport pushback tractors.”