Cell Phone Drive

There are tons of phones in junk drawers across America waiting to be collected and turned in to calling card cash. In honor of May being National Military Appreciation Month, the Library will be holding a cell phone drive. We will collect used cell phones and send them to Cell Phones for Soldiers. They will recycle the phones and use the money to purchase calling cards for deployed soldiers to call home. This nonprofit organization currently sends out an average of 6,800 calling cards per week.

There is a collection basket in front of the Youth Desk. Donations receipts are available upon request and are at the youth, circulation, and information desks. Thanks in advance for your support of this program. You can "go green" and be patriotic at the same time. For more information visit Cell Phones for Soldiers.

Summer Teen Tutors Needed

Do you need CAS or NHS hours? The library can use your knowledge as a Summer Teen Tutor.

We are in need of teens, ages 14 to 19, who like children, books, libraries, and fun. Teens who want to participate must have a 3.00 GPA or higher, or be working on CAS hours, NHS, or another Honors program. You will be tutoring children as well as helping out with the Summer Reading Club activites.

Submit a short essay of up to two pages, either handwritten or typed, about why you want to be a volunteer tutor. These essays will determine who will be selected to become a tutor. Turn in your essays along with a completed Emergency Notification form to the Youth Services Desk by May 15.

If you are accepted, we will give you a call.

Summer Reading Club Teen Volunteers Needed

The library needs teens, ages 13-18, who like children, books, libraries, and fun. You will be helping with summer reading club enrollment, activities, and assisting the librarians.

There are so many reasons why you would want to volunteer at the Bedford Public Library! Here are just a few:
· Learn about the library and check out our new books, movies, and CDs!
· Contribute to the dynamic Bedford community.
· Earn volunteer service hours for fun or other programs!
· Gain valuable pre-employment experience.
· Make new friends!

Submit a short essay of up to two pages, either handwritten or typed, about why you want to be a Summer Reading Club volunteer. The essays will determine who will be selected to become a volunteer, so put some of your creative energy into it! Turn in your essays and a completed Emergency Notification form to the Youth Services Desk by May 15.

If you are accepted, we will give you a call.

What is the Library Worth to You?

Have you ever wondered how much you save by using the Bedford Public Library instead of buying your own books, renting DVDs or paying for Internet service charges? Well now you can get an idea of those savings by using our Library Value Calculator. Just fill in your usage and see what you're saving!

Bedford Water Safe

Each year the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) performs an assessment of Bedford's water system. The annual “Consumer Confidence Report” is required of all community water systems by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This report contains information on the City of Bedford’s sources of drinking water, its constituents, possible sources of contamination and any health risks associated with contamination. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) has assessed our drinking water system and determined that our water is safe to drink. Please read the 2008 Drinking Water Quality Report carefully and if you have questions call the Public Works Department at 817-952-2200 or the EPA’s hotline listed on the report.

Early Voting

Early Voting starts Monday at the library.

Here's the schedule:

April 27-30 (Monday - Thursday)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

May 1 (Friday)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

May 2 (Saturday)
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

May 3 (Sunday)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

May 4 - 5 (Monday - Tuesday)
7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

CHIP/Children’s Medicaid Program

CHIP (Children's Health Insurance Program) is for children of families that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private health insurance. Bedford Public Library has partnered with CHIP/Children's Medicaid who will provide an informative monthly program. Come get answers to your questions and pick up an application.

Click here to see a list of specific information you need to bring with you.

Dates: May 20, June 17, July 15, August 26, September 16, October 21, November 18 and December 16
Day of the week: Wednesday afternoon
Time: 2pm to 6pm
Location: Bedford Public Library

BPL Writers Circle

There’s a new spot in town for writers! The Bedford Library is sponsoring a free program for writers of all genres to meet monthly to fine-tune their craft and help others do the same. So grab your pen and paper and come on down to the library.

Dates: May 17, June 21, July 19 (3rd Sunday of the month)
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Location: Library Board Room
Contact Jeanne Green for questions - 817-952-2372.

Calling all Volunteers

Have you ever wanted to volunteer at the library? Volunteering offers citizens the opportunity to utilize current skills, develop new skills, acquire leadership abilities, meet their neighbors and give back to their community. The library uses volunteers to help check in, sort and shelve materials, prepare materials for check out, repair damaged materials, and assist with special programs for kids, teens and adults. It's super easy to get started because you can apply online. So take a look at our volunteer opportunities and see if there is something there for you.

Good Friday Holiday

The library will closed on Friday, April, 10th for Good Friday and on Sunday, April 12th for Easter. We will be open regular hours on Saturday, April 11th from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm.

An Afternoon of Romance

Make a date with the Friends of the Bedford Public Library for An Afternoon of Romance. Meet successful romance authors and learn what it takes to get published. There will be High Tea, Author Signings and Door Prizes!



Schedule of Events

12:00 pm - High Tea in Cafe
1:00 pm - Author Discussion and Signing with the following local authors:

· Candace Havens (Like A Charm)
· Cindy Dees (The Medusa Seduction)
· Judy Christenberry (A Randall Hero)
· Karen Kelley (Cosmic Sex)
· Jax Cassidy (Sunswept)
· Amie Stuart (Hittin’ It)
· Karen Whiddon (The Perfect Soldier)
· Juliet Burns (Let It Ride)
· Celya Bowers (Anything But Love)

Date: Saturday, May 9
Time: 12:00–4:00 pm
Location: Barnes & Noble, 861 North East Mall Blvd., Hurst, TX 76053
817.284.1244

Present a Bedford Public Library voucher when you make your purchase on Saturday, May 9 and 10% of the sale will be donated to the Friends of the Bedford Public Library (IRS 501(c)3). Additional vouchers are available in the Library.

How Money Works!

Do you want to learn how to make your money work for you? Primerica will present a free program discussing financial issues like the Rule of 72, how mutual funds work, paying your debt, credit card traps, and how insurance works.

Date: Sunday, April 26
Time : 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Location: Bonnie Finn Room

Bunny Tales Story Time

Put on your bonnets, grab your baskets, and hop on down the bunny trail for stories and a craft at the library!

Event: Bunny Tales Story Time
Date: April 9
Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Bonnie Finn Room

Twilight photos on Flickr

Here are some great photos from our March 28th "twilight" teen-only movie event.

We'll be having an encore showing of "twilight" on Saturday, April 18th from 6:00-9:00 pm in the Bonnie Finn Room. Please RSVP by calling 817-952-2372. Pick up your FREE tickets at the youth desk for admission to the movie and for door prizes. This is an event for teens (13 - 18 yrs) only. Seating will be limited to 75 teens. Hope to see your there.