Library seeks Liberty yearbooks

Bethlehem Area Public Library is seeking yearbooks to create a digital archive in honor of Liberty High School’s class of 2022, the 100th class to graduate from the Bethlehem Area High School.

Library officials hope the archive of yearbooks will span the century. The library already has more than 50% of the yearbooks they need, but there are specific years they are seeking to fill gaps in their collection, said librarian Matthew Rothfuss, project lead.

The library wants to give Liberty High School alumni and their families a glimpse into Bethlehem’s past. Each “Cauldron” yearbook will be scanned and digitally archived to create a free and accessible local history resource, Rothfuss said.

Yearbooks that the library is especially in need of include the years 1925-26, the 1950s and 1970 to present.

Rothfuss will likely collect the yearbooks through the summer.

“We have a pretty decent selection from the 1920s to 1940s. Those will probably be the hardest to find. The 1970s and upward are probably going to be out there,” he said.

The library has relied on donations to build its collection. Last year someone donated multiple yearbooks, with the “prize” in that collection being a 1927 copy of the “Cauldron.”

“These older yearbooks are often politically incorrect, hilarious and off the wall,” Rothfuss said.

Those who wish to contribute can contact Rothfuss at mrothfuss@bapl.org or 610-867-3761, ext. 276 before making arrangements to drop off yearbooks so that it can be determined if they are the years needed.

Donors will be asked to complete a release form and drop off yearbooks at the main library at 11 W. Church St. Yearbook owners may either loan or fully donate to the archive.

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