By Dot Bergin
Library Director Richard Callaghan told the Trustees at their February 14 meeting that the Finance Committee had given the green light to the proposed Library budget, which includes an increase slightly over the guidelines to provide more hours for the newly hired assistant Children’s Librarian. Trustees were urged to attend Town Meeting on March 27 to support the Library appropriation.
The February meeting was the last for outgoing Trustee Lynne O’Connor, who has served on the board for 15 years. O’Connor said when she first was elected that 15 years would be her limit and she is making good on that promise. There are now two open positions on the Board, with three candidates in the running: incumbent Rachel Field and aspiring trustees Robin Grace and Sarita Pillai, thus providing the only contested office in the March 11 town election.
Callaghan reported that the Library has received a generous gift in memory of Patricia Watson, a long-time and well-loved volunteer who died in January. Although she lived in Concord, Pat Watson, who was herself a skilled restorer of historical books, chose Bedford as the place for her volunteer efforts. Staff members and former Library Director Meredith McCullough recall her as a gracious presence, both in dealing with Library patrons and behind the scenes, carefully mending books. Callaghan said this is an unrestricted gift that staff will use in an appropriate way to honor Watson.
Winter and snow can mean adjustments in the Library’s calendar of events but all are hopeful that Professor Daniel Breen’s eagerly awaited lecture series will proceed on schedule. The first in his five-part series, Little Known Elections in American History, will take place on Sunday, February 26 at 2 pm. Professor Breen, who seems to have an uncanny talent for choosing a topic of particularly timely interest, will review the elections of 1836, 1854, 1884, 1916, and 1928. One can speculate that he will find interesting parallels to 21st-century contests. All lectures are on Sunday afternoons through March 26.
Noting recent events, Director Callaghan said the Chinese New Year Celebration on January 28 attracted 141 patrons. Ongoing now: tax return help for individuals with low to moderate income, provided by IRS-trained tax specialists from the AARP. Appointments are available now on Fridays and Saturdays through April 15, from 9:30 am to 3 pm.
Now underway is the Bedford Stories Project, guided by Leslie Wittman. Has a teacher, coach, neighbor, friend, or member of the clergy had an impact on your life? If so, you and that person are invited to come to the Library for a conversation. If the individual who influenced your life is no longer with us, you can come and speak about the person. Wittman is the facilitator, recorder, and editor of the conversation. Remember, this is an audio – not video – recording. The edited conversations will be accessible in the Library. To schedule a recording date, or to learn more details, please call Wittman at 781-698-9724.This project is modeled on theStoryCorps®series that you hear broadcast on npr.
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