Third Annual Short Story Writing Contest

The Bedford Public Library and the Friends of the Library are proud to present their 3rd Annual Short Story Writing Contest.

The subject is Oh, the Places You’ll Go !


The Short Story Writing Contest has two age categories:
•Grades 1 through 6 (500 - 1,000 words)
•Grades 7 through 12 (2,000 - 4,000 words)
•Home-schoolers are also encouraged to make submissions!

Guidelines:

•One submission per child
•Bring your entry to the Bedford Public Library by February 26 - no mail-in or electronic submissions accepted
•Submit one title page and paper clipped copy of your story in a large flat envelope
•Title page to include: name, mailing address, telephone number, parent signature, grade, and school (if applicable)
•Use 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch all-around margins, singled-sided, and numbered pages

Winners will be announced at our Celebrate Seuss Festival on Sunday, March 1

For more information contact Jeanne Green, 817.952.2372 or email jean.green@ci.bedford.tx.us

Christmas Story Time Photos

Santa came to visit us at story time this past Thursday evening. See photos of this great event on our Flickr page.

Movie Madness

Come catch a movie at the library during your Winter Break.

The movies will show from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm in the Bonnie Finn Room.

Here's the lineup:

12/22 - Wall-E
12/29 - Star Wars: The Clone Wars
12/30 - The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Winter Holiday Hours

Tuesday, December 23rd - close at 12:oo pm

Wednesday, December 24th - closed

Thursday, December 25th - closed

Friday, December 26th - reopen for regular hours at 10:00 am

Wednesday, December 31st - close at 5:00 pm

Thursday, January 1, 2009 - closed

Friday, January 2, 2009 - reopen for regular hours at 10:00 am

Miss Carrie's Christmas Story Time

Enjoy an evening of Christmas stories, a visit from Christmas Carol, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and if you are very good, the Jolly Man himself!

Martha Speaks

On Wednesday, November 19th, Bea Cocogran, the school librarian at Shady Brook Elementary, invited our librarians to visit their kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes to provide a program on the book, Martha Speaks by Susan Meddaugh.

Bea played Martha the dog - the kids thought that was so cool. Now when those kids see her they will always think of her playing Martha. Some of the kids in 1st and 2nd grade got to play parts in the program too.

We followed up with photos which showed each and every child with a coloring sheet, stickers, and bookmark from Alloy Media & Marketing. The promotinal materials are for a launch of a new PBSkids TV show about Martha the dog. If one of the photos is selected by Alloy the library will receive $100. If the kids win, BPL will provide an ice cream party for the K-2 classes.

See photos of this great event on our Flickr page.

Book Lover's Calendar

Get your Book Lover's Calendar for 2009 for only $5. This Page-A-Day Calendar is loaded with hundreds of books by bestselling authors for each day of the year. It's the perfect stocking stuffer to keep you and the book lover in your life reading all year long!

This calendar retails for $11.99 on Amazon. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Bedford Public Library.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hours

Wednesday, November 26th - close at 5:oo pm

Thursday, November 27th - closed

Friday, November 28th - closed

Saturday, November 29th - reopen for regular hours at 10:00 am

Don't Miss our Tri-Wizard Tournament and Yule Ball

The Tri-Wizard Tournament and Yule Ball is this Saturday, November 15th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Be sure to wear a costume - you might win a prize!

Adult prize - $50.00 Walmart gift card

Youth prize - official Dumbledore's Army Messanger Bag + goodies

You can have your picture taken at the Yule Ball for $2.00 or bring your own camera.

Hot Chocolate is provided by our friends at Starbucks (Central @ 183).

Be A Bedford Animal Shelter Santa Paws!

The City of Bedford Animal Shelter and the Bedford Public Library need your help to provide a safe and healthy environment for the lost and forgotten animals that come to the shelter.


Our Santa Paws List includes:
•High-quality adult dog and cat food: Iams, Science Diet, Eukanuba, etc.
(at-risk animals require higher nutritional standards)
•Non-clumping clay cat litter — the cheap kind
•High-quality puppy and kitten food
•Bleach, dishwashing and laundry soap
•Any monetary donations
•Adoption! Give a furry friend the gift of a loving home

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations during November and December:

Bedford Public Library
1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021
817.952.2342

Bedford Animal Control Shelter
1809 Reliance Parkway
Bedford, TX 76021
817.952.2191

Canned Food Drive @ The Library

Poverty and the risk of hunger is a reality for more than a quarter of a million people living in the communities served by Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB). Children account for more than one-third (35%) of these individuals. Bedford Public Library and the City of Bedford Fire Department are hosting a non-perishable food drive to help TAFB help others. You can bring your donations to the Library during November and December. Hunger occurs year-round! Visit www.tafb.org to learn more.

Letters to Santa

The library can help keep the magic of Christmas alive for your child with a personal letter from Santa delivered through the mail.

Santa requests parents to include with your child's letter or email the following information:
-Sibling's name(s)
-Pets
-Sports
-Hobbies
-Latest accomplishments
-A return address

Send letters to:
Santa Claus
Bedford Public Library
1805 L. Don Dodson
Bedford, TX 76021

You can also email Santa at SantaNorthPole@ci.bedford.tx.us
Santa will respond to emails through the post.

Adult Short Story Contest Winners

1st Place - "Ruthie & Me" by Arlene Pineo
2nd Place - "Best Little Helper" by Ashby Cline
3rd Place - "Pippi Had a Thought" by Mark S. Vozar

The Friends of the Bedford Public Library announced the winners at an "Evening with the Author: Mary Rogers". Thank you to all the writers who submitted entries. Our judges thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories.

Triwizard Tournament and Yule Ball

Harry Potter is back! The Triwizard Tournament Competition has come to the Bedford Public Library. Test your courage and daring by finding the Golden Dragon Egg. Plunge into the lake and avoid being ambushed by the Grindylows and Run the Maze for the Triwizard Cup. Join Professor Trewlany in Divination Class. Spot your favorite Harry Potter characters. Wear a gown to the Yule Ball or dress as your favorite character from the "Goblet of Fire." It'll be fun for the whole family. There will be prizes for best costumes!

Halloween Fun

On October 30th join us for silly rather than scary Halloween stories and a craft program for the whole family at Boo-Tacular Halloween Tales. Then on October 31st bring your wee ghosties and ballerinas to trick or treat at the library. It's perfect for a novice trick or treater. Costumes are encouraged at both events!

Books with Bite @ Your Library

Teen Read Week 2008 is October 12-18. This year's theme is Books with Bite @ Your Library!

Teen Read Week, an annual event, is designed to encourage teenagers to read books for the fun of it on a regular basis. We've created a list of vampire-themed books which we're sure you can sink your teeth into. So select a few from the list and read for the fun ot it.

And on Saturday, October 18th from 6 - 9 pm Area 51: Twilight Zone will meet for free gaming, free food and free fun. Costumes are encouraged so come as your favorite vampire.

Short Story Writing Contest for Adults

The Friends of the Bedford Library and Bedford Public Library are proud to present their 2nd Annual Short Story Writing Contest for Adults.

Guidelines:

Amateur, unpublished writer

Permission for publication by the Bedford Public Library

Minimum entry age – 18 years old

Entrees submitted by staff members of the Bedford Public Library, officers of the Friends of the Bedford Library, members of the Library Advisory Board or any of the immediate family members are disqualified from entering

Prizes:

1st Place--$100 & name on plaque

2nd Place--$50 & name on plaque

3rd Place--$25 & name on plaque

Story submission dates: September 20 – October 20

Winners will be announced on Saturday, October 25

Submit story in person to:
Bedford Public Library
1805 L. Don Dodson Drive
Bedford, TX 76021

View full submission qualifications or call Jeanne Green at 817.952.2373 for more information.

An Evening with the Author: Mary Rogers

The Friends of the Bedford Library are hosting an intimate evening with Texas’ own Mary Rogers, former lifestyle columnist and feature writer for the Star-Telegram. The event will take place at the Old Bedford School on Saturday, October 25 from 6:30 - 9:00 pm.

Ms. Rogers will discuss and read excerpts from her book, Dancing Naked: Memorable Encounters with Unforgettable Texans. Published in the Star-Telegram from 1991 through 2007, the stories of Dancing Naked present a compelling look at a variety of Texans (a few famous, and all unforgettable) and include a half-dozen essays from Rogers about her own colorful life. It's a collection that will touch and inspire every reader, which is what fine writing is
supposed to accomplish.

Tickets are $6 each or 2 tickets for $10. You can purchase tickets in advance at Bedford Public Library, 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive, Bedford, TX 76021. Tickets will be $6 at the door the evening of the event. Refreshments are included in the ticket price.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Bedford Library a 501(c)3 organization.

Old Bedford School is located at 2400 School Lane, Bedford, TX 76021.

Friends of the Library Book Sale

If you are looking for books for the kids, grandparents, or your classroom, you cannot afford to miss the annual Friends of the Library Book Sale.

The sale begins Thursday, August 14 with a Members Only Preview Sale from 7 - 9 pm. Friends' memberships will be sold at the door for your convenience. The sale continues through Sunday with the following schedule:

Friday, August 15 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Saturday, August 16 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Sunday, August 17 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

So be sure to drop by the library this weekend to pick up some bargains.

BPL Teenspace - A New Teen Hangout

BPL has just launched a new teen hangout called BPL Teenspace. It's a website just for teens - so you won't have to bother with all the rest of the junk on our website that targets kids or adults. This space is just for you.

Movies, Music & More not only links you to information on great movies and music, but there are links to comics, anime, manga and graphic novels sites, game sites and to sites that are fun or just plain silly. The Books section provides reading lists and award-winning titles just for teens.

Homework Help provides some great links - especially useful are the TexShare databases and World Book Online. Eventually you will graduate from high school (at least we hope you do!) so be sure to use the School and Beyond section to learn about college testing, financial aid, choosing a college and getting accepted.

We know it's hard being a teenager so the My Life section provides resources that focus on the challenge of being a teen in today's world. If you want to take an active part in making a difference in your community or in the world then check out the Get Involved section. And look for announcements about Area 51 events and photos from events.

Be sure to hang out in the new BPL Teenspace and invite your friends too. We hope you'll visit and hangout often.

Texshare Databases Down

Please be aware that all web servers at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission will be down on Friday, July 18 at 5 pm until Sunday, July 20, at 5 pm.

The www.texshare.edu domain and all TexShare Database menu pages hosted there, including all custom gateway menu pages will be unavailable.

The www.tsl.state.tx.us domain and the TexShare Database portal for public libraries hosted there will also be unavailable.

This outage also includes The Library of Texas(www.libraryoftexas.org) and all TRAIL services.

Revised Versions of Library Concept Design #7

Hidell and Associates Architects presented the various conceptual floor plans at the City Council worksession on July 8, 2008. Concept Design #7 was the plan recommended by the Library Advisory Board. Two revised versions of Concept Design #7 were created to address comments by the Library Advisory Board and library staff.

Star-Telegram Articles on New Library

Library's design may be inspired by teens

Bedford council selects library plan

New Library Conceptual Designs

Hidell and Associates Architects held seven Library Design Workshops to involve the community, Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Library, staff and project team in the design process for the new Bedford Public Library. Each of these groups created and voted on the designs. The three designs with the most votes were further developed by Hidell and Associates Architects for review and recommendation by the Library Advisory Board to the City Council.

Hidell and Associates Architects met with the Library Advisory Board on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 to review the three concepts including two version of Conceptual Design #3 and a new one based on all the designs. At this time the Library Advisory Board is recommending that City Council approve Concept Design # 7. Hidell and Associates Architects will present the designs to City Council on Tuesday, July 8 at 6 pm. City Council will give city and library staff direction on how to proceed with the new library.

Conceptual Design 3A

Conceptual Design 3B

Conceptual Design 7

Conceptual Design 11

New Conceptual Design

Kids Spot - A Whole New Place for Kids

Hey kids - just in time for summer we've created Kids Spot, a whole new website just for you! It's colorful, it's fun and it's just for kids.

If you need help deciding what to read check out Book Nook for recommended titles, lists of award-winning books and even online stories. Homework help is full of resources to assist you with your school assignments (luckily you won't need that until the end of August!) and KidSearch lists some Internet search engines that are just right for kids.

Fun Stuff points you to the funnest web sites for kids and Events will let you find out what's happening at the library. There's a whole section just for preschoolers and one with resources for parents and teachers. So be sure to visit Kids Spot.

We've Expanded our Audiobooks Collection

The library has added a whole new batch of audiobooks for your listening pleasure. But instead of having to physically visit the library to check out these titles you can download them to your personal PC or laptop, transfer them to supported portable devices, such as an MP3 player, or even burn some of them to CDs — anytime of day and all without having to leave the comfort of your home or office.

Bedford Public Library, along with six other libraries formed a consortium called Audio On-the-Go in order to bring you these great titles from OverDrive. The initial collection consists of 221 unique digital audiobooks for adults as well as kids such as mysteries, romance, science fiction, historical fiction, health and fitness, history, biography and more. To search and browse this new collection visit www.myaudiolibrary.org

Titles check out for 14 days and are automatically "returned" at the end of the lending period so there are never any fines. You can have three (3) titles checked out at any given time. Titles may be downloaded again if there are no holds. Users can place holds on popular titles which is especially useful for reserving your place in line for pre-release titles. We'll continue to add new titles to the collection and we'll be adding available titles to our online catalog so you can discover these great audiobooks while searching our other resources as well.

Using OverDrive digital audiobooks is easy. All you'll need is a valid library card, a computer, Internet access and free software for the computer and/or device on which you wish to use the material you download from this site. Visit the Quick Start Guide for information on how to get started or take the Guided Tour.

So give it a try!

Spanish Basics @ Bedford Public Library

It’s never too late to learn a new language! The library is pleased to offer free Spanish language classes. Ms. Bianca Zayas will introduce the basics of Spanish on Wednesdays. Both morning or evening classes are available to fit your busy schedule.

Classes are offered in eight week sessions and eash class is limited to 12 students. The first session will be June 4 - July 23. The next session will begin August 6th. Call 817.952.2342 to preregister for this free program. Classes will meet in the Board Room.

AM Spanish Class - 8:30 to 9:30 am
PM Spanish Class - 6:30 to 7:30 pm

AREA 51: Off The Hook Thursdays

Teens can gather for an “off the hook” night of gaming, flicks and fun. Area 51 is Bedford Public Library’s teen landing site, for teens by teens. The Library is more than books, it’s Wii offs, food, flicks and chilling with friends all for the low low price of FREE! So come enjoy the fun on Thursdays, June 5 through August 14 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm in the Bonnie Finn room.

Summer Movies

Looking for a place to chill during the summer heat? Come to the library on Tuesday afternoons to enjoy free movies. Popcorn will also be provided. No registration is required - just come and enjoy. The movies will show on Tuesday afternoons from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm.

Here's the lineup:

6/3 - Spiderwick Chronicles
6/10 - Alvin & Chipmuncks
6/17 - National Treasure II
6/24 - Waterhorse
7/1 - High School Musical II
7/8 - Game Plan
7/15 - Hair Spray
7/22 - Enchanted
7/29 - Eragon

Thursday Clubhouse

Come to the library on Thursdays during June and July for free weekly fun for school-aged children!

June 5 -    Rhythmweb with Drum Guy

June 12 -  Dinomania with Safari Cindy

June 19 -  Big Top Science with MADScience

June 26 - ZOOniversity

July 10 -   Bob the Dragon meets Samantha the Chicken

July 17 -   Professor Brainius—Wild & Wacky Science

July 24 -  Bonkers the Clown

July 31 -   Brett Roberts’ Puppets & Magic

Programs run from 1:30 - 2:30 pm and will be held in the Bonnie Finn room.

Summer Reading Club Kick-Off Party

The Library is cranking up the fun with a party to kick-off summer reading! We'll have balloon benders, bounce houses, face-painting, sweet treats, and tons of free fun for the whole family.

Saturday, June 7 from 10:00 am to Noon in the library parking lot

Don't miss the fun.

Bedtime Tales Family Story Time

Put on your PJs, grab a blanket, a pillow, and the kids and join us for “Bedtime Tales,” Bedford Public Library’s newest story time. “Bedtime Tales” is your family’s opportunity to enjoy story time together after a busy day at work.

Bedtime Tales will be held on Wednesday evenings (beginning June 4) from 7:00 - 7:30 pm in the Bonnie Finn Room.

Here's the lineup for June and July:

June 4 - Zoom, Zoom, Zoom, I'm Off To The Moon
June 11- Going To Camp
June 18 - Zoo Animals
June 25 - Building Sandcastles
July 2 - Picnics and Parades
July 9 - American Mountain Tales
July 16 - Fire Safety
July 23 - Under The Sea
July 30 - The Wheels On The Bus

Register Online for Summer Reading Club

It's time for Summer Reading Club and this year we're going paperless! No more lost reading logs! Register Online, record your time, and enter to win prizes for reading this summer. You can even write reviews about the books you are reading.

Summer Reading Club runs from June 1 through August 11. Have a great summer and be sure to read.

New Library Focus Group Results

Thank you to everyone who attended the Focus Groups in April for the new Bedford Public Library. The Focus Group Results will be used by our architect, Bill Hidell, to assist him during the upcoming Library Design Workshops and Town Hall Meeting. Community input is vital to building a library that meets the future needs of Bedford. Express yourself and be part of this exciting process!

Library Design Workshops

The Bedford Public Library will host a series of Library Design Workshops so that the community can actively participate in creating a vision for the new library. The workshops will be held at 2424 Forest Ridge in the old Food Lion that will be home to the new library. These workshops will be hands-on and interactive. So let’s collaborate, brainstorm and sketch a new vision for the library.

We are interested in getting the word out to the community and you can help. Please share this information with your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors. We want our new library to be able to serve the future needs of the community.

Adult Volunteer Shelvers Needed

The library is looking for adults, 18 years and up, who want the opportunity to volunteer at the coolest place in town! Volunteering at the library can enrich your life with meaningful community service, social opportunities, or new skills for your next career. We're looking for volunteer shelvers who can give a minimum of two hours per week.

If interested contact Ms. Bradford at 817.952.2330.

Short Story Contest Winners Recognized @ City Council

The winners from the "Freedom" Short Story Contest were recognized at the May 13th Bedford City Council Meeting. The Second Annual Short Story Contest was sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library. Pictured from left to right. (Audrey Branscum, Grace Coan, Emma Wright, Payton Bihm)

Library Satisfaction Survey

Please help us to improve library services by taking a few minutes to complete a short Library Satisfaction Survey. Your input is valuable to the library and will help provide guidance for current and future services. Click here to take the survey.

Our Large Print Collection Just Got Larger

Through two very generous donations we have been able to add over 140 large print books to our collection that you're sure to enjoy. The list includes general and historical fiction, mystery, romance, science fiction, western and biography. So come check one out before they're all gone.

Our Newsletter Is Now Even Better

We've redesigned our monthly newsletter - it's eaiser to read, more attractive and brings you even more information. Take a look at the May issue and let us know what you think.

Flutasia Jazz Journey

Join us for a great program called "A Jazz Journey" presented by Flutasia, the Mid Cities premier flute choir. It will be held in the Bonnie Finn Room on May 12th from 7:30-8:30 pm.

Bedford Bookworms to discuss The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Join the Bedford Bookworms on Thursday, May 15th at lunchtime to discuss The Road by Cormac McCarthy. McCarthy's novel is set in a barren American landscape of smoldering ashes, devoid of life except for those people still struggling to scratch out some type of existence. Amidst the destruction, a father and his young son walk, always toward the coast, but with no real understanding that circumstances will improve once they arrive. Still they persevere, and their relationship comes to represent goodness in a world that is utterly devastated.

Bedford Bookworms meet the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. No registration is required for this free library program, sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library. Copies of the selected titles are available for the discounted price of $5 at the library.

Short Story Contest Winners

1st – 6th Grade Winners

1st Place “Digging for Freedom” by Holden Lucio
2nd Place"Dear Diary” by Emma Wright
3rd Place “Lindy Williams: A Runaway Slave” by Payten Bihm

Honorable Mention
“Glass Panels” by Bridget Keith-Tieri
“A Dog Called Freedom” by Melissa Morrison

7th – 12th Grade Winners

1st Place “I Am Finally Free” by Audrey Branscum
2nd Place “Letters of Freedom” by Grace Coan
3rd Place “Freak” by Makinzy Springer

Honorable Mention
“Freedom Star” by Christopher Coan
“The Freedom of Loneliness” by Kirsten Bumgardner

Early Voting @ Bedford Public Library

Early Voting begins on Monday, April 28 and ends on Tuesday, May 6. Voters will be able to vote on the City of Bedford Charter, City of Bedford Council Place 4 & Place 6, HEB ISD School Board Place 6 & Place 7, Tarrant County College Trustees for District 2 & 3. You can view sample ballots and early voting information at the Tarrant County Election web site.

Early Voting Hours
Monday, April 28 - Wednesday, April 30--8 am - 5 pm
Thursday, May 1 - Friday, May 2--8 am - 5 pm
Saturday, May 3--7 am - 7 pm
Sunday, May 4-- 11 am - 4 pm
Monday, May 5 - Tuesday, May 6--7 am - 7 pm

New Library Survey ends April 27th

The Library wants to meet your needs and plan for the future. We're conducting a survey to gather your ideas for programs and services to be included in the new library. If you haven't already be sure to take the survey - it ends on April 27th.

Reminder - Focus Groups for New Library are This Week

The library will host a series of Focus Groups to get community input on the design and services of the new Bedford Public Library. Your input is essential in order to create a library that meets the needs of the community! Even if you're not a regular library user we still want to know what you think.

There will be two general public meetings and several targeted meetings for families, teens and seniors/disability services. All meetings will take place in the Council Chambers at 2000 Forest Ridge Drive. Each meeting will last about an hour.

Here's the schedule:

Seniors & Disability Services - Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 am

General Public - Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm

Families - Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 am

General Public - Saturday, April 26 at 12:30 pm

Teens -Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm

So attend a meeting, or several, and be sure to express yourself. Help us plan the best library ever. For more information call 817-952-2332 or email mredburn@ci.bedford.tx.us

Bedford Public Library Receives Grant from the Texas Book Festival

The Texas Book Festival has awarded the Bedford Public Library a literacy grant of $1,500. The grant will be used to support Library Buddies: Free Tutoring @ the Library. “This grant will enable the library to provide hands-on learning tools for use during tutoring sessions,” said Maria Redburn, Library Manager.

“Our teens are very conscientious about the success of their students,” said Jeanne Green, Community Services Supervisor. “These teaching aids will just make the tutoring sessions that much more meaningful for the tutors and the children.”

We are excited to have received this grant which will help us to enhance our already popular tutoring program.

National Library Week

National Library Week will be observed April 13-19, 2008 with the theme, "Join the circle of knowledge @ your library®."

First sponsored in 1958, National Library Week is a national observance sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries across the country each April. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians and to promote library use and support.

At the April 8th City Council meeting, Bruce Redden, Outreach Representative for Congressman Kenny Marchant, accepted a National Library Week proclamation on behalf of the library. Mr. Redden, on behalf of the congressman, presented the library with a beautiful book titled, Glenn Brown's History of the United States Capitol and a Certificate of Special Recognition honoring National Library Week and the many contributions of our nation's libraries and librarians.

SummerFun4Teens@BPL

Be a summer teen volunteer at the Bedford Public Library and help with fun activities for kids such as crafts and game nights. We need teens to help with our Summer Reading Club (SRC) and our Summer Teen Tutoring program. Here are the details on how to apply.

"Freedom!", the Second Annual Short Story Writing Contest

The Friends of the Bedford Public Library are pleased to announce "Freedom!", the Second Annual Short Story Writing Contest. Kids in grades 1 to 12 can enter. Short stories need to be submitted before April 18, and the winners will be announced Friday, May 2 at the HEB ISD Book Blast. Get more details.

Maria Redburn Selected as a Mover & Shaker

Each year the editors of Library Journal select emerging leaders in the library world. The annual Movers & Shakers supplement profiles 50-plus up-and-coming individuals from across the United States and Canada who are innovative, creative, and making a difference. This year, I was fortunate enough to be nominated by several Bedford residents for this recognition. Most librarians are never recognized for the wonderful work that they do in their communities.

I have been credited with restoring library services to Bedford. As Library Manager, I receive a lot of credit for the work my staff accomplishes. I was fortunate to inherit a staff committed to first-rate library service and creative enough to think outside the box. As a team, we worked towards increasing library hours, restoring programs, and promoting the library to the community. Our new web site has received national attention for its eye-catching design.

The Library Advisory Board, Friends of the Library and City Departments also played a role in restoring library services. The Library Advisory Board supported the Bedford Public Library by adopting new policies, advocating for the construction of a new library, and being a strong voice for the community. The Friends of the Library have purchased furniture, computer equipment and sponsored adult and children's programs to enhance services to patrons. I have never worked in a City where all the departments pitch in to help each other. From Bounce Houses to signs, crowd control to setting up an email address for Santa Letters, the departments in the city have always said yes to any need the library has.


The City Council gave the library a vote of confidence by authorizing the purchase of the old Food Lion in August 2007. This building will be home to the new Bedford Public Library. I look forward to working with the community, staff and City Council on building a new library to serve Bedford citizens. The new library should be something everyone can take pride in.

-- Maria Redburn, Library Manager

Library Closed Good Friday & Easter

The Bedford Public Library will be closed Friday, March 21 for Good Friday and Sunday, March 23 for Easter. Stock up on your favorite books and movies on Saturday, March 22 from 10:00 - 5:00 pm.

Tell Us What You Want in a New Library - Take our Survey

Have your heard? We're building a new library. The City of Bedford and Library Advisory Board invite you to complete this short survey to share your ideas for programs and services to be included in the new library. The Library wants to meet your needs and plan for the future.

For Dummies Display

The library has created a special display this month showcasing books from the "For Dummies" series. The display is the Bedford Public Library's entry in the 3rd annual "For Dummies" display contest and features the theme "Don't be a Dummy! Read 'For Dummies'" The company that produces the highly popular series of books will select 4 winners and 4 honorable mentions from among the libraries submitting entries. The Grand Prize is a collection of 50 For Dummies books for the library. Take a look at all of our photos on Flickr. You can also see photos of the past contest winners from 2006 and 2007.

National Poison Prevention Week

Poisons can hurt you - or even kill you – if you eat, drink, breathe, or get them in your eyes or on your skin. Thousands of children in Texas are accidentally poisoned each year. Many swallow medicines, polishes, drain cleaners, insecticides, antifreeze, and other household and garage products. Making sure children are not exposed to potentially toxic substances is the best way to prevent accidental poisonings.

National Poison Prevention Week is next week, March 16 - 22. The Texas Poison Center Network (1-800-222-1222) provides free 24-hour poison information and assistance. Your call will be answered by one of the specialists at the Poison Center. These experts are trained nurses and pharmacists who specialize in poisoning emergency treatment and poison prevention. So take some time to learn how to safeguard your family from poisonous substances and what to do in the event of an emergency.

Free Tax Preparation

Can't figure out all those convoluted tax rules? Neither can we. The library is pleased to sponsor free income tax preparation made available by volunteers and AARP. Registration is required. Call 817.952.2342 to make an appointment.

March 30 (Sunday) - 1:00 - 4:00 pm
April 13 (Sunday) - 1:00 - 4:00 pm

Meetings will take place in the Library Board Room.

Bedford Bookworms to discuss March by Geraldine Brooks

Join the Bedford Bookworms on Thursday, March 20th at lunchtime to discuss March by Geraldine Brooks, a story inspired by the father character in Little Women. The story is drawn from the journals and letters of Louisa May Alcott's father in which a man leaves behind his family to serve in the Civil War and finds his beliefs challenged by his experiences.

Bedford Bookworms meet the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. No registration is required for this free library program, sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library. Copies of the selected titles are available for the discounted price of $5 at the library.

Spring Break Movies

Kids - don't be bored or sulk around your house during your week off from school . . . instead come to the Library for some free movie fun!

March 17 - Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
March 18 - The Bee Movie
March 19 - Nancy Drew
March 20 - Enchanted

We'll be showing movies in the Bonnie Finn room each afternoon from 2:00 - 4:00 pm. Free popcorn will be provided by our friends at Movie Tavern in Bedford! Be sure to join us.

Buy your Next New Book at the Library

The Friends of the Bedford Public Library are now selling new books at the Library. Why buy your books at a nearby bookstore when you can do it so easily at the Library? Save time, gas and Internet shipping fees by buying locally. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Bedford Public Library which in turn provides additional funding to the Library so we can bring you more books, more programs, more everything.

So support your reading habit and grow your mind! We've got:

Bestsellers

Children's favorites

Competitive prices

Bluebonnets and other required summer reading

AP / SAT / GED and other test prep books

Special orders are accepted

Inquire at the library checkout desk or email the Friends at bedfordbooks@sbcglobal.net

If you haven't used our Novelist databases lately you should give them a try - they've recently been upgraded with a new look and more features. Now you can enter titles, authors and subjects in a single search box instead of having to use a tabbed display. If you're looking for a series just enter the name and all books in the series will display. Click on the handy Search BPL Catalog link and you can see if the library owns the book. You'll also find Recommended Reads, Award Winners and Read-alikes.

Novelist for Kids has great Grab and Go Book Lists, Curriculum Ideas for teachers and many records provide the Lexile Reading Number.

Once you get hooked on Novelist you might want to create a folder to save items and reuse them instead of having to retype your searches. You're sure to discover new authors and titles so give it a try. Remember, when accessing the databases from home you'll need your library card number to login.

Teen Gaming Tournament Rescheduled

Due to inclement weather concerns, the Bedford Public Library has rescheduled the Teen Gaming Tournament to Friday, March 14th, 6:30 - 9:00 pm. Join on us on Friday to test your skills on Guitar Hero! You don't have to be an expert to have fun. There will be pizza and nachos for all. A big thank you to Wal-Mart for donating a Nintendo Wii system and to YALSA for the $450 dollars mini-grant to fund the tournament. We look forward to seeing you next week.

Free Software Tools

Everyone wants to get something for free. Well, here's a list of 157 free software tools. You'll find browsers and browser add-ons, antivirus, utilities, calendars, security, graphics, games and more. You're sure to find something you like. This list is provided by PC magazine. Be sure to read up on how these tools were chosen and get tips on security before you start downloading.

Celebrate Seuss Festival Photos

We hope you made it to our Celebrate Seuss Festival yesterday and if not, then we missed you. We had to move some of the activities inside due to the weather but everyone still had a great time. Over 900 people attended. Take a look at these great photos showing a reading of Green Eggs and Ham, the costume contest, the cake decorating contest, the bounce house (which was inside the library!) and more.

What do you want in a new library?

The library will host a series of Focus Groups to get community input on the design and services of the new Bedford Public Library. Your input is essential in order to create a library that meets the needs of the community! Even if you're not a regular library user we still want to know what you think.

There will be two general public meetings and several targeted meetings for families, teens and seniors/disability services. All meetings will take place in the Council Chambers at 2000 Forest Ridge Drive. Each meeting will last about an hour.

Here's the schedule:

Seniors & Disability Services - Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 am

General Public - Wednesday, April 23 at 7:00 pm

Families - Thursday, April 24 at 10:00 am

General Public - Saturday, April 26 at 12:30 pm

Teens -Saturday, April 26 at 3:00 pm

So attend a meeting, or several, and be sure to express yourself. Help us plan the best library ever. For more information call 817-952-2332 or email mredburn@ci.bedford.tx.us

Cake Decorating Contest at Celebrate Seuss Festival

Come show us your skill and originality at the cake decorating contest at our Celebrate Seuss Festival on Sunday, March 2nd from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. The registration deadline is Friday, February 29, 2008 (no pressure, right?). View the full flyer and entry form.

RULES:
•Cake must be based on “Seuss Theme”
• Registration due at library no later than Friday, February 29, 2008
• Bring completely decorated cakes
• Bring entry to library on Sunday, March 2nd from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
• Awards will be presented at 2:00 pm
• SIZE OF CAKE must fit into a 36 inch square on the surface
• Real cake must be used
• No electricity
• NO burning items: candles, torches...NO FLAMES
• Each person is responsible for setting up/taking down their display/cake
• MUST be set up by 1:00 pm
• One entry per person
• Entries will be photographed and put on display in the library
• The City of Bedford is not responsible for theft or damage, although all possible precautions will be taken

CATEGORY PRIZES:
• 1st Place-- $25
• 2nd Place-- $15
• 3rd Place-- $10

DIVISIONS:
• Professional - has worked in or owns/owned a bakery, in confectionery arts or sales, teaching or taught classes
• Novice- ANYONE
• Youth – 15 years of age and under

JUDGING:
• Display and or appearance
• Degree of difficulty
• Originality

Cool Kids Site of the Week

Visit Science Bob.com to try home experiments, visit Bob's on-line lab and get answers to your science questions.

Official Website for Texas Voters

Another source of information about voting in Texas, how primaries work in Texas, etc., is the official Texas voters' website.

Find out whether or not you're registered.

To find out the location of your Election Day voting site, you need only enter the Voter Identification ID (VUID) from your Voter's Registration Certification or, if you provided a drivers' license number when you registered, you may enter that license number and your date of birth to find your polling location.

You've named your game

Guitar Hero won with 58.7% of the vote. Now you can help plan the Teen Gaming Tournament on Saturday, February 23rd at 3:00 pm. Bring your ideas so that we can plan an awesome tournament. WalMart Supercenter in Bedford has generously donated a Nintendo Wii for Area 51 gaming tournaments.

Have questions about voting? Visit VOTEXAS.ORG

Early voting has started and here's a great web site called VOTEXAS.ORG from the Office of the Texas Secretary of State that is full of information on how to register to vote, where to vote, what to bring, what the process is like, and much more.

Gaming @ Bedford Public Library

AREA 51 is hosting an after-hours Teen Video Gaming Tournament at the library on Friday March 7th from 6:30 to 9:00 pm.

Girl, Casual or Hardcore teen gamers are invited for our first Gaming Tournament. Bring your friends, have some fun, and get ready to play. No registration is required for this free library program.

Bedford Public Library Awarded Teen Tech Mini Grant

The Bedford Public Library was selected as one of twenty recipients of a Teen Tech Week Mini Grant! We were the only library in Texas to receive this grant provided by the Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association. The $450 grant will fund our Teen Gaming Tournament which will be held on Friday, March 7th at 6:30 pm. Teens are already casting their votes for their favorite game. The library will also receive $50 in products to promote the event.

Teen Tech Week is a national initiative sponsored by the Young Adult Library Services Association and is aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technologies, especially those that are offered through libraries such as DVDs, databases, audio books, and videogames. Teen Tech Week encourages teens to use libraries' nonprint resources for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals in the field of information technology. Teen Tech Week began in 2007 and has a general theme of Get Connected @ your library. The 2008 celebration is March 2-8. For more information visit the Teen Tech Week site.

BPL is now on Flickr

The library just started a Flickr account so that we can share photos with you. Right now you can view photos of the Food Lion before it becomes our new library and photos of some of our past events such as Summer Reading Club 2007, the Harry Potter event and Super Seussical Sunday.

We hope to keep you updated with photos of the new library as the renovation progresses and share photos of our many events.

Which Dr. Seuss book is your favorite?

Our Celebrate Seuss Festival is only about two weeks away on Sunday, March 2nd. We want to know which Dr. Seuss book is your favorite so we've launched a poll to find out. The winning book will be read aloud at the festival. Be sure to vote then view the results so you can see which title won. The poll closes on February 29th.

View photos of the Food Lion before it becomes the new library

View the Food Lion building - home of the new library - before any changes are made.

Architectural Design Contract Approved by Council

On Tuesday night, City Council unanimously voted to approve the Architectural Design Services contract with Hidell Architects and Associates. Councilman Orean moved to approve a budget of 6.6 million dollars to renovate the Food Lion Building. William Hidell has built 170 libraries and his firm has built over 200 libraries. You can view Hidell's PowerPoint presentation made to City Council.

Hidell Architects and Associates renovated the downtown Fort Worth Public Library. The firm is nationally recognized for designing the Farmington Public Library in New Mexico, known as one of the most staff-efficient libraries in the nation. Take a look at the virtual tour of the Farmington Public Library.

Keep updated on all the latest news about the new library by reading the Bedford Public Library blog! We're excited about creating a new library and look forward to reading your comments.

Bedford Bookworms to discuss Murder on the Orient Express

Join the Bedford Bookworms on Thursday, February 21st at lunch to discuss Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie. Christie's famous murder mystery follows Hercule Poirot as he unravels a murder when the train from Istanbul to Paris--the Orient Express--is stopped by a snow drift in the Balkans.

Bedford Bookworms meet the third Thursday of each month from 12:00 - 1:30 pm. No registration is required for this free library program, sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library. Copies of the selected titles are available for the discounted price of $5 at the library.

Surrender to Romance

Feburary is the season of love and romance. We hope you have time to stop by and see our romance display in the lobby - if not then see the photos below (click on the photo for a larger image). And be sure to check out some of our newest romance titles.

Fiction Poll Results

Thanks to everyone who voted in our fiction poll. We wanted to know what type of fiction our users most enjoy reading. A total of 59 votes were made. Here are the results.

 30%   Mystery
 25%   Romance
 22%   Historical Fiction
 18%   Inspirational
 13%   Science Fiction
 13%   Suspense Fiction
  13%  Adventure
   6%   Fantasy
   3%   Horror
   0%   Western

Cool Kids Site of the Week

SurLaLune Fairy Tales - presents a collection of books, nursery rhymes and songs geared toward preschoolers. Each week focuses on a different theme. Make note of the books you like then check them out at the library.

Library Lover's Month

February is Library Lover's Month, a time to celebrate the wonder of libraries. The Bedford Public Library has published a Library Annual Report to give you even more reasons to love us! We invite you to post a comment on why you love the library on our blog.

Top 5 Ways to Show Your Love

1. Be our Valentine! There are red hearts located at each of the service desks. Fill one out with a reason you love the Bedford Public Library. We will post it for everyone to see.

2. Join the Friends of the Library. An Individual membership is only $10.00. You can be a Benefactor for $30 or more.

3. Renew your Friends of the Library membership. Friends memberships must be renewed on an annual basis. Your membership fees help support author events, children's programs, and purchase books.

4. Make a Memorial Gift in honor of someone you love. The Library will purchase a book and place a plate in the book honoring the person you love. It's the perfect Valentine's gift for the Library Lover in your life. It won't melt like chocolate or die like flowers.

5. Read our blog. The Bedford Public Library blog is a great way to stay in touch with what is going on at the library. It's also a great way to give us feedback on our programs and services.

Name your Game!

AREA 51 will be hosting a free Teen Gaming Tournament on Friday, March 7 at 6:30 pm. We have a date BUT WE NEED A GAME!

Vote for your GAME at the Teen Gaming Tournament Survey. Voting ends Wednesday, February 20.

Attend the AREA 51 meeting on Saturday, February 23 at 3:00 pm in the library to see which game will be played at the Tournament.

Learn Spanish

Learning Spanish has never been more convenient. The Bedford Public Library offers free adult Spanish Classes on Wednesday mornings and evenings. Our magnificant volunteer, Ms. Bianca Zayas, is teaching Basic Spanish skills including pronunciation! No need to register, just show up with a notebook and pen. Classes are held in the Bonnie Finn Room of the library.

AM Spanish Class
Wednesdays from 8:30 - 9:30 AM

PM Spanish Class
Wednesdays from 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Focus on Suspense