Bethlehem Area Public Library

The Bethlehem Area Public Library, in its mission, strives to provide a wide range of educational, informational, cultural, and recreational services to the public. This nonprofit organization serves the communities of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas, offering resources and activities that cater to various interests and learning needs.

At the heart of its mission, the library aims to supply its patrons with a diverse collection of books, periodicals, electronic resources, DVDs, audiobooks, and other media. These materials serve numerous purposes, including education, entertainment, and cultural enrichment. The library's administrative, circulation, and technical services departments work together to ensure the smooth operation and maintenance of these resources. They are responsible for procedures related to the circulation and housing of library materials, patron record management, purchasing, publicity, fundraising, and various administrative duties.

Beyond its material offerings, the Bethlehem Area Public Library plays a significant role in fostering community engagement and collaboration. It serves as a liaison for local libraries, offering consulting services and workshops to further the collective goals of library services in the area. Furthermore, the library's finance department manages financial accounts, produces operating reports, maintains employee records, and manages various benefits programs, ensuring the library's financial stability and effectiveness.

In its adult services department, the library provides comprehensive reference services, answering questions in various formats and managing periodical collections and local history rooms. The library also offers interlibrary loan services to both patrons and other libraries, as well as engaging adult programming. Through its partnership with the Linderman Library of Lehigh University, the Bethlehem Digital History Project provides a valuable resource for the community, featuring primary source material related to Bethlehem's history.

The library's technical services department ensures the continued maintenance and updating of its adult book collection, while also managing children's and young adult materials. By regularly reviewing and updating its collection, the library remains current and comprehensive in its offerings.

Lastly, the library's youth services department is dedicated to serving the needs of children and young adults. It provides extensive children's programming, including storytimes and educational and entertaining events, and works closely with local schools, daycares, and Headstart programs. The library also engages in outreach programming outside of its building throughout the year.

In summary, the mission of the Bethlehem Area Public Library is to provide a comprehensive range of educational, informational, cultural, and recreational services to the public. Through its diverse offerings and community partnerships, the library seeks to enrich the lives of its patrons and foster a vibrant, engaged community.