One of the best libraries in the area! The librarians all care so much and provide so many programs and such a welcoming clean environment for children! There is a beautiful community that frequently comes through here also. Thank you all for all you do!!! read more

I am an Albany resident who went to Miko Peled's recent presentation at Bethlehem Public Library. I am stunned that the library was so conflicted before and after Peled's talk with the board considering canceling it. And then to hear that somehow the board is supposedly "sanctioning" "Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace" after the presentation. Have the board members heard of "gas lighting?"--where someone is blamed for what someone else does? The only outrageous behavior was by a group of women (this was their observed gender) who absolutely did not want to hear Peled's reasoned interpretation of what is frankly a vicious religious conflict that will never be allowed to end. Repeatedly they stood up and started shouting from the back of the room at Peled. There were library staff there--is there no "room use policy" to evict disruptors? Similarly, the only threatening action came from an anti-Peled man who said he "wanted to kill Palestinians." The cops were called on him, and no reason to call them for the quite docile "Bethlehem Neighbors for Peace" people who answered the anti-Peled women with "let him speak." And "Bethlehem Neighbors" is said to be under consideration for sanctioning? The authoritarian proscription by library staff of saying "From the river to the sea" is, sorry, ignorant authoritarianism. The next sentence is "Palestine will be free." It has nothing to do with ethnic cleansing of any group. This phrase has somehow been contorted into "anti-semitism"* and is thus something that "should not be said." *You do know that Arabs (whether Muslim, Alawite, Druse, Christian, Jewish etc.) are semites?--a designation since the 1800s of a language family. You also presumably know that "anti-zionism" is not "antisemitism?," and is is opposition to political control of an area by Jewish people--with the ultra-orthodox "anti-zionist" by their interpretation of religion. Have you noticed the ultra-orthodox men who join anti-zionist demonstrations? Do I have something "controversial" that I could speak about at the library? Yes, insights over a long career on the early evolution of life and all the evidence for "deep time" that is now quite quantitatively and precisely calculated. Now, I have had creationists shout their "beliefs" (a belief is not an observed fact) at several of my popular talks. I can only presume by my observation of the Peled talk that the library would not evict a "protester" under its "room policy" and would likely "sanction" me for any protest by anyone claiming to be hurt/threatened by reasoned free speech. read more

As we're about to vote on these guys' budget, and I'm sitting there right now, seemed an apposite time to write! Last year I was surprised at the amount we spent on the library, and spent a while digging into it - the results are on my highly-sporadic TU blog if anyone cares. The outcome was that I came away impressed not only with the care in managing fund but also with their planning and level of thought in terms of the services offered. When asked Qs, there was no defensiveness but simply an invitation to come discuss, ask Qs, get information. How very library-appropriate! It's also a pretty space and well-used by the community. I gripe that too many programs are during the workday, but that's a fairly selfish gripe I guess; really it's hard to fault the place. read more

This is a great library, that in addition to books has a bicycle repair station, a 3d printer, computers, DVDs, CDs, and lots of other exciting stuff! The staff is always friendly, selection is impressive, and if they don't have something, you can have it ordered through the Upper Hudson Library System. There's even the option of checking out e-books/audiobooks without leaving the house through their website. Highly recommend checking it out if you live in Bethlehem! read more

i have zero complaints about this library (ok, maybe one. it is too far away. i have become a product of the Must Have It Now generation it appears. either that or going into delmar too deeply frightens me.) they are always so friendly and helpful here when i go. every time i have asked where a section might be (because somehow i become blind and lose the ability to read when i come here apparently. not sure which one comes first...) and they always have the books that the APL never does. that and there are no scary old men peeping out from behind the shelves at you and making your skin crawl. plus the ladies at the counter are actually More than friendly. they make jokes with you and do not throw off attitude. (ok, neither do any of the other librarians in the area but it sounded like a good thing to say.) one time i came here and wanted a book that they didnt have in, a woman that worked there had it checked out herself and she checked it in for me and gave it to me. how cool is that? (she liked my at-the-time pink hair.) so yeah, i like all of the libraries in the area. they are good places to go. (and if you want an adventure, go to the main branch of the APL) read more

Friendly staff, clean building and a great selection of books. I love the kids section with all the different toys to play with. Very innovative! They even have a new reads selection for teens. I was just passing through town but I always love to visit libraries and this one didn't disappoint. The day I visited they even had a family folk concert happening outside. I do feel bad for the library staff since its open till 9 on Friday nights. read more

Of all the public libraries I've known in my years spent bouncing up and down the east coast, this is one of the best. The staff is very personable, quirky and friendly, and have never given me the least bit of grief for my endless inter-library loans. It's also a genuine community center, with regularly scheduled lectures and musical performances. It's also a great place to take your little one when she is in the mood for some reading, some block puzzles, or a visit with some friendly fish. read more

Love this Library! Everyone is very helpful and friendly. They always have what I am looking for and all their technical equipment is up-to-date. I go there to use their computers a lot. Everything is clean and in working order. read more