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.