Bethlehem Public Library
🏢 Bethlehem Public Library · BETHLEHEM, Connecticut
Bethlehem Public Library
Tucked in Litchfield County's most famous small town — known worldwide for its coveted "Bethlehem" Christmas postmark — this community library at 32 Main Street South has long been the literary heart of a village incorporated in 1787.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 10am–7pm |
| Tuesday | 10am–7pm |
| Wednesday | 10am–7pm |
| Thursday | 10am–5pm |
| Friday | 10am–1pm |
| Saturday | 10am–1pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 32 MAIN ST. SOUTH, BETHLEHEM, CT 06751
Phone: +1203-266-7510
Website: bethlehemlibraryct.org
Plus Code: 87H8JQPR+XF (BETHLEHEM, CT)
📱 Scan for directions
Point your phone camera at the code to open turn-by-turn directions in Google Maps.
👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Bethlehem Public Library
Bethlehem, Connecticut (pop. 3,385) is a Litchfield County hill town best known for a singular postal tradition: each December, thousands of cards are mailed from its post office solely to receive the "Bethlehem" cancellation, making it one of New England's most celebrated holiday destinations. The Bethlehem Public Library stands within the Bethlehem Green Historic District, a 63-property area listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1982. The library offers a catalog through the ByWater Solutions platform, supports career development via the EPICS tool, and fosters community through weekly social gatherings and a thriving knitting circle. It is home to the Little Town Writers Guild, whose members publish an original literary anthology available on the library's website — a rare creative program for a town of fewer than 3,400 residents.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Located on Bethlehem Green, a National Register Historic District (1982) in the Litchfield Hills
- Town famous for its Christmas "Bethlehem" postmark — thousands of cards mailed here each December
- Home to the Little Town Writers Guild with an online literary anthology published by local authors
- EPICS Career Exploration tool for job seekers and students — free with your library card
- Community garden accessible to Bethlehem residents
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Your Bethlehem library card opens the door to digital resources and career tools:
📚 Services
- Library card issuance
- Online catalog (ByWater Solutions platform)
- Digital resources & eBook access
- Day passes for visitors
- Career exploration (EPICS tool)
- Computer access
- Interlibrary loan
🎸 Programs
- Senior Social & Game Gathering — Tuesdays 1–4pm
- Knit & Crochet Group — Wednesdays 1:30–3pm
- Annual used book sale
- Christmas festival cookie sale
- Literary Coffeehouse events
- Little Town Writers Guild (original literary anthology)
📍 Nearby Libraries in Litchfield & New Haven Counties
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in BETHLEHEM · Browse all Connecticut libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous Christmas postal tradition in Bethlehem, CT?
Each December, thousands of people from across the country and around the world mail their Christmas cards to or through Bethlehem's post office at 34 East Street in order to receive the coveted "Bethlehem" postmark. The library is a natural stop for visitors making the holiday pilgrimage to this historic Litchfield County village.
Does Bethlehem Public Library belong to a consortium for interlibrary loans?
Yes. Bethlehem Public Library participates in Connecticut's statewide sharing network, meaning cardholders can request items from libraries throughout the state. The online catalog is available at catalog.bethlehem.bywatersolutions.com.
Are there regular programs for seniors at Bethlehem Public Library?
Yes — the library hosts a Senior Social & Game Gathering every Tuesday from 1 to 4pm and a Knit & Crochet Group every Wednesday from 1:30 to 3pm. Both are open to all adults and provide a welcoming space for social connection in this small Litchfield Hills community.
What is the Little Town Writers Guild?
The Little Town Writers Guild is a community writing group based at Bethlehem Public Library. Members create and publish an original literary anthology, which is available online through the library's website — an uncommon creative program for a town of roughly 3,400 residents.
✓ Hours & details last verified from official sources in October 2026.
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