Bethlehem Area Public Library

The South Side Branch is hosting a community art contest to celebrate the summer reading period with the theme “Unearth a Story”. 🦖🪏🎨 Dig into your creativity to unearth your art based on one of the following prompts: 1. Unearthing my story 2. Inspired by a story 3. Creating my own story All submissions will be displayed at the library exhibition on July 18 at the South Side Branch! Adult Entry (ages 18+) 1st Place Prize: Artwork will permanently framed & displayed at the library + $125 check Runner Up: $50 check Youth Entry (ages 9-17) 1st Place Prize : Artwork will permanently framed & displayed at the library + $125 check Runner Up: $50 check Submission Deadline: July 11th Winners will be contacted August 1 RULES:  - Submissions must be on singular page of 8.5×11 or smaller - Open to drawing, painting, collage or mixed media styles - Digital art is acceptable, but must be printed upon submission - Must be your own creation. No plagiarized, reproductions, or AI-assisted work. AI generated art will not be accepted - Only one submission entry per person JUDGING CRITERIA Winners will be selected based on the following: Interpretation: A) How closely the piece expresses the chosen theme. B) A story is visible and clear within the piece Creativity:  A) How creative the piece within its the theme. B) Shows effort and originality in its engagement with chosen theme Technique: A.) The level of skill demonstrated in the basic principles/ techniques of chosen medium NOTES: - Artwork will be photographed and shared online on library social media platforms. - Submission pickup is between August 1st to August 15th. - Unclaimed submissions will be discarded at the end of the month. Don’t have art supplies to participate? Email or call the branch to schedule an art-making space to use library art materials for free! Contact: [email protected] or 610-867-7852

Our gorgeous new mural was revealed last night! This was an age-friendly, collaborative community project that was generously made possible by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. Together with Kyle Edwards, mural artist, and a wonderful group of library patrons and friends, we created bold, beautiful art that will forever energize and warm the walls of BAPL Coolidge. Thanks to all who came out to celebrate! @unitedwaylv @atruelovestory.llc

We are excited to announce that starting today, Museum Passes are now available for check out to our BAPL card holders at the Bethlehem Area Public Library!! 🎉🥳 Most passes are available at the Main Library and some are available at the South Side Branch. For more information or to put the passes on hold, please visit /museum-passes/

Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Saturday, May 30, 2026 10:30am–11:30am Would you like to trade your “like-new” jigsaw puzzle for one that is “new to you”? Come to our puzzle swap! Bring up to five puzzles and find some new challenges to take home. Check-in begins at 10:30, and swapping begins at 10:40. 1. Puzzles and their box must be in good shape with no tears, stains, odors, missing pieces, or damage. 2. Puzzles must include a box and be 250 pieces or more. 3. Please practice the “golden rule” of puzzles; give puzzles in the condition in which you would like to receive them. 4. Due to the nature of the puzzle swap, a one/one exchange is not guaranteed. 5. Register here: https://live-bethlehemarea.pantheonsite.io/event/jigsaw-puzzle-swap-24874 Bethlehem Area Main Library 11 W. Church St. Bethlehem, PA 18018

BAPL Book Sale!! May 16th, Saturday 10-4 Books, DVDs, records, comic books, children's books and much more!! Bethlehem Area Main Library 11 W. Church Street Bethlehem, PA 18018

Saturday is National Learn to Swim Day! Come to Storytime, where we will read water books to get you ready for summer fun 😃

Create your own fairy garden using upcycled materials like paper rolls and Tupperware at this eco-craft program at South Side on May 21 from 5-6pm! Registration required 🧚‍♀️

Unleash the rhythm within you as you take part in an African Drum Circle, an immersive, hands-on musical journey that brings the power and spirit of African drumming to life—while connecting its influence to rhythms and instruments from around the world. This high-energy program centers teaches you to play a range of West African hand drums and wraps up with an exhilarating dance and drum circle, where you get to showcase your newly acquired skills. Mister Boom Boom exclusively performs this program. Registration is required at /v7zhm47f BAPL Coolidge 2740 Fifth Street Bethlehem, PA 18020 (484) 892-6267 [email protected]

We had a great time at South Side making magnet boards along with homemade magnets to go with them. Thank you everyone who came out!

Come paint and take home a bee watering station for the bees and other pollinators in your backyard! Glass stones will be provided! Graded 3-8. First-come, first-served due to limited materials!! 🐝🌸🌼🦋

There are still a few spots open for South Side's paint by numbers and tea tomorrow! Register at bapl.org/events