A Letter from the Director...

Can you imagine zip code 18064 without a library?
 
I am sure you heard sound bites of the Forbes article published earlier this month arguing that public libraries are a waste and should be replaced by Amazon stores. The author of the article was making a case that services such as resource and technology sharing, unemployment assistance, and educational opportunities for all ages should fall on the shoulders of the individuals seeking these services and should not be offered as a public good.
 
Of course, the opposition to this argument is that free and easy access to information is important, that cultural enrichment is vital, and that all segments of the population deserve equal access to information and entertainment. However, I think it is more than that. Ask yourself, "What is a community?" I bet your response includes ensuring public safety, opportunities for lifelong learning, nurturing friendships and commerce, and carrying a sense of pride about a place we call home.
 
Would you agree that the essence of a community IS A LIBRARY? Can you imagine zip code 18064 without a library? There would be an absence of a place to access information. A void of a free, safe and comfortable place to retreat to when the electric is out, when the house is loud, or when you just need a change of scenery. The lack of an alternative learning environment to school and work. There would not be a place to go to for help with printing, faxing, technology questions, or other necessary modern day processes. There would be a deficiency of a social media free outlet where members of the community talk to each other about their families, vacations, and each other without typing, posting photos or searching for an appropriate emoji. We no longer would feel the pride associated to the physical building we see on a daily basis, which we relate to, as a community place. The absence of a library in zip code 18064 would take a large part of our pride out of who we are as a group.
 
Strengthening our community is a priority for the Nazareth Library Staff and Board of Directors. In an ever changing and uncertain world, we hope you look to the Nazareth Library as the heart of zip code 18064, as a safe place you are proud of, utilize and call home. Take time to explore what the library offers you. I promise the Nazareth Library will provide you with much more than Amazon and Starbucks combined.

See you at the library!

Holly Bennett
Library Director, Information Conductor, and Community Ambassador
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
Joe McMaster, Software Coordinator

Joe started his position at the library in March of this year, and is also a  Teacher of Technology K-8 at Holy Family School in Nazareth.

He enjoys reading novels and Shakespeare, and recommends any of Mitch Albom's books "because they are enjoyable, quick reads."   Joe spends his free time outdoors, he enjoys barbecuing, swimming, cycling, going to the beach, and taking his dog on hikes.  

Joe's favorite programming that the library offers is "Reading to the Pups" in which children read a book to a service dog; and his favorite resource is the helpfulness of the library staff to its patrons.
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AUGUST SPECIAL HOURS
Please note that we will be open from 9am-1pm every Saturday in August .
AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS 
for ALL AGES
All events are held at the library, unless otherwise noted.

SUMMER READING PROGRAM!
Now through August 11th

This program is designed to encourage EVERYONE to read during the summer. This year's theme is Libraries Rock and the program consists of multiple opportunities to WIN prizes and gift cards that are geared towards children, teens, and adults!
AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS  
for ADULTS
All events are held at the library, unless otherwise noted.
Book Talk & Signing 
by Local Author
Bob Hampton
Thursday, August 16th ~ 6:30pm

Bushkill Township locals will recognize the iconic church that is the focal point of Pastor Bob Hampton's book, The Church That Miracles Built Faith Family Fellowship stands tall at the corner of Bushkill Center and Belfast Roads.

Join us for an evening and listen to Bob Hampton's incredible story!
BOOK DISCUSSION GROUPS for ADULTS
All meetings are held in the library living room, unless otherwise noted.
All groups welcome new members, and meetings take place in the 
Library living room.

Nazareth Book Club
Wed., August 8
6:30pm
Nazzies Book Club*
Friday, August 17
10:30am
Nazareth Book Club
Wed., September 12
6:30pm


The Boys in the Boat
by Daniel James Brown
The Kommandant's Girl
by Pam Jenoff
The Great Swindle
by Pierre Lemaitre

*The first 10 people to register for the Nazzies Book Club will receive a free copy of the book;   a sign-up sheet is available at the Main Circulation Desk.
(A PA Forward Initiative promoting Basic Literacy)
AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS 
for CHILDREN and  TEENS
All events are held at the library, unless otherwise noted.
Read to the Pups!
Thursday,  August 2nd ~ 6:30-7:30pm 
(Children must have completed Kindergarten)

Bring a book to read to a new furry friend!

Registration is required ; register at the Children's Desk one week prior to the event. Limit 16 children.
STEM
Building Fun for School-Age Children!
Fridays, August 3 & 10  ~ 10:30-12:00pm 

NAIS & NAMS Game Days!
Fridays, August 3 & 10 ~ 1:00-3:00pm

Beat the heat at the library while hanging out with your friends -- board games, snacks, and drinks provided!
A Red Carpet Event for...
Children Who Completed the Summer Reading Program!
Wednesday, August 15 ~ 6:00-7:00pm


Celebrate the conclusion of Summer Reading 2018 with this exclusive event for children who completed the program! Dan's Camera will photograph the children during this fun and well-deserved party!
AUGUST LIBRARY EVENTS  
for BABIES and PRESCHOOLERS
baby_girl_glasses_library.jpg

Join us at the library for story times (offered in the morning, afternoon, and evening!), Shake & Boogie, and Wee Build! We have multiple programs for babies and toddlers! (Plus, we have story times on Thursday at our Lower Nazareth library!)

Click  here for a complete schedule!

These programs are part of a PA Forward Initiative promoting Basic Literacy.
NEWSLETTER SPONSORSHIP
Thank you
Holy Family Preschool 
for sponsoring our August Newsletter!

Holy Family Preschool offers three programs for three-year-old and four-year-old children that includes lessons in Spanish.
 
Our program for three-year-olds is half-day on Tuesdays and Thursdays with our Preschool Director Mrs. Fulmer and the Spanish teacher Mrs. Perez.
 
We have half-day and full-day programs for the four-year-old children. The half-day is on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Mrs Fulmer and Mrs. Perez, and the full-day is Monday through Friday with Miss Megan Stofik and Mrs. Carrie Dalessio. Both classes are academic as well as a social in content.
The full-day class uses three textbooks for morning classroom work, and the children go to special classes with Holy Family School's art teacher, physical education teacher and librarian, as well as two Spanish classes with Mrs. Perez per week. Afterschool care is available for children in the full-day program.
 
Class sizes are limited. Call 610-759-5642 for information or register online at www.holyfamilynazareth.com.
Do you own a small business and are looking for a new way to advertise it?  Sponsoring  this newsletter could be your answer!

Whether you work from home or a brick and mortar storefront, small businesses are key to our community

This newsletter reaches over 5,600 subscribers in the Nazareth community and beyond;  if this opportunity interests you, please email us at sellis@nazarethlibrary.org for more information!
UPCOMING LIBRARY EVENTS!
All events are held at the library, unless otherwise noted.
Friends of the Library Meeting
Tuesday, September 4th ~ 6:30pm

The Friends is a group of community members who raise money to provide programs and purchase items for the library collection which surpass the library's annual budget.  Without the Friends, many of the annual events that you and your children participate in would not be offered. 

Join this volunteer group to learn how you can help make a difference!

For more information, click here.
Mark Your Calendars for Our Annual
TOUCH a TRUCK!
Saturday, October 6th ~ 10am - 2pm

Nazareth Women's Club Membership Drive
at The Library
Wednesday, October 10th ~ 5:30-7:30pm

Written by
Mary Sue Balm, Women's Club Member

The Nazareth Women's Club and Memorial Library have a long history together. In fact, it was the Women's Club that actually started the library.

At the end of World War II, the community decided to erect a memorial to honor local men and woman who served in the military. At the same time, the Women's Club was in the process of opening a library, so the two endeavors became one. The first library was on the second floor of Freeman's Store on Main Street, with Club members volunteering a few hours each week. They also raised money for additional books and supplies.

The Library continued to grow and moved twice, finally settling into its current location. The Club still supports the Library, donating the proceeds from one of its annual fundraisers and donating a book each time a member passes away. The Club also supports a number of other organizations, including Nazareth Food Bank, Gracedale,  Operation Smile, and provides three scholarships a year to local students.

The Nazareth Women's Club is holding a membership drive on Wednesday, October 10th at the library. We are always looking for civic-minded ladies to join us. Please stop by for more information, or call 484-542-2025.
Even MORE Special Events & Classes for the Fall !

Neill Hartley (as Woodrow Wilson)
 Lehigh Valley Storyteller Guild
Ladies Night Out: Painting Class
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Coding Club for Children
Ladies Night Out: Mindfulness Program
Mindfulness Program for Children & Parents

Keep an eye out for the September Newsletter, Facebook, Instagram, and our  website for details, we are constantly adding new events!
GIVING THANKS
Thank You for Your Generous Donations...

William and Marie Morman (in memory of Troy Fogel)*
Judith Johnson (in memory of Sharon Frankenfield)
Brenda and Barbara Lutz (in memory of Sharon Frankenfield)
Library Board (in memory of Donald Lichtenwalner)
Aluta Lodge #488 IOOF
Lisa Cameline
Philip Chambers

*Donor correction from our July Newsletter.

A gift to your library is a gift to yourself. 
Over the years, patrons and friends of the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity have made contributions in a variety of ways. They have taken advantage of the opportunity to reduce the cost of gifts through tax savings, while at the same time maintaining or increasing their value to the library. Memorial and other special gifts are a meaningful way of paying tribute or recognizing a special achievement. Contributions to the Library are tax deductible. 
Memorial Library of Nazareth & Vicinity 
610-759-4932 ~ Like us on Facebook ~ View on Instagram 
info@nazarethlibrary.org ~  www.nazarethlibrary.org