GETTING A LIBRARY CARD

Reward yourself with the many benefits that come with a Bethlehem Area Public Library membership!

If you’re 15 years old and up and a resident of Bethlehem City, Bethlehem Township, Fountain Hill or Hanover Township (Northampton Co.) you can apply for your card online and we will mail it to you for no charge. When you receive your card you can immediately start using it to check out eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital Magazines, and access all other BAPL online resources. Then come in to validate and activate your card to enable borrowing books, CDs and DVDs.

If you are living outside of BAPL’s borrowing area, you may be eligible for a card through the Access Pennsylvania program. To apply for an Access card, use the form below and then come to the Main Library to pick up your card. You must bring photo ID and your valid home library card at that time.

For Businesses and Organizations

Give your business a competitive edge and achieve better results with our eResources!

In today’s highly stressed business environment, achieving more with less is on everyone’s mind. Reliable, up-to-date information your business or organization can use to get a competitive edge has always been at a price — until now!

Bethlehem Area Public Library is offering businesses or organizations that are in our Service Area FREE access to all of our subscription-level databases using a Bethlehem Area Public Library Card for Business. Additionally, your staff will be able to borrow materials from our circulating collections without having individual member borrowing priviledges at BAPL — a win-win for company and employee.

It’s fast and easy to get a Bethlehem Area Public Library Card for Business with our downloadable application. Return your completed form per instructions and your company and staff will be on a path to business “enlightenment” in no-time.

Current Cardholders

People with current library cards from other public libraries in Pennsylvania can get a library card at the Bethlehem Area Public Library with photo ID and their home library card with a blue and white Access sticker on it (placed by their home library).

Cards for Children

Parents of children from birth to 14 years of age must sign for the child’s card and show identification. A legal guardian must present proper documentation.

Card Usage

Your library card is for your personal use only – each member of your family should get his own. You will be responsible for anything that is checked out on your card, so please don’t lend it to anyone and report it to us immediately if you lose it. Please bring your library card with you whenever you come to the library. If you forget, you must have identification before we will check anything out to you. This is for your protection.

What’s Needed to Get a Card

Identification Required for a Resident Bethlehem Area Public Library Card

Column 1

One from this column is sufficient – these show who you are and where you live

  • Valid PA driver’s license with current address
  • Valid PA non-driver’s photo ID with current address
Column 2

One from this column PLUS one from Column 3 is required – these show who you are

  • Driver’s license with old address (photo)
  • Passport
  • Military ID with photo
  • School photo ID
  • Employment photo ID
  • U.S. Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”) with photo
  • Any other official photo
Column 3

One from this column PLUS one from column 2 is required – these show where you live

  • Current tax statement addressed to applicant with current address
  • Current lease agreement addressed to applicant
  • Current utility bill or bank statement addressed to applicant
  • Current vehicle registration or auto insurance card with applicant’s name
  • Current voter registration card
  • Current school report card or class schedule
  • Current school bus card
  • Current YMCA or other club card with address
  • Current pay stub

Important Notes

Property owners must provide property tax documentation plus above resident ID information.

Access Library Card – Current Pennsylvania library card with access sticker, plus photo ID

Lost or Forgotten Library Card – Adults must have photo ID; age 17 & under must state pertinent information from their patron record. Pennsylvania driver’s license may be used as alternative ID once your PDL number is on record.

Replacement of Lost Card…..$1.00

Note: Fines are charged on days when the library is closed due to the availability of the book drops.

The cherry blossoms are back! Come to the library to see how beautiful they are! ✨ ...

🌈✨ Bethlehem Area Public Library Presents: BAPL BOOK SALE Extravaganza! ✨🌈

Join us for an unforgettable journey through pages and stories at the Bethlehem Area Public Library`s BAPL BOOK SALE! This is your golden opportunity to expand your personal or family library with a vast selection of books priced at the unbeatable rate of just $1 per book. Dive into a diverse world of literature, from edge-of-your-seat thrillers and profound non-fiction to enchanting children`s tales and captivating DVDs, all waiting to be discovered and cherished.

📚 Event Highlights:
- Massive Selection: Thousands of books across all genres! Whether you`re a die-hard fiction fan, a non-fiction enthusiast, or looking for the perfect children`s storybook, we have something for everyone.

- Children`s Books Special: Delight the young readers in your life with our special collection of children`s books priced from just 25 cents to $1. A perfect chance to encourage the joy of reading among the little ones!

- Affordable Entertainment: With all books priced at $1 and children’s books even less, you can grab armfuls of stories without denting your wallet. It`s the perfect way to stock up on reading material for the entire family.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:
- March 20th: 12 PM - 8 PM
- March 23rd: 10 AM - 4 PM

📍 Venue:
Main Library, 11 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA

Discover your next favorite book, movie, or author among our treasure trove of literary gems. This event is open to book lovers of all ages, from young readers to seasoned bibliophiles.

💬 A Word from Our Library Executive Director, Josh Berk: "Transform your home library without breaking the bank! Join us for a day of literary adventure and find your next great read at a fraction of the cost."

🙏 Donation Drive: Do you have gently used books gathering dust? Give them a new life by donating to our sale. Your contributions help us continue to serve our community and promote literacy for all ages.

Don`t miss out on this spectacular sale that promises not only great finds but also the joy of supporting your local library. See you there, fellow bookworms! 🎉📖✨

LINK: https://www.bapl.org/book-sales/
...

At the Main Library, Moravian University’s America Reads program provides tutors to help with questions about school assignments.

No registration is required. The tutoring program is available Monday – Thursday from 4:00 – 6:00 PM. Homework Help is located at the Main Library on 11 West Church St.

Keep track of the specific dates here: https://live-bethlehemarea.pantheonsite.io/event/homework-help-moravian-university-tutors-10293
...

One shot adventure, pre-rolled characters, dice set, and mini manual provided. This event for grades 6 -12 will be held in the Youth Services Department on the 2nd floor of the Library. No registration is required. ...

🌈✨ Bethlehem Area Public Library Presents: BAPL BOOK SALE Extravaganza! ✨🌈

Join us for an unforgettable journey through pages and stories at the Bethlehem Area Public Library`s BAPL BOOK SALE! This is your golden opportunity to expand your personal or family library with a vast selection of books priced at the unbeatable rate of just $1 per book. Dive into a diverse world of literature, from edge-of-your-seat thrillers and profound non-fiction to enchanting children`s tales and captivating DVDs, all waiting to be discovered and cherished.

📚 Event Highlights:
- Massive Selection: Thousands of books across all genres! Whether you`re a die-hard fiction fan, a non-fiction enthusiast, or looking for the perfect children`s storybook, we have something for everyone.

- Children`s Books Special: Delight the young readers in your life with our special collection of children`s books priced from just 25 cents to $1. A perfect chance to encourage the joy of reading among the little ones!

- Affordable Entertainment: With all books priced at $1 and children’s books even less, you can grab armfuls of stories without denting your wallet. It`s the perfect way to stock up on reading material for the entire family.

📅 Mark Your Calendars:
- March 20th: 12 PM - 8 PM
- March 23rd: 10 AM - 4 PM

📍 Venue:
Main Library, 11 W. Church Street, Bethlehem, PA

Discover your next favorite book, movie, or author among our treasure trove of literary gems. This event is open to book lovers of all ages, from young readers to seasoned bibliophiles.

💬 A Word from Our Library Executive Director, Josh Berk: "Transform your home library without breaking the bank! Join us for a day of literary adventure and find your next great read at a fraction of the cost."

🙏 Donation Drive: Do you have gently used books gathering dust? Give them a new life by donating to our sale. Your contributions help us continue to serve our community and promote literacy for all ages.

Don`t miss out on this spectacular sale that promises not only great finds but also the joy of supporting your local library. See you there, fellow bookworms! 🎉📖✨

LINK: https://www.bapl.org/book-sales/
...

Join us for a gentle storytime for you and your little one featuring stories, bouncing rhymes, and songs. No registration is required. For Birth-24 months only.

These sessions will be located inside the Main Library in the Youth Services Room on the 2nd floor.
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What can you do with a Library Card?

Learn about borrowing from BAPL including how to reserve, renew and return materials, fees, and service areas.