Bethlehem Area Public Library News Blog

Beginning January 2, the Bethlehem Area Public Library is trimming hours due to budget constraints. Reducing public hours along with a corresponding reduction in staffing costs will help the Library cover an additional $230,000 in expenses for 2013. The Library is assuming additional expenditures that have been previously subsidized by the City of Bethlehem. As a result the Main Library, 11 W. Church Street, will open an hour later Monday through Saturday at 10 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Thursday through Saturday closing hours will remain the same as currently.

The South Side Branch, 400 Webster Street, will open an hour later at noon each day. The changes will go in effect when the Branch reopens March 2 after privately-funded renovations are completed.

Programs and services will also be affected by the new hours. The Library’s bookmobile schedule will be adjusted and posted online. The revised schedule will go in effect on January 22.

Executive Director Janet Fricker is looking for other sources of revenue in hope that the hours will be able to be reinstated in 2014. Phone the Library for more information at 610-867-3761.

Any items due back at the Main Library, Tuesday October 30 or Wednesday October 31, could be returned without penalty, Thursday November 1st.

Items due at South Side Branch, during last weeks closures, are due TODAY, Tuesday November 6th.

Lower Saucon residents: you have an opportunity on Thursday, April 12 @ 7PM, to speak out in the public meeting that could determine the future of YOUR library service. It will take place at Saucon Valley High School cafeteria (just changed from original meeting location of Lower Saucon Township Building). Your Township officials are considering trading the much bigger collection of materials, programs and vast array of choices that you currently enjoy at Bethlehem Area Public Library – including the area’s only Bookmobile service – for less of everything at the much smaller Hellertown Area Library. It’s up to you to make an informed choice about the library service you want and deserve – but it will only count if you are heard by your Township officials.