Blog Archives
Future Children’s Program Room Almost Complete, Library Modifies Hours During Construction
Future Children’s Program Room Almost Complete, Library Modifies Hours During Construction
Photo contributed.
From Lynn Rosato, Library Director–
The Bethel Public Library Renovation Project – Construction of the future Children’s Program Room is almost finished and we are getting ready to relocate staff from the Seelye House to this space and to other areas on the first floor. During this move, the Library’s hours will be modified as follows:
Friday, December 7: CLOSED 10 a.m.-1 p.m. OPEN 1-5 p.m.
Monday, December 10: CLOSED 10 a.m.-2 p.m. OPEN 2-8 p.m.
The Library will be open regular hours on Saturday, December 8 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and on Sunday, December 9 from 1-5 p.m.
Please note dates are approximate:
- Construction of Children’s Library program room–start 11/26/12
- Staff moving into temporary offices–start 12/7/12
- Work begins in Seelye House and on 2nd floor–start 12/17
In 2005, we moved into a partially finished new library addition. Now, in 2012, after many years of planning and fundraising, the final stage of the Bethel Public Library renovation project has begun!
From time to time, some materials and areas may be temporarily unavailable during construction. We’ll do our best to minimize disruption to service and to keep you informed of any changes in the Library’s schedule. As always, please ask staff for assistance.
We apologize for any inconvenience and we thank you for your support and patience!
Sincerely,
Lynn Rosato
Library Director
Letter to the Editor: “Old Town Hall – Why I’m Voting YES!”
Old Town Hall – Why I’m Voting YES!
Editor’s Note: The following Letter to the Editor was sent in from Dan Gaita, Bethel, CT. The opinions expressed in the Letters to the Editor column are the viewpoint of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of Bethel Buzz or its editor.
A little known bit of information that our First Selectman continues to ignore, or intentionally misrepresent, is the fact that the status of the Old Town Hall has no effect on the completion of the library renovation. It only impacts the completed library obtaining a certificate of occupancy following completion of construction. But he won’t tell you that.
Mr. Knickerbocker has said “no one wants to buy it,” yet it has never been announced as being for sale nor has a request for proposal for the space been published. Why?
Mr. Knickerbocker says “zoning regulations would make it useless,” yet he has never designated what section or chapter of our zoning regulations specify that claim. Why?
I’d like to see the future of our Old Town Hall go through all the steps promised by Mr. Knickerbocker and allow the people of Bethel a fair opportunity to refurbish, sell, buy, renovate, or re-create that little historic slice of Bethel history.
I’d also like Mr. Knickerbocker to stop attaching the completion of the library to the status of the Old Town Hall. It’s exactly what he did in 2003 when he attached the Schools Accreditation status to our students chances of getting into college. This type of intentional misrepresentation has got to stop.
I am looking forward to the completed library and also looking forward to more parking. But misleading the tax payers and residents of Bethel is no way of going about it.
Mr. Knickerbocker, finish the library – stop playing politics.
Respectfully,
Dan Gaita
Local Author Joseph Farris Recounts Tales of War at Tonight’s Author Talk & Book Signing
Local Author Joseph Farris Recounts Tales of War at Tonight’s Author Talk & Book Signing
“Dash to Ft. Freudenberg, Maginot Line, Dec. 1944” by Joseph Farris
Tonight at the Bethel Public Library at 6:30 p.m., Bethel resident and author Joseph Farris will share cartoons, excerpts and stories from his recently published book, A Soldier’s Sketchbook, an illustrated memoir about his experience as a soldier during World War II. The book was released by National Geographic and contains letters, sketches, snapshots, and mementos by Farris, who, as a teen, left his home in Danbury to go to war.
Farris, a contract cartoonist with The New Yorker since 1971, served on the U.S.S. General Gordon in October 1944 with Company M, 398th Infantry. While in France and Germany, Farris wrote more than 800 letters home from October 1944 through January 1946. The book tells the story in words and pictures of Christmas in the trenches, remembers lost friends and leaders, recounts his changing beliefs about human nature, God, and the “Jerries” (as he calls the Germans).
Farris has had two syndicated features, FARRISWHEEL for the Chicago Tribune Syndicate and PHIPPS for United Features Syndicate. His cartoons and paintings are in the private collections of President Jimmy Carter, Paul Newman, Colleen Dewhirst, William Safire, Paul Mellon and many others. A large selection of Farris’s cartoons from The New Yorker is in the permanent collection of the Morgan Library and Museum in New York City. His cartoons are in the permanent collection of The Bruce Museum in Greenwich CT and the US Army Women’s Museum in FT Lee, VA.
Tonight Joseph Farris will hold an author talk & book signing at 6:30 p.m. at the library to talk about his book, “A Soldier’s Sketchbook,” which will be available for purchase. Registration is required by calling (203) 794-8756 ext. 4.
Bethel Library Thanks Community For Helping Reach Goal
The Bethel Public Library Meets Its Capital Campaign Goal
Bethel Public Library Director Lynn Rosato, with Administrative Assistant Barbara Wertel, recently placed the final goal marker on the Library’s Capital Campaign progress sign. The Library staff, Board of Directors, and Friends extend their sincere gratitude to Campaign contributors and to the entire community for supporting the Library’s Capital Campaign to finish the second floor. For more information, please call 203-794-8756 ext. 6, or email administration@bethellibrary.org.
The Bethel Public Library is located at 189 Greenwood Avenue, Bethel, CT.
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Library Kicks Off Kid’s Summer Programs Friday
Library Kicks Off Kid’s Summer Programs Friday ~ By Wendy Mitchell
Summer Reading Program 2011 Kick-Off Event
The Bethel Library kicks off their kid’s summer reading program with a bang Friday with award winning children’s entertainer, Les Julian. Kids 3 and up can come to the library lawn Friday at 11:00a.m. to enjoy the entertainment. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on during the show and sing along to Julian’s upbeat musical show that puts an emphasis on cultural diversity.
Julian won the 2009 (NAPPA) National Association of Parenting Publications Gold Award, a Parent’s CHoiceaward and the American Library Assocition’s notable award for kids. Parent’s Magazine chose the recording Color Outside The Lines as one of the five Best of 1996 in the country.
The library’s children’s summer reading program runs from June 27 – August 6 and all kids entering Pre-School through Grade 5 are encouraged to participate.
Register at the Children’s Services Desk during library hours. Kids who read 6 books or more will be eligible to play the Ring Around the World Game and the One World weekly raffle. Prizes include Quassy Park passes, food certificates, baseball tickets and toys!
More summer fun programs for kids include (reposted from Bethel Library’s website):
Lunch Bunch Storytime: Wednesdays, July 6 – August 3 at 11:30 am in the Children’s Program Room. Kids should bring a snack or their lunch and stop in for stories and more. For kids – Ages 3 – 8 without parents. No registration required.
Summer Craft Days: Thursdays July 7 – August 4 from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm in the Library Lobby. For kids of all ages, but children 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Come in and make a fun project. A new craft will be featured each week. No registration required.
Complete details about our 2011 Summer Reading Program will be outlined in our “ONE WORLD, MANY STORIES” Summer Flyer available at the Children’s Services Desk after May 31.
Hello Bethel!
Hello Bethel! ~ By Wendy Mitchell
Welcome to Bethel Buzz, your newest local online news source for all things Bethel!
Bethel Buzz will serve not only as a current news and information site that will be updated many times throughout the day, but also as an escape from the rigors of your desk job. Hop onto the site for a little light-hearted humor, a heartwarming story about local volunteers, or read about all of the many interesting and eclectic artists and residents in our town.
Each week expect to find news from the First Selectman’s office, the public schools, news from the Bethel Chamber, D.A.W.S., and may civic groups and organizations such as the Bethel Women’s Club, Garden Club, Lion’s Club, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and much more!
Categories on Bethel Buzz will include:
Local Buzz: News from the First Selectman, the Democratic & Republican parties
Biz Buzz: Local business news
School Buzz: News from each of our schools from student reporters
Life Buzz: Home, Garden, Cooking, Arts & Entertainment
Eco Buzz: News about non-profits & charities that help our natural resources
The Bee’s Knees: Outstanding citizens & civic groups in our community
Baby Buzz: Parenting
Queen Bees: Local working women
Yellow Jackets: Fire & EMT news
The Sting: Police news
Please feel free to e-mail any news tips and story ideas to Bethel Buzz News editor, Wendy Mitchell at ctbuzznews@gmail.com or call 203-826-7194. Thanks & keep spreadin’ the BUZZ!
