SUMMER READING 2025
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A word about ages
While our programs may appeal to all ages, be aware that some are most suited to certain age groups.
- Kids programs: kids going into kindergarten through 3rd grade
- Older kids programs: kids going into 4th grade and up
Summer Reading Kick-Off at the Colonial Theatre
Tuesday, June 24th 11am
We're kicking off our Summer Reading Program with a one-man circus! Fun for all ages!
Andrew Silver will explore the concept of perseverance as he is faced with the daunting task of presenting a full circus show all by himself. The show touches on many important themes including, self confidence, overcoming obstacles, and dealing with failure.
Featuring spectacular magic, juggling, physical comedy, and tons of audience participation, Andrew presents a one-of-a-kind exhibition of skill and comedy.
Trivia Night
Thursday, June 26th 6pm
Join us for a fun-filled night of connection and trivia. This is a monthly program open to all ages.
End-of-Life Program Series
Friday June 27th, 11:30 am at the Library
A Collaboration between the Library and WREN
Emma Crews from Phaneuf Funeral Home will discuss green burials in New England.
Annual Book Sale
Begins Saturday, June 28th 9am-3pm
Continues Monday June 30th - Saturday, July 5th during regular library hours. Closed July 4th.
Hardcovers $1, Softcovers 50¢, Audiobooks and DVDs $1
Eco-Arts for Kids
Tuesday, July 1st 11am
Inspired by nature, we’ll have a scavenger hunt and use the items to create solar photos, craft natural instruments, and sculpt earth materials.
Pottery for Kids
Tuesday, July 8th 11am
Fired on the Mountain will bring plates for each child to decorate. Then they’ll be fired in Lincoln, and brought back to the library at a later date.
Space is limited for this program. Please come early to reserve a spot.
**For children entering Kindergarten - entering 3rd grade**
Virtual Reality for Older Kids
Thursday, July 10th 1:30pm
Play with our virtual reality goggles, and explore art in a whole new way!
End-of-Life Program Series
Friday July 11th, 11:30 am at WREN
A Collaboration between the Library and WREN
Josh Marshall from Wescott Law will review wills and estate planning.
Storyteller PLUS Book Giveaway
Tuesday, July 15th 11am
Thanks to a CLiF Summer Readers grant, Vermont storyteller and illustrator, Natalie Kinsey-Warnock, will tell stories, read aloud from books, and share her love of words. Every child (age 0-12) who attends will pick two brand-new books to take home!
Books of Jewish Interest
Starts Wednesday, July 9th 4pm
A Collaboration between the Library and Bethlehem Hebrew Congregation.
Click here for titles and future dates
Readers Cafe book discussion
Thursday, July 17th 1:30pm AND Saturday, July 19th 9am
Let our librarians inspire you to read a variety of books - join our monthly book discussion!
This month's book is
The Fellowship of Puzzlemakers
By Samuel Burr
An uplifting novel about the power of friendship and the puzzling ties that bind us
Clayton Stumper might be in his twenties, but he dresses like your grandpa and fusses like your aunt. Abandoned at birth on the steps of the Fellowship of Puzzlemakers, he was raised by a group of eccentric enigmatologists and now finds himself among the last survivors of a fading institution.
When the esteemed crossword compiler and main maternal presence in Clayton's life, Pippa Allsbrook, passes away, she bestows her final puzzle on him: a promise to reveal the mystery of his parentage and prepare him for life beyond the walls of the commune. So begins Clay's quest to uncover the secrets surrounding his birth, secrets that will change Clay--and the Fellowship--forever.
Simple Living: Simple Sewing
Friday, July 18th 11:30am
Keeping with our Summer Art theme, we'll learn about embroidery for mending and embelishing.
This is part of our ongoing monthly Simple Living program series.
Virtual Reality for Adults
Monday, July 21st 6pm
Try our virtual reality goggles and tour famous art museums.
Messy Art for Kids
Tuesday, July 22nd 11am
Prepared to get messy, as we explore water colors, slime making, and creating an abstract painting on a giant canvas! Watercolor artist, James Gleason, will be on hand to demonstrate his art.
Zine Making for Older Kids
Thursday, July 24th 1:30pm
Zines can be a small compilation of anything - a story, poetry, photos, and/or drawings - and are little, quick, and easy to do. A fun and accessible way to express yourself! Zoe Ghanooni from WREN will lead this program.
End-of-Life Program Series
Friday, July 25th 11:30am
A Collaboration between the Library and WREN
Katie Hartford from North Country Healthcare will discuss hospice care.
Summer Reading Finale in the Back Yard
Tuesday, July 29th 11am
Bethlehem's own Donna Devlin brings Theatre Under the Stars, the award-winning, family friendly theater company, to our back yard! Perfect for ages 5 - 99!
Sugar-Coated Shakespeare!
A candy-coated laugh fest with the Bard! Hear songs, poems and other literary classics in a fast, funny, interactive celebration! Ice cream for everyone!
This program is sponsored by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library.
After the performance, raffle prizes will be drawn for those who participated in Bingo.
Trivia Night
Thursday, July 31st 6pm
Join us for a fun-filled night of connection and trivia. This is a monthly program open to all ages.
Bob Ross Paint Night
Wednesday, August 6th 6pm
Follow along with Bob and create something wonderful! No Pressure!
For ages 16+
Drawing Connections for Older Kids and Adults
Thursday, August 7th 1pm
A multigenerational program. Kids and members of the WRENigades will be paired up to interview and draw each other. Portraits will then be hung for a gallery event later in August.
