February 2021
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Celebrate your love for libraries!
  
A Letter from the Director...

It is hard to believe it has been almost a month since I wrote last.  Some days it feels like a week, and some days, a year.  In February, we celebrate Presidents' Day, Black History Month, the Chinese New Year, and Valentine's Day!  The library staff is busy preparing book displays, reading lists, children's take home activities, and virtual programming opportunities to encourage the community celebrate all month long.

In January, the Library Board welcomed new board member, Julie Bender, representing Bushkill Township to the Library Board.  She brings a strong sense of community and years of community leadership to the board.  We look forward to working with Julie to ensure our library meets the needs of our community.

In celebration of Valentine's Day, I am currently reading The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. The book sits on the top of my stack of non-fiction books that I am reading.  Fiction is not my preference, but this fiction book is different.  I simply fell in love with the quote, "Once upon a time there was a boy who loved a girl, and her laughter was a question he wanted to spend his whole life answering."  That kind of love is hard to describe in words and is a treasured gift.   It reminds me of the tradition I have with my husband.  Each year, we create handmade Valentine's Day cards for each other.    There is something about telling someone how much he or she means to you by starting out on a blank sheet of paper.  A homemade creation that tries to answer the question we all want to spend our whole life answering is the best kind of Valentine.

As always, I want to thank you for your patience and cooperation as we endure the pandemic together as a community.  The library will tweak its service model in the month of February to accommodate modified in-person visits, keeping safety protocols at the forefront of our operational model.  We appreciate your continued support and understanding, and look forward to throwing wide the doors again when the pandemic subsides.

Holly Bennett
Library Director, Information Conductor, and Community Ambassador
A Thought to Ponder...
"To be a librarian is not to be neutral, or passive, or waiting for a question.  It is to be a radical positive change agent within your community." - R. David Lankes, scholar, speaker, writer
Thank You, Fidelity Bank!
 The library expresses a BIG THANK YOU to Fidelity Bank for selecting the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity as its Random Act of Kindness pick for January!
The bank donated 400 candy bars, which will be given out to library patrons.
Also, this month at the bank, you can check out a special display centering on our love of reading.


For Football Fans and Readers Alike...
   Join Vicki Mayk as she discusses her new biography,

Mark your calendar now!

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Virtual attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a personalized, autographed copy of the book generously donated by the author!

To register for the event, obtain the BlueJeans link, and enter the drawing, email jsilvius@nazarethlibrary.org by Thursday, March 4th, 12pm.


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Introducing:  Curbside Cooking Kits for Kids
(and Families)!
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What:  A cooking challenge for families!  This program is being sponsored by an anonymous donor.  All food items were donated.
How:  Pick up a bag with several ingredients to use to create your own muffin!  Please share a photo of your finished product with us by posting to our social media outlets!
When:  Monday, February 1st-Friday, February 12th
Where:  Call the library to schedule a day and time to pick up your Curbside Cooking Kit, available while supplies last.
Hey, Kids...Choose Your Own Adventure!
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Imagine that you are a young classical pianist returning to the United States from London aboard the Titanic on the night of its fatal sinking and the choices you make will determine whether or not you survive and are able to continue your promising career.
AND
Imagine that you trace a desperate anonymous caller to a house on the site of a former Civil War prison.  Is it safe to go in alone?  Depending on the choices you make, will this house of danger be your biggest case or your last?

The reader of two Choose Your Own Adventure books will let YOU make all the decisions!  Join her on Thursday, February 18th at 7pm via BlueJeans.  This virtual event is for children around ages nine through twelve.
To register for the event and obtain the BlueJeans link, email jsilvius@nazarethlibrary.org by Wednesday, February 17th.

Celebrate Valentine's Day!

Starting Thursday, February 11th after 11am,
pick up a take-home Valentine craft!
Library Laughs
Overheard at the library on Valentine's Day:
"Can I have your call number?"
"Dewey belong together?"
"ISBN thinking about you!"
"You're good for my circulation."
Celebrate  February Holidays...
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Chinese New Year:  Friday, February 12th

Valentine's Day:  Sunday, February 14th

Presidents' Day:  Monday, February 15th
The library will be closed in observance of the holiday.
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...and Black History Month!
Check out the many adults' and children's books and other materials
in our special display.




Our young patrons can also request free coloring pages to celebrate!
Ask for them via curbside pickup.
It's Time for Another STEM Video...


Join Kevin

Wednesday, February 3rd, 4pm

featuring a Valentine's Day lava lamp!
Are you playing BINGO?
 

How does this Winter Bingo work?
Start the new year by challenging yourself with a fun reading challenge!  Fill
in the Bingo Card by writing the titles of the book you're read in the
corresponding blocks.  Return your Bingo Card by Monday, March 1st to be entered to win a gift card!

How do I get a bingo card?
Print the PDF here or request a copy to be included in a curbside pickup.

How (and what) can I win?
BINGO:  Complete a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal row.  We will NOT be
counting four corners as wins!  Once you return your Bingo Card, you'll be
entered to win a $10 gift card.
BLACKOUT/COVER-ALL:  Want an extra challenge?  Fill in the entire board to
be entered to win a $25 gift card!

I need help picking books!!!
Use our library catalog to search for items by subject or keyword! You can
also call the library at 610-759-4932 or check out our website for staff
recommendations!

Happy Reading!

Three Special Storytimes for Children
You are invited to three special events!

Monday, February 8th, 10:30am
AND
Tuesday, February 16th, 6:30pm
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AND
Thursday, February 25th, 10:30am
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Join via Facebook for all events.

After the February 25th storytime, there will be a free Bug book and take-home craft available.
Call the library to schedule a time to pick up the book and craft, w
hile supplies last!
It's Tax Preparation Time...
  • Patrons are invited to make appointments to use our computer, fax, and copying services.
  • AARP will not offer onsite tax preparation services at the library this year.
  • However, on Tuesday, February 9th, AARP's website plans to publish a list of places to obtain services.
  • Tax forms will be available at the library.  Call to make a curbside appointment to pick up a specific form.
  • Forms are free, but donations are gladly accepted. 
A Mammogram Can Be a Lifesaver:  Webinar
Mammograms can be a lifesaver, and routine mammograms can detect cancer early, when chances of survival are highest:  early detection is your best protection!
Unfortunately, not everyone is familiar with how,
when, and where they need to schedule a mammogram.
All are invited to attend this special webinar to learn more.
If you are interested, email outreach@nazarethlibrary.org by Tuesday, February 2nd at 3pm for the BlueJeans link.
To find out more information about the program and screening locations in the Lehigh Valley, click here.

*"Developed resources reported in this project are supported by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NNLM), National Institutes of Health (NIH) under cooperative agreement number UG4LM012342 with the University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System.  The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health."
Upcoming Ongoing Events
Join the Brainy Bibliophiles Book Group!

What does this group read?
The group reads a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and classics - usually books that are longer, more theoretical, or more complex than you might find in another book group.

When and where does the group meet?
Book discussions are currently being held on the first Tuesday, every third month, online via BlueJeans.  The group looks forward to meeting in person, hopefully soon!

How are books selected?
The discussion leader selects the books,
but members are invited to suggest books for future discussion.

Who can join?
All who want to "dig deeper" are welcome.

Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30pm
"A Collection of Holes Tied Together with String":  Braithwaite's Bricolage Biography
An incredible novel/thriller/description/meditation/biography/essay...about a famous stuffed parrot.  Sort of.  Intrigued?

>>>To register, and to reserve a copy of the book to keep (while supplies last), email jsilvius@nazarethlibrary.org.<<<

Tuesday, June 1st, 6:30pm
What do you know about the Senatus Populus Que Romanus ("the senate and people of Rome"?)  Let Beard introduce you to nearly a thousand years of the empire's glory!

Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30pm
Untranslated Latin, ecclesiastical history, long philosophical passages, amidst a medieval murder mystery...are you up for the challenge?

Tuesday, December 7th, 6:30pm
A grown-up's book with essential pictures, photographs, and graphics, narrated (mostly) by a nine-year-old boy in the search for the lock (or the "key"!) to his deceased father's life, in post-9/11 America.

NOTE:  A limited number of copies of the 2021 book selections
will be available at the library for registrants to pick up and keep.  Future registration dates and details will be listed in upcoming newsletters.
For more information and to obtain the BlueJeans links, email jsilvius@nazarethlibrary.org.

What does this group read?
The group reads a mix of fiction, nonfiction, and classics.

When and where does the group meet?
Book discussions are currently being held on the second Wednesday, every month, online via Zoom.  The group looks forward to meeting in person, hopefully soon!

How are books selected?
Throughout the year, members are invited to nominate books for future discussion.
The group votes in December for books for the following February-November and subsequent January.

Who can join?
All are welcome.

Wednesday, February 10th, 6:30pm
by Tracey Enerson Wood

Wednesday, March 10th, 6:30pm
by Bill Bryson

Wednesday, April 14th, 6:30pm
by Ann Patchett

Wednesday, May 12th, 6:30pm
by Jill Jonnes

Wednesday, June 9th, 6:30pm
by Trevor Noah

Wednesday, July 14th, 6:30pm
by Robert Matzen

Wednesday, August 11th, 6:30pm
by Fredrik Backman

Wednesday, September 8th, 6:30pm
by David McCullough

Wednesday, October 13th, 6:30pm
by Lucy Foley

Wednesday, November 10th, 6:30pm
by Kristen Harmel

Saturday, December 11th, 1:00pm
Holiday Gathering and Book Selection for 2022

Wednesday, January 12th, 2022, 6:30pm
by Marie Benedict

For more information and to obtain the Zoom links, email sgerken@aol.com.
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Toddler Shake & Boogie!
Tuesdays
February 2nd, 9th, 16th, and 23rd
10:30am
Storytime!
Thursdays
February 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th
10:30am
The 25th is about bugs!  (See above).

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Join the MLNV's creative writing group!

  • This group is facilitated by a local college professor who holds a Ph.D. in English and has a love for writing.
  • At each meeting, participants will receive a writing prompt and be asked to share their responses (whether poetry, fiction, or nonfiction) to a previous writing prompt.
  • The prompt for the upcoming meeting:  Once COVID-19 is "under control," what aspects of life in general or society or your own way of life do you predict will never return to "normal"?  Why not?  Feel free to write in any genre (poetry, fiction, nonfiction, etc.)
  • Participants may request constructive criticism or just a friendly listening audience.
  • The facilitator will share a writing tip.
  • If you are interested in joining the group and obtaining more details about the group, email jsilvius@nazarethlibrary.org.
The group's next BlueJeans meetings are
Monday, February 8th, 7pm
Monday, February 22nd, 7pm

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an open-forum where teens discuss the issues related specifically to teen use of the library (materials and events).

The next meetings will likely begin in March!  Check upcoming newsletters for details!

Perks of joining the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity's TAB:  making new friends, receiving volunteer hours, and the ability to make creative and financial choices involving teen programming & the YA/Teen room renovations.

Requirements to join:  Entering 7th to 12th grade, have a MLNV library card, be willing to participate in TAB discussions and voice your opinions, and be willing to respect the opinions, tastes, privacy & choices of others.

Interested in joining the TAB? Want more information? Feel free to e-mail all questions to srozell@nazarethlibrary.org.
Get Your Library Merchandise!
While supplies last...
MLNV 2020 Library of the Year shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased
online via the "Store" tab.  A debit or credit card is required.
Cash or check donations received for ornaments and totes go directly to the Summer Reading Program.  This is separate from the Capital Campaign.
NEW Hoopla Offering
Hoopla has just introduced its Book Club Hub!
Each quarter, hoopla will release a new Spotlight Selection title, along with materials including a discussion guide and exclusive author interview to help you get the most out of your book club.

The current winter selection is Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi.
Take a look!

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NO HOLDS!  NO WAITING!
With every title on hoopla available instantly, with no holds, no waiting, and no late fees, everyone can start reading or listening right away, simultaneously, with their choice of eBook or audiobook!
Curbside Delivery, Computer Usage, and Current Hours of Operation

The Library Will Continue to Serve the Community Via Curbside Delivery in February.

Thank you for your continued patronage!

Please continue to regularly check our website and social media pages for any changes.

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
11am-2pm

Tuesday and Thursday
11am-2pm and 4pm-6pm

Saturday
10am-12pm

The MLNV staff will bring your patron materials
directly to you in your vehicle.

After scheduling an appointment via MyLIBRO, simply call us when you arrive, tell us what parking spot you are in and the color of your vehicle, pop your trunk, and we will bring the checked-out materials to you - while you stay warm and dry in your vehicle!

How Do I Schedule a Curbside Pickup Appointment?
It's easy!
Download the myLibro app (available on iOS and the Google store).  Find "Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity" on the dropdown menu.  Type in your library card number (all 14 digits, NO spaces).  Your library PIN will be the last four digits of the phone number the MLNV has on file under your account UNLESS you had previously changed your PIN.   For help with your library card number or pin number, reach out to srozell@nazarethlibrary.org.  Once your account is created, you are all set!
If you make a curbside appointment using a web browser, you will be required to sign in just like the app.  To sign in, input your library card number (all 14 digits, NO spaces) and a PIN (last four digits of the phone number you have provided us with).  If you run into any problems, you can reach out to us at technologydept@nazarethlibrary.org.

What If I Can't Schedule an Exact Pickup Time?
Please still make an appointment - it helps us plan.

What If I Miss My Pickup Appointment?
Please still come!  Pickup appointment times are approximate.
We know you're busy, there's traffic, etc...

How Do I Know What Books Are in the Collection?
Browse via our online catalog, or call the library with questions and for recommendations.

Can I Still Use the Computers?
Computer use is by appointment only; call 610-759-4932 to make an appointment.  In an effort to minimize exposure among patrons and staff, computer usage sessions are limited to 30 minutes.

Please note:  The library will be closed on Monday, February 15th for Presidents' Day.

THANK YOU
for your patience as we continually monitor the situation
for the health and safety of all patrons and staff!
Check the  library website and social media for updates.
Borrowing and Returning Items
Borrowed Items --> Plastic Bags, Please

Our outside book drop is open 24/7.  Please return all items via the book drop.  Wask that you please continue putting your items into closed plastic bags.  Thank you!


Don't worry if you see your returned items still on your account several days after you have returned them.

For everyone's health and safety, we are quarantining returned materials for 7 days upon receipt.  Also, returned items are wiped with a sanitizing wipe before being reshelved.

Curbside Service with myLIBRO!

Explore our curbside service which will allow you to select materials remotely from your mobile device and schedule curbside pick up at the library!

How to Create Your Account
  1. Download the myLibro app (available on iOS and the Google store).
  2. Find "Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity" on the dropdown menu.
  3. Type in your library card number (all 14 digits, NO spaces).  Your library pin will be the last four digits of the phone number the MLNV has on file under your account UNLESS you had previously changed your PIN.  For help with your library card number or pin number, reach out to srozell@nazarethlibrary.org.
Stay in the Know with Social Media!
It's easy to stay up-to-date with our many current events for all ages!
 Additional Services
You can access our digital library 24/7 with a library card!

Register for a card from the comfort of your own home; click here to fill out the online form, and a librarian will contact you.

Happy Reading!

If you or someone you know needs help with technology, we are available to help!  Email khopf@nazarethlibrary.org or call 610-759-4932 to set up a time for your "virtual" one-on-one technology session.

Note: You must have a valid library card to take advantage of this free service.
eBooks, Audiobooks, and MORE!


Anyone with an active library card can borrow electronic materials from our website!
    1. Go to our website.
    2. Click the Collections menu.
    3. Select eBooks & Audiobooks, and follow the directions.
To access these resources, follow the directions outlined above, or simply click here to go directly to the eBooks & Audiobooks page!

Remember, you do need a library card to access these free services, and you can register for one online by clicking here.
Missed a newsletter?
You can find past MLNV newsletters on our website. Click here to read our newsletters that date back to 2015; or, simply visit our website, click the Events menu and select Newsletter.  Happy Reading!
Support the Library While You Shop!

AmazonSmile is the same Amazon you currently use, with the same products, prices, and services with a different name. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Library. Choose the Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity as the organization to receive your smile donation.

For more ways to support the library, please click here.

Thank you!
Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity 
295 East Center Street, Nazareth PA  18064
610-759-4932