Library Trustees Hear Museum Proposal

By Dot Bergin

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

At their regular meeting on October 14, trustees of the Bedford Free Public Library heard an informal presentation by William Moonan, chair of Bedford’s Ad Hoc Museum Study Committee. Moonan was accompanied by Frank Gicca, president, Bedford Historical Society, Jan van Steenwijk and Linda Christen, who also participated in the discussion.

Moonan emphasized that the Ad Hoc Museum Study Committee is “casting a wide net” in its search for suitable space for the proposed Historical Society Museum. The group is looking at town-owned, privately-owned, and any other properties that might be a suitable venue for the Museum. One of the spaces under consideration is the Bedford Library; Moonan suggested to the Trustees several ideas for “shared space” within the Library or the possibility of an addition to the Library building.

(For a detailed description of what the Historical Society envisions as desirable space for its Museum, see the Citizen article of September 19. (https://thebedfordcitizen.org/2014/09/19/ad-hoc-museum-study-committee-considers-the-library-as-potential-site)

The Trustees thanked Moonan for his presentation, but did not come to any decision at the meeting. The item will be on the agenda for discussion at the November 18 Trustees’ meeting.

Fall Programs at the Library

Library Director Richard Callaghan reported that fall programs are booming in attendance. Children’s Librarian Bethany Klem, who has been on maternity leave, is expected to return to work on October 20.

Hoopla!

Assistant Director Noreen O’Gara described a new digital media service – Hoopla! that patrons are excited about. Hoopla! offers thousands of movies, TV shows, music albums and audiobooks for all ages that can be streamed or downloaded on your computer, tablet or smart phone. There is no waiting list and titles are always available. O’Gara said library users in Concord, Sudbury and Wellesley have been enjoying this service for some time and now it’s available to Bedford.

Here’s how it works:

To get started, sign up at https://www.hoopladigital.com with your Bedford Library Card (Bedford, MA residents only)

If you are using a mobile device (phone, tablet, etc.) download the app at the bottom of the hoopla page or from the Apple App Store or Google play Store. No App is required for computer users. Log in to hoopla on your mobile device or PC.
Browse, borrow and play! Enjoy 10 digital videos, music albums or audiobooks per library card each month.
Borrowed titles will be automatically returned when your lending period is over.
You may return items before due date.

Lending Periods:

Movies and TV shows: 3 days

And in November, O’Gara said a digital magazine service called Zinio – “the world’s largest newsstand”- will be rolled out to patrons. Watch for this new feature!