Join the conversation about one of America’s most important novelists. The series is a collaboration between BAPL and Lehigh University. Moderators are Stephanie Powell Watts, Jasmine Woodson, Stacie Brennan, and Rayah Levy, Head of Adult Services at BAPL. Levy notes that despite being works of fiction, Morrison’s works powerfully represent the voices of the voiceless. […]
We asked BAPL staff members the question: “What was the best book you read this year?” and are happy to share the answers here. Maybe you’ll find your next great read! Here’s to a healthy and happy 2021. Ellie and Dawn both chose Anxious People by Fredrik Backman. It is full of drama, humor, surprises […]
You may have seen the new stories on how the demand for antiracist literature has been skyrocketing at libraries, ours included. It’s a good problem to have! But it’s also kind of annoying when there is a long wait time for the book you are interested in. Well, good news! Overdrive has donated unlimited copies of […]
The Bethlehem Area Public Library is committed to actively supporting essential conversations and actions to confront racism in America. This page will feature antiracist resources available in our collections, links to external resources, and information about library programs that promote antiracist conversation within our community and with our patrons. In our collections Antiracist reading Stamped […]
When Mr. Berk talked to Lehigh Valley With Love yesterday, Tyler mentioned that he was not exactly enjoying the kind of heart-pounding books he’d normally read these days. He was in the mood for something a little more… gentle. And who can blame him? So we thought we’d poll BAPL staff for their favorite comfort […]
In this episode of BAPL’s “Librarians Read Mean Book Reviews” we have Valerie and Clare sharing some one-star reviews of J. D. Salinger’s 1951 classic The Catcher in the Rye. Valerie and Clare are not having your mean reviews about their favorite book. Not having it at all! Original video idea by Clearwater Public Library […]
Clearwater Public Library had this great idea to have library staff read one-star reviews of their favorite books. It was such a good idea (and we are a library after all) so we borrowed it! For this first BAPL episode, the readers are: Matt W, Brenda, and Janine of BAPL. We asked them each to […]
We asked BAPL staff members the question: “What was the best book you read this year?” and got a wonderful range of answers. See their responses below and maybe you’ll find your next great read! David recommends: IF CATS DISAPPEARED FROM THE WORLD by Genki Kawamura, trans. by Eric Selland. When a young postman is […]
The latest “Community Picks” display at the Main Library comes to you from BAPL regular, Jim Gillen. Jim is a poet, recovery educator, and mental health author/researcher. Of his picks, Jim says “Most of the movies I pick have great actors from more financially rewarding ventures showing their abilities to take on roles requiring more […]
Karen Samuels has written several books about local history but is a voracious reader of fiction as well. Karen says “I prefer to spend a couple of hours a day reading mysteries, science fiction, humor, satire…all sorts of good books.” Here is a list of some of her recent favorites — come find them on […]
The artist known as “peanueti” from right here in Bethlehem is the first community member to participate in a “BAPL Community Recommended Reads” display. We thought it would be fun to have some BAPL regulars do their own version of a shelf-talker or “staff picks” list. The books are available at the Main Library on […]
You will not be surprised to learn that our library staff loves to read! Here are some favorite books BAPL staff read in 2018, including new releases and old favorites: JANINE RECOMMENDS: Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America by Michael Eric Dyson. Brilliantly organized in a liturgical format, Dyson writes a concise history of […]
Want a sneak peek at new books headed to BAPL? Check out this list of books we have on order before they arrive. You can place a hold and be the first to get it! The list includes upcoming releases by popular authors such as: John Sandford, C.J. Box, Danielle Steel, James Patterson, Phillip Margoln, […]
A teacher from the BASD and an acclaimed author are the latest to submit videos sharing their choices for #GreatReadLV. What’s that you ask? Check it out, cast your vote, and watch the videos below!
Hey book-lovers, it’s the Great Lehigh Valley Read! Cast your vote for the most-loved book in the Lehigh Valley! The poll can be found on our site here. Here are two new videos by BAPL employees. Have your own video to share? Email Library Director Josh Berk. Read on!