Library Trustees Approve Revised FY 15 Budget

*The Bedford Free Public Library is located on Mudge Way*

By Dot Bergin

At their February 11 meeting, the Trustees of the Bedford Free Public Library approved a revised budget of $1,201,714, within the guidelines set forth by the Financial Committee.

Following a meeting between Library Director Richard Callaghan and FinCom on January 16, the budget was amended to reflect a $22,000 decrease. Callaghan said that FinCom was sympathetic to Library needs, particularly the need for increased salaries to allow for expanded hours, but the committee was not willing to approve a figure that exceeded the guidelines. The Trustees approved the revised budget.

The Library has funds that have been donated to the Corporation over many years; some of these are restricted for the purchase of special book collections. In the past, Corporation funds have been used to pay for large expenditures, such as creating the Teen Room.

[As background, The Citizen learned in a conversation with Meredith McCulloch, who served as Library Director prior to Callaghan, that there have been other substantial gifts in past years from Library Corporation funds. They included support of the feasibility study for the library addition, a major donation to furnishings for the addition, and full support of the design and completion of the climate and light controlled room for the Bedford Flag.]

Although some Corporation monies may be used for FY15, the Trustees and the Director are in agreement that these funds should not be used for regular operating expenses.

In his report, Callaghan mentioned two special programs coming in March:

The Beatles: Tim Riley, Concord author and NPR critic, will present “The Beatles” on Sunday, March 2, from 2 to 4 p.m. Riley is Journalist-in-Residence at Emerson College, where he teaches music journalism. His books include: Tell Me Why: A Beatles Commentary and Lennon: The Man, the Myth, the Music – a Definitive Life.
Professor Dan Breen: Beginning on Sunday, March 16 from 2-4 p.m. Professor Daniel Breen, Newbury College, whose history series is always popular, will offer his perspective on modern Chinese history. The lectures will continue every Sunday through April 6.