Bethlehem Area Public Library News Blog

Highlights of New Music

mwolf — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:56:43 +0000

Beirut – Rip Tide

Beastie Boys – Ill Communication

Jack White - Blunderbuss

Nas – I am

Billie Holiday live

Now that’s what I call music! 42

Click here for a complete list of new and recently ordered music

Stop Snoring, Bernard

bgrow — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:31:09 +0000

Title: Stop Snoring, Bernard
Location: South Side Branch
Description: Stories, games, and activities for children ages 3 – 6 to celebrate the 2012 PA One Book Every Young Child selection: Stop Snoring, Bernard by Zachariah Ohora. No registration required, simply drop in!
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2012-05-31
End Time: 12:00

Get to know Jodi Picoult

epoore — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:12:48 +0000

You’ve probably read one of her novels, seen the big screen adaptation of My Sister’s Keeper or at least heard of this NYT best-selling author – but what do you really know about Jodi Picoult? For instance, did you know she is a huge fan of Alice Hoffman? Read on for five more fun facts:

1. She held down a variety jobs before earning her status as a best-selling novelist, such as an 8th grade English teacher, a technical writer for a Wall Street brokerage firm, an editor at a textbook publisher and a copywriter at an ad agency.

2. Picoult has penned five comic book issues of the Wonder Woman series for DC Comics.

3. Her list of pets includes three dogs, one duck, two geese, two donkeys and eight chickens.

4. While researching for her novels, Picoult has witnessed cardiac surgery, hunted ghosts, gone to jail for a day, milked cows and trekked to the Alaskan tundra.

5. She credits Gone with the Wind for helping to inspire her writing career.

Learn more about Jodi Picoult here. Stop by the library next Tuesday, May 15th at 7 p.m. to discuss Sing You Home. And don’t forget to pick up a copy of The Paris Wife for June’s discussion and visit the Books Alive blog page to vote for July’s title!

-Erin

Meet Mark Twain, Tuesday Evening!

lholzinger — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:24:42 +0000

Do you have questions for the famous author? Would you like to introduce your tween or teen to the great orator? Tuesday, May 8th at the Main Library, Mark Twain will be recalling his boyhood on the Mississippi River, his opinions about the Civil War and politics, and his humor. Actually, accomplished storyteller, Charles Kiernan, will portray Mark Twain but the result is the same. Kiernan has captured the author’s wit and style perfectly, and will transport you to another time with a highly entertaining and informative performance. Don’t miss this LIVE event for middle school age up to adult.

No registration and convenient parking in the city garage. More details here

Books Alive Summer News

epoore — Sat, 05 May 2012 20:48:52 +0000

Our book discussion in April, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, was attended by 13 ladies and gentlemen. Many thoughtful ideas and interesting questions were bandied about. Thanks to those who joined us!

June’s winner for the Books Alive selection is The Paris Wife by Paula McLain. Your input is appreciated and welcomed!

We’re currently picking a title for our July Books Alive group, and for your edification and delight, I have listed them here:

Bossypants by Tina Fey

Defending Jacob by William Landay

Freedom by Jonathan Franzen

Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson

…and a brief compendium for your reading pleasure…

Tina Fey, former comedienne from Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock fame, serves up a non-fiction comedic read about the vagaries of her life. Certain to have you laughing and crying, Bossypants was listed as an Amazon.com best book of the month. Did you know Tina grew up in our own great Keystone state?

Next is Defending Jacob by William Landay. Andy Barber practices law in a suburban Massachusetts town. Imagine the horror when Andy and his wife discover that their 14 year old son, Jacob, is charged with committing the heinous crime of murdering a classmate. Andy believes Jacob is innocent until the facts evolve in this suspenseful drama.

From the author who wrote the blockbuster The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen serves up another bestseller, Freedom. Liberals Patty and Walter Berglund’s son moves in with the conservative neighbors and this fascinating story unfolds from there.

Lastly, in her debut novel, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Helen Simonson introduces us to an endearing character in a far-away land. Travel to the picturesque Edgecombe, St. Mary, England, where we meet protagonist Major Ernest Pettigrew. Major Pettigrew meets a local shopkeeper, Ali from Pakistan, and through their affinity for literature and loss of their spouses, establish a special friendship.

Visit and vote for July’s book selection here.

See you on May 15th and June 19th for fabulous book discussions. All books are available at BAPL. Free parking available after 4 pm in the parking garage.

-Mary Jane

Classic TV Shows

mwolf — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:42:46 +0000

When I looked at the page of new DVD arrivals, I couldn’t help but notice all of the Classic TV shows. Frasier Crane, Dan Fielding, David Cassidy, Shirley Jones, the Bradford family, Sammy Malone and Norm!!!!! Ring any bells?

Cheers. The complete 1st season

Frasier. The complete 1st season

Night Court. The complete first season

Eight is enough. The complete first season

The Partridge family. The complete first season