Southern Lehigh
Public Library
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Spring/Summer 2021 Newsletter |
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Library Services -COVID Update |
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Since March 2020, much about our library's services to the public changed repeatedly and we appreciate your patience and flexibility as we continue to move through the pandemic. Here are some updates to library service that you may not be aware of:
The building is open and we no longer limit your stay or require tickets to enter. Masks and social distancing are required. We are still on reduced public hours as follows:
-BUILDING & CURBSIDE HOURS-
Mon, Thurs: 10 - 7
Tues, Wed, Fri: 10 - 4
Sat: 10 - 2
Curbside service will continue indefinitely and is available anytime during regular business hours. Call 610-282-8825, menu #2 and alert us that you are in the parking lot. You must now present your library card when a staff person brings the items to your passenger-side window.
-QUARANTINE-
Based on updated scientific studies, we are now quarantining returned items for only 24-36 hours, depending on the time of return. The good news? Items you have on hold may arrive much faster and items you returned will disappear from your account much faster.
-RENEWALS & FINES-
Physical items checked out on your account are automatically renewed two (2) times unless another patron has placed a hold on one or more of the items. Check your account online or call the library for exact due dates. Patrons will receive courtesy notices via email informing them that the item(s) was “RENEWED” or “NOT RENEWED”.
The library’s automated circulation system sends courtesy notices via email to remind you that items will be due in 2-3 days, and another courtesy notice if your items become overdue. The good news? The library is “fine-free” through August 31st 2021.
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-WHAT DOES "FINE-FREE" REALLY MEAN?- |
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The pandemic has caused financial hardship for many families and the last thing folks need to worry about at this time is overdue library fines. If you return items a few days late, please don’t worry because you will not be charged overdue fines. However, when items are overdue for 28 days or more, they are considered “lost items” and you will be held responsible for paying the replacement cost of the item unless you return it within 7 days of receipt of the notice. Failure to return items can result in your name being sent to a collection agency. As a courtesy, we encourage you to return items on time so that other patrons have access to them.
-LIBRARY CARD RENEWAL-
Library cards can now be renewed by telephone as well as in-person. Call 610-282-8825, menu #2. Current library card holders will receive a courtesy notice annually that reminds you to renew your card.
-WHO CAN USE YOUR LIBRARY CARD?-
You are the primary user of your library card and the person who is responsible for items checked out on it, but you can now designate other family members or friends privileges such as being able to pick up items you have on hold or use your card to check out items on your behalf. On the library’s webpage, www.solehipl.org, click on “Account Preferences” and “Search & History Preferences” and add one family member or friend name at a time, give them privileges that you choose, and save your changes. If you need help, please call or stop by the library and we’ll assist you. Please keep in mind that patron privacy is very important and we will not allow others to use your card without these account permissions in place.
-NEW PATRON REGISTRATION-
New patrons may register online for a library card, but you will be required to visit the library with your Driver’s License to pick up your card; this can be done curbside or in the building.
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-PROGRAMMING PRECAUTIONS- |
Summer programming will be a combination of virtual and outdoor events. Masks and social distancing will be required.
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LCLC Borrowing - Have You Tried This Yet? |
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Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative (LCLC) |
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Across the Circulation Desk, patrons are telling us they love, love, love being able to search the catalog and place a hold on an item located at any one or more of the twelve libraries in the Lehigh Carbon Library Cooperative (LCLC) and have that item delivered to the pick-up library of their choice, within 24-48 hours, if the item is showing as available. We’re biased, but we think that’s pretty convenient! If you haven’t already taken advantage of this service, go ahead and try it! You’ll love it! If you need assistance with searching the catalog or placing a hold, please call 610-282-8825, menu #2 and we’ll be happy to help.
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Holiday & Closing Information |
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The library will be closed in observance of the following holidays:
Memorial Day - May 31
Independence Day - July 5th
Labor Day - September 6th
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In case of inclement or severe weather, closing information can be found at the following locations:
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Helping Hands 2020/2021
We're in This Together
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At this writing, the library has received over $68,000 in donations to its 2020/2021 Helping Hands Campaign! THANK YOU to all those who have contributed; your generosity and support is greatly appreciated! Despite the uncertainty of the pandemic, you've demonstrated that we're in this together and you value the services that the library is providing!
It's not too late for those who would still like to donate as this fundraising campaign continues through June 30, 2021. For donations of $50 or more, your name will be entered into a monthly raffle drawing for a $25 gift card to a local merchant.
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Looking For a Great Book?
-Reader's Advisory, Part 2-
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In the last newsletter, we talked about the library’s Reader’s Advisory service which is a fancy term for librarians suggesting new titles and authors to patrons who request the help. Some patrons are only interested in our newest titles and these can easily be found by clicking here to access our website's "New Items" lists. The newest items for various age groups will be listed. Keep in mind that “new” can mean newly published or new to the library’s collection.
Are you a Pinterest user? You can find genre and topic reading lists on the library’s Pinterest page too. Click here to view our lists featured on Pinterest and you can choose to “follow” us so that you can keep up-to-date on the latest reading lists and other information that we post.
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Check Out Our Special Displays! |
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Each month, the library features specially curated displays of items that we hope will pique your interest. Why not try some of the titles that will be featured? |
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MAY
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Some Like it Hot...Some Not -celebrating summer foods, hot & cold
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Gifts From the Garden - recipes for your garden harvest
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JUNE
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Bright Ideas - celebrating and encouraging young inventors
- SLPL Staff "Beach" Reads
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JULY
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Beat the Heat - books to read during the "dog days of summer
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"Celebrate National Parks" Month - take a trip to see our Nation's wonders
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AUGUST
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TBD - We're sure you'll love it
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"Small Picks" -Look for our new "mini" displays popping up all over the library!!
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Adult Book Discussion Group |
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3rd Thursday of Each Month @ 7:00pm |
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May 20, 2021
Aimless Love
- Billy Collins
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June 17, 2021
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
- John Berendt
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July 15, 2021
City of Dreams
- William Dean Martin
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August 19, 2021
The Talented Mr. Ripley
-Patricia Highsmith
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September 16, 2021
Hamnet
- Maggie O'Farrell
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If you are interested in joining our Book Discussion Group,
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Calling All Business Owners |
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Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the library depended on various fundraising events such as Read Between the Wines: Wine Tasting & Silent Auction, as well as events organized by Friends of SLPL to bridge funding gaps. Local businesses sponsored our fundraising efforts with monetary donations and item donations for raffles and the silent auction. Pandemic restrictions forced the cancellation of all in-person events and in lieu of those events this year, the library is launching a new campaign, Rise to the Challenge: Business Helping Southern Lehigh Public Library. Local businesses will soon receive a letter requesting a monetary donation that will help offset operating budget gaps and allow the library to continue providing critical library services to the community. The generosity of local businesses will be recognized on the library's website, social media pages and on bookmarks that are given to every patron at the Circulation Desk. If you are a local business owner please consider supporting the library by making a contribution to this campaign. Your community thanks you!
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Fridays @ 10:00 AM Beginning May 7th
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Now that the weather is warming up, Yoga classes, with certified instructor Deanna Nagle, will once again be held at the library, outdoors on the lawn behind the library. In the event of inclement weather, yoga class will be held on Zoom. Registration must be done online in advance (preferably the day before) so that the instructor can send a Zoom link to your email in case of bad weather. Please bring your own mat and any other props you may need such blocks, blankets or bolsters. Social distancing is required; masks are optional as long as participants remain 8'-10' apart from others.
$10 per class
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The library's Book Sale Room is OPEN for business!
Get "nearly new" and "not as new" titles at bargain basement prices!
Donations of books are being accepted:
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Please limit to only two (2) small boxes or bags at any one time as quarantine and storage space is limited.
- The library accepts paperback and hardcover books for all ages, books on CD, collectible books, DVDs, video games, and music CDs.
- Donations of children's books are especially welcome.
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Items must be clean and in excellent condition; no musty, moldy, dusty or dirty items accepted.
- Copyright dates should be within the last 10 years.
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We cannot accept magazines, encyclopedias, textbooks, computer manuals, Reader's Digest Condensed books, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, or computer software.
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We are sad to say goodbye to three of the library's staff members, but wish them well in future endeavors:
- Kathie Parsons retired in January, but was promptly appointed to the library's Board of Directors as the representative from Southern Lehigh School District, so she is still very much involved at the library in a different capacity.
- Erin Cassano resigned in January to explore full-time career opportunities.
- Marilla Payne is leaving in May to become a full-time foster parent.
We are pleased to welcome two new staff members to our library family:
- Ardith Matson joined us in February as a Circulation Desk Clerk. Ardith is a retired school teacher and long-time SLPL patron.
- Allison Floray joined us in May as Reference, Technology Services & Cataloging Librarian and is looking forward to assisting patrons with research and technology questions as well as adding new items to the library's collection.
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month. |
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This last year of the pandemic has been particularly hard on mental health for many of us. It is important to recognize the need for extra care for ourselves and those close to us during such a difficult time. The library can be a resource to help find information on mental health topics, parenting resources, loss and grieving, COVID-19, and other topics related to the body/mind/mental health.
Other resources that can help you find more information on mental health:
1-800-799-7233
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SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration): www.samhsa.gov or SAMHSA’s National Helpline –1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- PA Support & Referral Helpline: 1-855-284-2494 (TTY: 724-631-5600)
- Crisis Text Line: Text PA to 741741
- Veteran Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
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Miss Marilla's Book Reviews for Children/Teens |
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Juvenile Non-Fiction
The World's Poorest President Speaks Out
- Gaku Nakagawa
In 2012, world leaders gathered in Brazil for the Rio +20 Summit. Environmental crises were on everyone's mind, but no one seemed to have the answer. Then Jose Mujica, president of the small country of Uruguay, stepped up to the microphone wearing a simple shirt with no tie. Humbly, he began to speak. Climate change is not the real problem, it is how we as humans have come to live our lives. Why are we so focused on making more money and having more things? Were we born for that purpose? No, we are here to find shared human happiness. This man, the top politician in his country, lives simply as a farmer and gives most of his salary away to the poor. His inspiring words will make readers ponder... "What can I do to live happily with less?"
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Juvenile Graphic Novel
Castle In the Stars: the Moon-King
- Alex Alice
This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is an exciting steampunk adventure featuring spaceships marooned, a daring king searching for new realms, and a trio of spunky kids along for the ride. Seraphin is the son of the Professor who created the ship that launched from Bavaria in 1870. Enthusiastic Hans and his sister Sophie (a stowaway), and the king are the other passengers, all currently stuck in orbit around the moon. Can they reach the surface? Can they return home? And, now that they've seen the beauty of worlds beyond, will they want to?
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Easy Picture Book
If You Come to Earth
- Sophie Blackall
Here's a handy guidebook for any visitors that arrive at our planet from outer space. It goes over all the important things: where to find us; how do we live? (in families of all kinds); humans are all the same in some ways, but each one is totally unique; who and what else are on this planet?; some great things about us; some terrible things about us; and best of all, an invitation to stay over and become friends. Imagined as a boy writing an open invite letter to the universe, the soft, extremely detailed illustrations show the varied and infinite beauty of planet Earth. If I was an alien, I'd book my ticket.
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Southern Lehigh Public Library Story Walks! |
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This program started out as a National Library Week Program years ago. When Covid-19 hit, last year, we did three separate Story Walks and they were very popular.
Our first walk of this year just finished up, but we currently have “I am Amelia Earhart” posted. In the middle of May, a “Babymouse” Juvenile Graphic Novel will be posted and stay up for about 3 weeks.
The Story Walks are located on the short loop of the trail next to SLPL. No need to stop in the library first, just walk the trail, read the story & have fun! Story Walk takes about 15 minutes. Great for kids of all ages!
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Spring Children & Youth Programming |
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Registration is open now! |
Miss Melissa's Aardvarks Music Class on Zoom:
Mondays at 10:0am April 12th-May 17th
Weekly Storytime on Zoom:
Tuesday Mornings at 10:30 AM - April 6th-May25th
Kid's Book Watch Parties on Zoom:
Friday, May 14th at 10:30am
Outdoor Storytime/Events:
10:30am on weekday mornings - TBD based on weather; Sign up to receive email alerts for Outdoor Storytime and events
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SUMMER FUN CLUB 2021
Registration Opens May 31st!
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Summer Fun Club Reading Challenge |
For our reading challenge this year, SLPL is using Beanstack, a free, user-friendly, fun app. It's an easy and interactive way to log your reading progress and earn points for our Summer Fun Club.
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Kids and Teens can log hours, participate in activities and challenges and earn points for attending Summer Fun Club events.
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Calling All Adults - the Reading Challenge includes you too; participate in activities and challenges for a chance to win prizes!
- Read and write book reviews, get book recommendations, connect with friends, earn digital badges, see leaderboards and more!
- Logging your participation and activities on Beanstack can be easily done through the app, that you download on your electronic device, or through the library’s website.
More info coming soon!
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Summer Fun Club Programming |
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Summer Fun Club Outdoor Opening Program:
"Miss Maggie Sings" Outdoor Concert - June 17th at 6:30pm
Weekly Virtual Zoom Storytime:
Tuesdays at 10:30 am - June 22nd, June 29th, July 6th, July 13th, July 20th, August 3rd & August 10th
Miss Melissa's Aardvarks Outdoor Music Class:
Mondays at 10:0am
June 21st, June 28th, July 12th, July 19th & August 2nd
Outdoor Storytime:
Wednesdays at 10:30 AM - June 23rd, July 7th, July 14th & August 4th
Lehigh Valley Zoo Reach Program:
Outdoor Animal Education Event - Wednesday, June 30th at 10:30am
Kid's Book Watch Parties on Zoom:
June 18th, July 9th, August 11th at 10:30am
Kids Virtual BINGO on Zoom:
Thursday, June 24th & July 22nd at 6:30 pm
Virtual Family Trivia Night on Zoom:
Thursday, July 1st at 6:30pm
Mad Science of Lehigh Valley:
Outdoor "Fire & Ice" Science Program - Thursday, July 15th at 6:30pm
(Rain Date - Monday, July 19th at 6:30pm)
Outdoor Yoga Storytime with Deanna Nagle, Ages 4-8 yrs old:
Friday, July 16th & August 6th at 11:30am
Virtual Nature Program w/ Lehigh Conservation District on Zoom:
Wednesday, July 21st at 10:30am
Outdoor Fairytale/Storybook Dance Party with DJ Dan:
Thursday, August 5th at 6:30pm
Dress up as your favorite fairytale or storybook character and
dance the night away!
Summer Fun Club Outdoor Closing Program Celebration with Kit's Interactive Theatre & Kona Ice Truck Treats:
Thursday, August 12th at 6:30pm
Kit's Interactive Theatre performance of "Mother Nature"
followed by Kona Ice Truck Treats
*PLEASE NOTE*
All outdoor events are dependent on weather and pandemic protocols at the time of the event. Some programs may be converted to Zoom programming, if needed and or able, while others may be cancelled. Social distancing and mask wearing by attendees is required for all in-person outdoor events.
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SOUTHERN LEHIGH PUBLIC LIBRARY, 3200 PRESTON LANE, CENTER VALLEY, PA 18034,
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