Short Takes from the Bedford Free Public Library

The Bedford Free Public Library’s new logo – Courtesy image (c) 2018 all rights reserved

 

By Dot Bergin

There’s always something new at the Bedford Free Public Library.  Have you noticed the new logo? It encapsulates all the services your Library has to offer! It also includes the Library’s founding date which helps distinguish our “Bedford Library” from those in other towns and countries.

And speaking of Bedford, do you know how many Bedfords there are across the U.S.?  Assistant Director Noreen O’Gara told the Trustees that staff daily “field” calls and emails from individuals thinking they have reached one of the other many Bedfords, and even those who think they are talking to a library in Bedfordshire, UK.  The new logo should help puzzled patrons across the globe realize they are talking to Bedford in Massachusetts!

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At their July 10 meeting, the Trustees congratulated Director Richard Callaghan on his 13th anniversary. He came on board in July 2005 and has shepherded the Library through many changes.  It should be noted that ALL public libraries have undergone significant changes in the past 13 years, as rapid adoption of technology has vastly expanded the scope and reach of library services. Bedford has more than kept pace with these improvements, continuing the direction of previous directors.

The Trustees took one vote at the July meeting, unanimously approving the Director’s recommendation to go forward with the firm KI on a proposal to add four study rooms on the second floor of the Library.  As recent surveys have shown, the request for more individual study spaces has been a top priority of many patrons. KI, an employee-owned Wisconsin company, specializes in designing such spaces for universities, museums, and libraries. The proposal for Bedford literally envisions “glass boxes, with whiteboards, tables, and chairs.” If the Library decides to go forward with the KI proposal, shelving that now houses back issues of periodicals will be relocated.  For more information, check the company’s web site: https://www.ki.com and select Genius architectural walls.

Although cost estimates are not yet firm, the Trustees discussed using funds from the newly established Charles S. Hume Fund to pay for the study spaces.  The Hume Fund was set up within the Library Corporation with the proceeds from the April auction of the Library’s Bowie knife that netted approximately $83,600 at the Skinner Auction House sale.

As is customary, the Trustees do not meet in August.  The next meeting will be on Tuesday, September  11.

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