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December 2020
>>>> Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays! <<<<
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A Letter from the Director...
"The Plastic Holiday Platter"
Hello Friends,
On Christmas night, my extended family of about thirty people celebrate a tradition of gathering together. Sadly, our tradition will not take place this year. However, each year we gather in a circle and play the "pass the gift game." You know the one you played in school where the teacher reads 'Twas the Night before Christmas and when the word "the" is read you pass your gift to the left and when the word "and" is read you pass it to the right. Imagine, a large crowd of grown adults sitting in a circle passing gifts back and forth as they listen to the story. The gifts that are passed among each other are small and inexpensive. However, the ultimate winner of the game is the person holding the plastic holiday platter when the story ends. There is a plastic platter every year (see my collection in the photo above). The plastic platter is extremely recognizable as it is the by far the largest, flattest, rounded gift that is passed along in the circle. It is the most sought after gift because everyone knows what it is by its silhouette wrapped in bright holiday wrapping paper. My oldest daughter talks about the plastic holiday platter all year long. She anxiously waits for another chance to win.
If you win the platter, you are envied because you escaped the chance of getting glitter nail polish or some other nonessential item you will not use. In reality though, the plastic platter stands for something much more than the grand prize. It is a gift that symbolizes time and love. The time spent together in that circle one time a year and the love for each other as we eagerly wait to see who takes it home. Maybe for 2020, we should all seek to win the metaphoric plastic holiday platter since we can't sit in our traditional family circles. As we begin to prepare our homes for the holidays, write cards to friends and loved ones, and bake traditional favorites, we should keep our eyes open for the plastic platter coming our way in the "circle." It may not be the largest, flattest, rounded gift, but it will be the one that arrives via a phone or Zoom call, a handwritten note or email, and will symbolize the essence of being together even though you may be apart. It will be the connection of love you share for your friends and family in a nontraditional way this year. Author Peg Bracken once said, "Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly Merry Christmas." I wish you all a very happy and safe holiday season. I look forward to new healthy and safe beginnings in 2021. Happy Holidays, and keep a watch out for the plastic platter!
Holly Bennett
Library Director, Information Conductor, and Community Ambassador
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"The library is an arena of possibility, opening both a window into the soul and a door onto the world."
Rita Dove, American poet and essayist, first African American to be appointed as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress
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...through the ENTIRE newsletter! Don't miss UPDATED information about...
- upcoming events for children and adults
- book groups
- holiday announcements
- new library hours and procedures
- Christmas merchandise
- library honors
- lots more!
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The library was the recipient of two recent resolutions by Nazareth Borough and Bushkill Township, two of the municipalities it serves. It was also recognized by Senator Mario Scavello and Northampton County.
On November 2nd, Nazareth Borough resolved that the MLNV "be further honored not only for being named our state's best Library for the year 2020 but also for the decades of extraordinary contributions it has made to all in the Nazareth area....The award is a well deserved tribute to an institution in our Borough that has met the challenges of this Pandemic year and done so better than the thousands of other Libraries in Pennsylvania. Our Library is a source of pride, a centerpiece of learning and educational advancement and the facility itself is picturesque and welcoming to all."
On November 19th, the MLNV received a Proclamation from Northampton County Council recognizing the recent accomplishment of being named 2020 Library of the Year by the Pennsylvania Library Association.
You can watch the presentation here.
Pictured above: Northampton County Council, in addition to, from the viewer's left to right: Shelby Rozell, Librarian; Lance Colondo, Mayor of Nazareth Borough; Holly Bennett, Executive Director of the Library; Tara Zrinski, Northampton County Councilwoman; and Terri Sayago, Vice President of the Library Board/Upper Nazareth Township Representative. |
We are so grateful to the participating municipalities for removing the overgrown shrubbery and making the library grounds look beautiful.
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No fines are being charged at this time.
Auto-renewal has begun.
What's auto-renewal? On their due date, items that are checked out for two weeks will automatically renew for two more weeks, and items that are checked out for one week will automatically renew for one week, UNLESS the item is on hold for someone else.
How will I know my items have been auto-renewed? If you are signed up for library emails, you will receive a notice with a new due date and/or information on items that cannot be renewed. You can also check your library account online anytime.
Can I still renew my library materials myself? Yes! You can still renew library materials by calling the library or renewing via your library account online.
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Special Library Merchandise Gift Shop
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Looking for that special holiday gift?
The clothing will be available for purchase on our website, at the library,
and at Christmas in Nazareth on December 12th.
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A Special Message from the Assistant Director
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Assistant Director Catherine Stewart recently was honored for forty years of service to the MLNV!
THANK YOU, CATHERINE!
View her video response here!
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William Shakespeare at the library: "Excuse me, can I reserve a copy
of the new Clive Cussler novel?"
Librarian: "No holds, bard."
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Patron: "Do you have a book on probability?:
Librarian: "It might be on the shelf over there."
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"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read." - Groucho Marx
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Is Your Library Membership Expired?
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Have you not been in the library in awhile?
Are you getting this newsletter, but your library card has expired?
Stop in the library, call the library, or email [email protected] today to quickly and easily get it renewed! |
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Here's your chance to get a
"Golden Ticket"...
The Teen Advisory Board is hosting a special "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" fundraiser from November 30th to December 11th!
Stop by and purchase your favorite Gertrude Hawk chocolate bar flavor as usual - except this time, slide the wrapper off to see if you've found a Golden Ticket!
The sale will feature FOUR second place winners (with small prizes and gift cards based on the four children who visited the factory with Charlie - Violet, Augustus, Veruca, and Mike).
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Donate and get a free gift!
ornament with an $8 donation small tote bag with a $10 donation large tote bag with a $12 donation
The tote bags and ornament are ONLY available at the library, though they can be requested through curbside pickup.
Thank you for your support!
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Please check the library website and social media or call the library for updates.
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Saturday, December 12th
10am-3pm
As part of Nazareth's festivities,
stop by the MLNV's tents on the front lawn from 10am-2pm:
1. Purchase "Library of the Year" merchandise for that special someone (see above for pictures of items available for purchase)!
2. Get your Christmas tree ornament "grab and go" craft!
3. Drop off your letter for Santa and his elves into the special mailbox (Letters will be accepted beginning Tuesday, December 1st at the library; December 12th is the deadline!)
4. Purchase a copy of author Richard Hope's book about Santa Claus and have him sign it between noon and 1pm (see below for how to join the virtual author talk with Hope)!
5. Spread warm holiday cheer!
Please note that the library building will be closed that day. |
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Decorate the tree!
The Teen Advisory Board is hosting a "Community Tree" decoration event. You will be able to decorate a tree that we will set up outside the main doors. Just call us and request a DIY ornament kit to decorate. (This is different from the take-home craft for Christmas in Nazareth). Then drop your ornaments off in a special box where we can then set them up on the tree for the whole town to see!
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Starting December 7th, it's raffle time...
Bid on an Air Fryer basket!
It was generously donated by an Upper Nazareth patron.
The basket includes a new air fryer along with a cookbook.
Patrons can buy one chance for just $5 or three chances for just $10!
The raffle ends December 17th.
The winner will be contacted on December 18th, and the prize must be picked up by December 23rd. |
Two special author events for adults:
Wednesday, December 9th, 6pm
The event will be held virtually.
If you are interested, email [email protected] by Monday, December 4th for the BlueJeans link. Hope will sign copies of his book on Saturday, December 12th, from 12-1pm as part of the Christmas in Nazareth celebration. Books can be purchased that day.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Learn about Nazareth history with Susan Ellis!
Thursday, December 17th, 6pm
The event will be held virtually.
If you are interested, email [email protected] by Tuesday, December 15th for the BlueJeans link.
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Brrrr...Check out this Cool Christmas Craft!
as they make their own paper and Christmas cards!
Wednesday, December 9th, 4pm
After the event, check out the video again, anytime - plus previous STEM videos - on the MLNV's YouTube channel! |
Holiday Bedtime Storytimes with Catherine
Tuesdays
December 1st, 8th, and 15th
7pm
Get in your PJs, snuggle with your teddy bear, and tune in to Facebook Live!
On the 15th, a special guest will join Storytime!
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Don't miss Bilingual Holiday Storytime
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Merry Christmas
and Feliz Navidad!
Monday, December 14th, 10:30am
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Get your scissors and glue ready!
Stop by the library on Friday, December 18th for a free "grab and go" holiday craft kit, while supplies last.
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Join the Brainy Bibliophiles Book Club!
Tuesday, December 1st, 6:30pm
>>>>>>>> A SPECIAL GUEST <<<<<<<<
Titles for 2021:
Tuesday, March 2nd, 6:30pm
Registration begins January 4th. To register, and to reserve a copy of the book to keep (while supplies last), email [email protected].
Tuesday, June 1st, 6:30pm
Tuesday, September 7th, 6:30pm
Tuesday, December 7th, 6:30pm
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. |
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Join the Wednesday Night Book Club!
Book discussions are currently being held online via Zoom.
Saturday, December 12th, 1:00pm
Holiday Party
Grab your favorite holiday beverage and snack
and join the Zoom meeting just to talk and relax.
The 2021 book selections will be revealed during the online festivities!
Wednesday, January 13th, 6:30pm
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Toddler Shake & Boogie!
Tuesdays
December 1st, 8th, and 15th
10:30am
(No program on
December 22nd and 29th)
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Storytime!
Thursdays
December 3rd, 10th, and 17th
10:30am
(No program on
December 24th and 31st)
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Calling All Writers!
It's not too late to join the newly-formed 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 new writing prompt and be asked to share their responses (whether poetry, fiction, or nonfiction) to a previous writing prompt. Participants may request constructive criticism or just a friendly listening audience.
If you are interested in joining the group and obtaining more details about the group, email [email protected].
The group's next BlueJeans meetings are
Monday, December 7th, 7pm
Monday, December 21st, 7pm
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Join the next meeting of the MLNV
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).
Next meeting: Wednesday, December 9th, 3-4:30pm
PLEASE NOTE: The meetings will be held both online and in-person at the Lower Nazareth Municipal Building at 306 Butztown Road, Bethlehem. (In-person meetings can be cancelled at any time, but online meetings will continue throughout the whole session). A link to the online meeting will be sent the morning of each meeting. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to TAB Supervisor at [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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Words from the Staff:
What Is Your Favorite Holiday Book or Movie and Why?
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Jill Silvius, Circulation Page:
Christmas is the best time to celebrate the incredible gift of Jesus Christ to a lost and sinful world, so my favorite Christmas narrative is the true story of Jesus' birth as told in Luke 2:1-20. To imagine that the redemption of the world was born in a stable! At this time of the year, I also love Charles Dickens' classic novella A Christmas Carol, which captures so much of what the holiday season should be all about: generosity and kindness. Dickens paints such vivid atmospheric pictures of dreary Victorian London. And against that backdrop, who can forget his memorable characters: lovable Tiny Tim, the wise ghosts, and the transformed Ebenezer Scrooge himself? I don't have a particular favorite Christmas movie, but I love that there are hilarious ones, serious ones, poignant ones, classic ones - I can find the perfect Christmas film for whatever suits my particular mood all throughout the winter months. |
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A Note from Staff Member Leah Hopf
about Her Passion Project
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Sustainability seems like a pretty daunting word- but here at the library, we're working on making it more accessible.
In 2020, we launched Project Green!, an initiative that aims to reduce the library's waste and promote conversation around the issue in our community. We began offering emailed receipts, established a recycling policy in the building, reduced our energy consumption by using fewer lights, and replaced about 20% of our books about environmentalism with fascinating, updated materials.
As we reflect on our goals for 2021, this issue remains on the forefront of our minds. We are excited to offer a variety of educational events for all ages and work with local experts to better understand the environmental challenges facing our community. And no - we won't stop climate change or the plastic crisis right here in Nazareth. But, we're learning to make accommodations that prioritize these issues. Each time we make an eco-friendly change, we are recognizing the problem for what it is and trying to make a difference, rather than being complacent.
We invite you to follow along with our journey by switching to emailed receipts, checking out a book, and staying tuned for upcoming events. Here's to a sustainable year!
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Curbside Option and Current Hours of Operation
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The Library is Open to
Limited Capacity in December.
Thank you for your continued patronage!
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
10am - 3pm
Tuesday and Thursday 10am-7pm Saturday 9am - 1pm
Patrons are encouraged to make their selections in a timely manner; we will allow only 10 patrons in the building at one time. You can call 610-759-4932 to make an appointment; walk-ins are welcome, as spots become available.
PLUS...
Let Us Bring Your Library Materials to You
in Your Vehicle!
Effective immediately, the MLNV staff prefer to 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 [email protected]. 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 starting on Monday, November 23rd. 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 [email protected].
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...
What If I Want a Book That's in a Part of the Library I Can't Access?
If you are looking for a book you found in our online catalog, we are more than happy to bring several books from our collection for you to consider.
Can I Still Use the Computers? The number of public workstations available to the public is being reduced to 2. We ask that you limit your computer usage session to 30 minutes.
Please note: The library will be closed December 12th for Christmas in Nazareth and on December 24th-26th, December 31st, and January 1st for the holidays.
THANK YOU
for your patience as we continually monitor the situation
for the health and safety of all patrons and staff!
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Borrowing and Returning Items
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Borrowed Items --> Plastic Bags, Please
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Our outside book drop is open 24/7.
Please return all items via the book drop.
We ask 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. |
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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!
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How to Create Your Account
- 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 [email protected].
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Stay in the Know with Social Media!
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It's easy to stay up-to-date with our many current events for all ages!
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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!
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If you or someone you know needs help with technology, we are available to help! Email [email protected] 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.
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eBooks, Audiobooks, and MORE!
Anyone with an active library card can borrow electronic materials from our website!
- Go to our website.
- Click the Collections menu.
- 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. |
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!
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Support the Library While You Shop!
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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!
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Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity
295 East Center Street, Nazareth PA 18064
610-759-4932
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