"Love Your Library Month" - February, 2011

The City Council on February 22, 2011, approved a proclamation declaring February, 2011, "Love Your Library Month." See the presentation by selecting the little arrow to the left of the words "Council Recognition" at the online link.

Website referenced: http://bedfordtx.swagit.com/player.php?refid=02222011-135

Grand Opening -- the New Bedford Public Library

A wonderful turnout and beautiful weather for the grand opening of the new Bedford Public Library on February 12, 2011. The first 2000 guests received a bright green and blue tote bag. A flag ceremony and ribbon cutting marked the opening, plus a presentation of a copy of a proclamation honoring the library in today's Congressional Record by a representative of Congressman Kenny Marchant. A variety of special events were included.

Comments overheard:

"When I come here it just feels like home."

Little boy to mom: "I want to come here again, Mom!"

Mom's reply: "We'll come again when we have more time."

Sister: "This is the best library!"

Opening Day at the New Library

The official opening day of the new Bedford Public Library was Saturday, February 5. It was a huge sucess with over 2000 items returned and almost 4000 checked out. However, the day ended with ALL the bookcarts filled and no room for the next day's arrivals. So an emergency email from Director Maria Redburn called out the volunteers to get the carts emptied before the next afternoon's opening. Volunteer shelvers even included Bedford City Manager Beverly Griffith.

Construction Updates

Construction and capital campaign updates for the new library are now available on the library website.

Website referenced: http://www.bedfordlibrary.org/CapCamp/home.html

Bedford Public Library Foundation hosts Summer-Fest 2010

Held at the Old Bedford School on Sunday, June 13, the Summer-Fest was a hit. Supporters enjoyed hamburgers, hotdogs, frozen "Rita" drinks, pop corn and funnel cakes. Bands played under the big tent, kids enjoyed the bounce house and everyone had a chance to see classic and new cars on display.

Visitors enjoyed spotting their favorites among the classic cars.

Bedford celebrities agreed to take a turn in the Dunking Booth to raise funds for the new building.

A beautiful sunny day, so shady spots under the trees and tents were especially welcome! Inside the Old Bedford School, Carter Blood Care offered the chance to make a difference by donating blood.

Through the trees behind the bounce house the remodeling construction of the new Bedford Public Library continues. The interior rooms are already taking place as the outside walls are bricked. The geothermal parking lot is in place and solar panels will be incorporated into the roof.

Demolition begins! The new library

See photos of the demolition of the old Food Lion on Flickr!

Here is the proposed floorplan for the new library.

Here are other photos from the library posted on Flickr.

And here is the library's own blog.

Maria Redburn, a Library Journal Mover and Shaker, 2008

Our librarian, Maria Redburn, has just been named to Library Journal's 2008 list of Movers and Shakers."

"The 50 individuals who are LJ's 2008 Movers & Shakers represent thousands of others across North America who are transforming libraries for the better."