This year’s summer reading theme is “Oceans of Possibilities,” and we are celebrating all of the things that the Bethlehem Area Public Library makes possible. In addition to “ocean-y” décor in our Frances L. Barnard Children’s Center and the joyful jellyfish decorating our stairwell, we have invited library u
sers to contribute their thoughts to an “Oceans of Possibilities” display at the Main Library by writing something the library has made possible for them on a paper fish.
Lots of people expressed appreciation for the library’s programs, saying they are “available to everyone,” “fun times,” and “family events.” A number of people also mentioned our awesome library book sales which “help me find great new books” and “sell large print books.”
Some other comments include:
“I learned to use my new Amazon Fire at the library to borrow library books.”
“My husband was recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Reading books about this disease from the
library has helped me very much.”
“I love music. The library gave me access to music in the past that I couldn’t access elsewhere.”
“Joy…Laughter…Enrichment”
“In addition to books, the library was where I must have checked out 500 – 1000 DVDs/VHS tapes in my
life”
“As a mom, the library has given me time back to myself. I can grab multiple gardening or cook books
and it helps me escape all the needs of parenting – which helps me be a better mom.”
“BAPL is community! I can walk to the library, see friends and neighbors, and have access to books I’d
never otherwise know about!”
Each new fish in our ocean is also an entry in our Summer Reading Raffle for adults! The raffle is open to library users 18 years and older who live in the Bethlehem area. You can fill out an entry at the Reference Desk at the Main Library, or ask for more information at your local branch or bookmobile stop. The Summer Reading Program continues until August 13. Weekly prizes include gift certificates to local businesses, and the grand prize is a $50 gift certificate for groceries and a wonderful assortment of cool library swag!