By Dorothy Bergin
Along with many residencies which “took a hit” during the recent snowy weather, Bedford’s municipal buildings also suffered varying degrees of damage. Library Director Richard Callaghan told the Trustees at their March 17 meeting that ice dams caused water to come into the building, soaking parts of the carpet. Leaks sprouted in many locations. Luckily, books and library materials were not affected. But the stormy weather impacted attendance and circulation, as expected, with the Library being closed on three days for snow and a February holiday. Even when the building was open, staff reported diminished traffic, as residents hunkered down at home.
While circulation of physical books was down, Noreen O’Gara, Assistant Director, reported a spike in downloading of books onto patrons’ computers. Special Programs, including Professor Richard Breen’s popular history lectures, were re-scheduled several times but eventually all six were presented to enthusiastic audiences. Recent programs, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s presentation by Mark Mandell, and a presentation on Social Security, were well attended.
Director Callaghan urged Trustees to attend Annual Town Meetin in support of the library’s capital expenditures’ request for painting of the wood on the building’s exterior and new front doors to replace the nearly 50 year old doors on the Mudge Way entrance, and to support the FY16 budget of $1,126,890. This figure is a 7.4% decrease over FY 15 but, as Callaghan explained, all utilities (gas and electric, at $96,800) have been removed from the Library budget and transferred to the Facilities Department. This is true of all Town buildings.
The Library is now searching for a new Youth Services Librarian, to replace Megan Statz who resigned in February to assume the position of Head Children’s Librarian at the Goodnow Library in Sudbury. Statz’ popular Wednesday afternoon teen programs are now being led on an interim basis by other staffers. Coming up on March 25, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. PEEPS Mania contest winners will be announced, followed by refreshments (with Peeps, of course.)
To complement the Bedford Multicultural Festival taking place on April 12, Trustee Chair Rachel Field suggested that the Library prepare a special exhibit to highlight the diverse groups served by the Library. That will be a busy weekend, as it is also the Annual Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, which opens to the public on Friday afternoon, April 10 and continues until 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
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