Happy Festing!

Now, every time you borrow materials from a BAPL branch, you’ll not only receive your due date—you’ll also see how much you saved by using your library card. It’s a fun and meaningful way to highlight the value of your membership. So next time you visit, check your receipt and celebrate the savings!

The Bethlehem Area Public Library’s mission is to connect our community through literature, media, and more. Our cardholders enjoy access to thousands of books, movies, albums, and other resources—all completely free. We’re proud to provide this service to the people of Bethlehem and the greater Lehigh Valley.

This kind of access isn’t just convenient—it’s community-driven. Whether you’re searching for a weekend movie, a new novel, or materials for school or work, the library is here to support lifelong learning, enrichment, and entertainment. By offering a wide range of media to borrow, BAPL helps reduce household expenses while promoting a culture of sustainability, sharing, and connection.

• Visitors to the Main Library: 173,285

• Reference questions answered: 25,788

• Items Borrowed: 421,492

You can also read about the new local history collections added to bapl.org, the many events held at our many library locations, our outreach activities in the community, and a list of our major donors.

Thank you to everyone who participated in BAPL’s year in ways big and small. Whether you checked out a book, attended a program, donated to a fundraiser, or used a resource online, you were part of our story in 2024 and we thank you!

Bethlehem, PA (October 2024) — Lehigh Valley artist, musician, and professional skateboarder Ray Gurz will release his fourth children’s book, Jacob and Ridley Hang with Koda, at a special launch event here at the Bethlehem Area Public Library (BAPL) on November 30 at 10 AM. Gurz, known for his energetic creativity and his passion for skateboarding, continues the heartwarming adventures of his beloved characters, Jacob and Ridley, in this highly anticipated new book.

Jacob and Ridley Hang with Koda follows the two best friends as they embark on a new adventure, welcoming a new furry friend named Koda into their crew. Koda is based on Ray’s real-life pug of the same name, who he adopted from the Sanctuary of Haafsville. A percentage of the proceeds will benefit their work. As in previous books, Gurz’s playful illustrations bring the story to life, while the narrative encourages children to embrace friendship, inclusion, and living authentically.

“I’m so pumped to introduce Koda in this book,” said Gurz. “The Jacob and Ridley series is all about staying true to yourself and hanging with your friends — with a little skateboarding fun thrown in for good measure.”

This marks Gurz’s fourth book, building on the success of his previous titles, including Jacob and Ridley Head to the Park and Jacob and Ridley Start a Band.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ray back to the library,” said BAPL Executive Director Josh Berk. “I’m a big fan of his music and art and the Jacob and Ridley books in particular. They are so fun and it’s always a blast having him at the library. Maybe Koda will come too!”

The event will take place at BAPL’s Main Library, located at 11 W. Church Street in Bethlehem. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Ray Gurz, purchase signed copies of Jacob and Ridley Hang with Koda, and enjoy activities for kids. Copies of the book will be available for sale during the event.

The evening event featured a thrilling one-man performance of Sherlock Holmes and The Speckled Band by acclaimed actor Neill Hartley. Attendees were captivated as Sherlock unraveled the mystery inside a dark, menacing mansion, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats.

The rare book auction was the highlight of the evening, with bidders competing for the chance to own a signed copy of The Stark Munro Letters by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “Conan Doyle autographs are incredibly rare,” said BAPL Executive Director Josh Berk. “Owning a signed book by him is a dream come true for collectors.”

This memorable event was made possible through the generous support of Elliot Tracey – State Farm Insurance. Thanks to Elliot’s sponsorship, all funds raised from the auction and book sales will go directly toward purchasing BAPL’s new bookmobile, ensuring that the library’s reach continues to grow.

Thanks to everyone who attended and supported the library’s efforts—it was a day to remember for Sherlock fans, book lovers, and supporters of the library alike!

Elliot Tracey – State Farm Insurance

Sherlock Holmes has to stop a killer in an old mansion in the case of Sherlock Holmes and The Speckled Band. Can he prevent another murder?! The performance is a riveting one-man show by acclaimed Neill Hartley. Neill Hartley is professional actor on the theater faculty of the University of the Arts in Philadelphia.

The centerpiece of the evening auction is a signed copy of The Stark Munro Letters by none other than Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “Conan Doyle autographs are very rare and to own a signed copy of a book by him is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for a bibliophile,” says BAPL Executive Director Josh Berk.

The opportunity to purchase The Stark Munro Letters is only avalaible with a ticket to the performance and auction. Purchase your ticket here. Refreshements will be served. The book fair from 10-5 is free and open to all. This event is sponsored by Elliot Tracey – State Farm Insurance and all funds raise go to the purchase of BAPL’s new bookmobile.

The class was presented thanks to ArtsQuest’s Arts In Education partnership through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and was taught by the team behind the Lehigh Valley Cold Cases podcast. Thanks to Dan and Lys for bringing their expertise and to all the students for their creativity and enthusiasm!

Check out a sample of their work here:

We are thrilled to announce that our friends at American Fence & Flag have generously pledged to match every donation towards the new bookmobile from community members (that means you!) for the next month — up to a total of $5,000!

This means that any amount you give will be doubled, making your contribution twice as impactful. Join us in this opportunity to help make the new bookmobile a reality and restore this valuable service to our community!

Just give online here or send a check to the library and note that it’s for the bookmobile.

Check out the full report here.

BAPL is thrilled to offer you access to ParentTV. ParentTV offers thousands of on-demand parenting videos and courses with content designed to support those who care for children, from pregnancy through to teenage years. ParentTV works with leading psychologists, pediatricians, mental health specialists, nutritionists, occupational therapists and parenting educators across the globe.  Search and find videos on general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

To access this incredible resource all you need to do is to LOGIN with your BAPL barcode (and pin if applicable) via THIS LINK. 

Watch the video below to get a glimpse of the ParentTV experts and some of the 2000+ videos available. 

Videos are also available in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Hindi and Spanish languages.

Simply click the image below to log in with your (library barcode and PIN – if applicable) and you are ready to watch and learn!

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Mark your calendars for March 23 to March 25, 2024, and prepare to immerse yourself in a weekend of literary magic at the heart of the Lehigh Valley.

The Buy-a-Book program at BAPL has been bringing smiles to faces and fostering a love of reading for nearly four decades. This year, amidst the outpouring of donations in memory or honor of loved ones, an intriguing dedication caught our attention. Join us as we delve into the story behind Meowster, the cat who was human.

It is not unusual to receive a donation in the name of a pet, but we found ourselves filled with curiosity with one in particular this year. It was a gift made in memory of “Meowster: The Cat Who Was Human.” We wondered about the story behind it and were amused that it sounded like a children’s book come to life. (So amused that we made imaginary book covers inspired by it.) We reached out to the donor, Ellen Bench, the library patron who generously made the gift in Meowster’s honor. 

“I have done this often for pets and people who have passed away,” Ellen said. “Friends have told me they come into the library and take a picture of the book and the nameplate–it becomes a special part of their memory. I donated this gift to commemorate Meowster’s life, a cat who was very special to my friend Gloria.”

Like many who give to the Buy-a-Book program, Ellen likes to support the library while also making a meaningful gesture to a friend. She explains: “When friends lose a pet, it is an excellent way to let people know how much someone’s pet meant to them. The nameplate inside the book tells the pet’s name and has a short comment about them. For years, the donated book will be on the library shelf and many people will see just how much Meowster was loved. What could be better than sending sympathy to a friend who loved their pet and memorializing the pet who filled their lives with love?”

We reached out to Gloria as well, and she shared the heartwarming story about this lovable feline. “One day, while sitting on the front porch with my other cat Symba, a tiny black cat came bounding in from the outside,” she says. “It was as if she knew that she belonged there.”

Gloria often took care of outdoor cats on her porch, ensuring they received proper veterinary care before joining her and Symba inside. And thus, Meowster made her grand entrance, meowing loudly and captivating Gloria’s heart.

Meowster’s vibrant personality shone through her constant chattiness and unwavering affection for Gloria. She became Gloria’s source of comfort and companionship during challenging times. When Gloria battled COVID, Meowster stood by her side. Throughout her recovery, Meowster’s endearing presence brought joy and support. Meowster had an uncanny ability to communicate with Gloria, as if they were engaged in deep conversations. The cat was quite sure the glass of water on the nightstand was hers and not Gloria’s, and she drank out of it happily. She did this so often that eventually Gloria set out two glasses — one for herself and one for the cat who was human. “She was the best thing that happened to me,” Gloria said. “She saved me (mentally) when I had COVID before going into the hospital, and then when I came out she was always at my side.”

When Meowster’s journey came to an end, Gloria’s heart understandably shattered. But amidst the grief, she found some solace in the fact that her beloved companion had left an indelible mark on her life. And Ellen’s Buy-a-Book donation in Meowster’s memory touched Gloria, as it served as a testament to the joy and love Meowster brought to those around her.

Meowster, the Cat Who Was Human, embodied the magic and companionship that both animals and books often inspire, making her memory all the more special. We extend our deepest gratitude to Ellen for her generous donation, which pays tribute to a feline friend who will be forever remembered in the hearts of those she touched. If you have someone special (animal or human or human-animal) in your life, consider giving in their honor. Or if you’d like to give to the Meowster fund to help us buy even more books in her name, please do so here!

The captivating storytelling series, “A Steelworker’s Life,” featuring Lester Clore and Donald Young, continues its compelling exploration of their remarkable journeys as former employees of Bethlehem Steel. Following their highly successful talk on March 7th, this eagerly awaited event will delve even deeper into the rich history of Bethlehem Steel, offering attendees a unique perspective both inside and outside the plant.

Scheduled for May 23 at 6pm, “A Steelworker’s Life” will take place at the Main Library of BAPL located at 11 W. Church St, Bethlehem. This event promises to provide an insightful and comprehensive examination of Clore and Young’s experiences and challenges during their tenure at Bethlehem Steel. Through riveting anecdotes and personal reflections, participants will gain a profound understanding of the daily workings of the renowned steel plant and its significant impact on the region.

Previous attendance at the initial lecture is not required, making “A Steelworker’s Life” accessible to newcomers who are eager to uncover the captivating stories and history behind Bethlehem Steel. Although registration is not mandatory, interested individuals are strongly encouraged to secure their seats in advance at the library’s website.

This thought-provoking lecture is proudly cosponsored by the Steelworker’s Archives Speakers Bureau.

Event Details:

• Event Name: “A Steelworker’s Life”
• Date: May 23, 2023
• Time: 6:00 PM
• Venue: Main Library of BAPL, 11 W. Church St, Bethlehem
• Registration: Recommended, but not mandatory.
• Questions? Contact info@bapl.org

BAPL SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY
PURPOSE
The Bethlehem Area Public Library (the “BAPL”) shares information about the library with the community and engages patrons through social media. The use of a BAPL social media platform is a privilege, and not a right.

DEFINITION
Social media is defined as any form of electronic communication platform or application through which users share information, ideas, and other content such as pictures and videos on a publicly accessible platform. Examples include social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok, but not personal e-mail accounts.

GUIDELINES
BAPL social media accounts are not intended to provide a traditional public forum for the general exchange of ideas and viewpoints. Rather, they are intended to provide a limited public form for discussing library services, resources, events, news, programs and other library related topics as determined by the BAPL Library Director or designee. All posts and comments will be monitored by BAPL staff members, and the BAPL reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to remove submissions, comments, posts, or other content that violate this policy. All comments, posts, or content posted on a BAPL social media account must be related to the issue or topic being discussed. Further, the following is prohibited and subject to removal:

1. Comments that contain illegal, obscene, abusive, vulgar, threatening, or harassing language.
2. Duplicate posts from the same individual.
3. Non-BAPL created solicitations for membership, donations, or services.
4. Content that violates copyright or trademark laws.
5. Spam and advertisements or solicitations for sale of merchandise or services.
6. “Spam” includes unsolicited digital communication that is posted or sent, either manually or automatically, at very high frequencies.
7. Political campaigning.

By utilizing or posting on the BAPL’s social media accounts, a user agrees to comply with this policy. BAPL reserves the right to ban and/or block a user who violates the terms of this policy.
BAPL is not responsible for the content of postings by third parties on any BAPL social media and do not reflect the views or positions of the BAPL, its directors, officers, or employees.

APPEAL PROCEDURES
A user who has had a comment and/or posting removed from a BAPL social media controlled site may request to have the decision reviewed by the Board of Directors of the Library. The request must be made in writing and submitted to the Library Director within thirty (30) days of the removal, at 11 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18018.

Highlights on 3/25 at the Main Library include:

10:15am KEYNOTE presentation with Rupert Holmes.

1:00pm A visit from popular children’s character Bluey.

11:30-2:30 CACTUS BLUE food truck

No tickets or advance registration is required for any of the events. The full schedule of events can be found here.

Follow @LVBookFest on Instagram for the latest updates.

This project was funded in part with funding from the Hotel Tax Grant Program through the County of Northampton Department of Community & Economic Development. 

Make a donation to the 2023 Capital Campaign to fund renovations at the Main Library!

More information on giving levels

What is a “learning commons?” These are glass enclosed private meeting rooms for individual or small group study to be located on the library’s first floor. See this page to see how they work at the Reading, PA Public Library.

December 30, 11am-12 noon, Main Library

More information