Happy Independence Day (tomorrow)!

The Library will be CLOSED July 4th for Independence Day. The Library will resume normal operating hours the next day.

If you're in Bedford, come join the celebration at 4thFest! For more information, go to http://www.bedfordtx.gov/4thfest  The fireworks start at 10pm!

Enjoy the food, fireworks, and fun!

We're on Facebook! >>>

"Like" us on Facebook and start talking to us! We want to hear your thoughts!

We're also on Twitter!

Follow us on both to hear Library news and updates, alerts about new materials, reminders about Library programs and events, etc. Tell us what you're reading/watching/doing! Tell us what you'd like to see added to our collection... programs you'd be interested in attending... suggestions about our services... anything!

Links to each in right column >>>

Summer is officially here!

You've got no excuse to feel bored this summer! The BPL has fun and informative programs every day! Make sure to check out Events calendar (link found at the top of our homepage) for interesting things to do at your Library.

The Summer Reading Club is in full swing! Make sure you register, read, and reap your rewards! Kids can win fun prizes and teens and adults can enter to win a Kindle Fire! Register online using the "SRC 2012" link on our homepage.

What can you do with your Library card online to save you a trip to the Library? You can...

• Search the Library catalog
• Begin the Library Card Application process (Last steps are completed at the front desk)
• Renew materials (that do not have holds on them)
• Place holds on materials
• Request materials
• Submit comments and suggestions to the Library
• Sign up for 'Library ELF' alerts (so you have a heads up before your items are overdue)
• Download eBooks
• Look up info about your account (items checked out, their due dates, fines, your holds)

Of course you can also come to the Library and do any of these as well if you'd like assistance.

Stay cool, stay hydrated, and put on that sun block!

Summer Reading Club Begins

Last night, Mayor Jim Story, read the Summer Reading Club Proclamation declaring Summer Reading Club Season for June and July.  Thank you to Bea Cochran and her fabulous Shady Brook readers for accepting the proclamation on behalf of the Bedford Public Library.  Registration for Summer Reading Club is open!   Children who register by May 17 will be able to attend a party at Splash.  The "Members Only" Splash Party is on Friday, May 18 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm.

Strike a Pose

Kyrahlyn strikes a pose with the Need to Know statue.

One dark and stormy night, a mysterious patron dropped a picture of the bronze sculpture "The Need to Know" (by Hollis Williford) into the book drop of the Bedford Public Library located at 1805 L. Don Dodson Drive. Although staff members from the library searched everywhere trying to find out who wrote "Wouldn't this be a lovely addition to the Bedford Library?" on the back of the picture, the mystery remained unsolved for several months.  Ann Wiegand, the former Library Director, and Suzanne Blackman, another Bedford Library patron, led a group of Bedford Library volunteers in fundraising projects across the city. Finally, over two years after the picture of the sculpture was first deposited in the book drop, the library raised enough funds to purchase the sculpture.

The statue was moved from the L. Don Dodson location to the new Bedford Public Library in January 2011.  It was so heavy it cracked the new sidewalk!

Layering Pizzazz: A Writer’s Workshop

What exactly is setting? Why do you need setting details in your novel? How much is too much? How much is too little? Who cares?

For the answers to these and other questions about setting, come to the Bedford Public Library’s Writer’s Workshop as multi-published author Lena Nelson Dooley leads this workshop on setting. Be prepared to participate in the presentation, because not only will you learn about setting, you’ll get the chance to practice what you learn. Bring paper and pen or your laptop, netbook, or tablet that is charged and ready to use. And don’t forget your creativity and imagination. Award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has more than 690,000 books in print. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and the local chapter, DFW Ready Writers.

Admission is $25. This includes lunch during the Workshop and admission to the Meet the Authors Event 2:00 – 4:00 pm the same day.

2012 Library Project of the Year

Wayne Williams Library Project of the Year: City of Bedford/Bedford Public Library The City of Bedford Public Library was recognized by the Texas Library Association as the 2012 Wayne Williams Library Project of the Year. Wayne Williams Library Project of the Year recognizes a project that exemplifies the highest levels of achievement, professional standards, and inspiration to other libraries. It is the only TLA-sponsored cash award, and the amount is $500.

The design and construction of the new Bedford Public Library earned the City of Bedford this recognition. The extensive community input process significantly improved library service for Bedford residents. Maria Redburn, Library Manager and Barbara Johnson, Technical Service Manager accepted the award on behalf of the City of Bedford at the Texas Library Association Conference in Houston Texas. Bestselling author and host of the History Channel’s Decoded, Brad Meltzer was the keynote speaker of the opening session.

Mobile Catalog Now Available

The library catalog is now available for your mobile phone, with Library Anywhere! Search, discover, and interact with our library - anywhere you are, right away.

search the catalog

see what you have checked out

renew items

place holds

get hours and location

browse event listings

access ebooks

browse booklists

Library Anywhere is a universal mobile web version of the library catalog that works on any smartphone including a Blackberry. To view and use, visit http://www.libanywhere.com/m/68

In addition, iPhone and Android phone users can download a native app, which offers a few extra features, including the ability to scan the barcode of any book, anywhere and immediately check if it's in stock at Bedford Public Library - and then place a hold on it!

Install options

Android:

Visit Android Marketplace on your phone and search for 'LibAnywhere'

Download and install the free app

Load the app and search for Bedford Public Library to make it your default search page

Start searching!

iPhone:

Visit App store on your phone and search for 'LibAnywhere'

Download and install the free app

Load the app and search for Bedford Public Library to make it your default search page

Start searching!

Universal version (Blackberry and other smartphones):

Visit: http://www.libanywhere.com/m/68

2012 Celebrate Seuss Festival

Mardi Gras Gala

Get your tickets now for our 3rd Annual Mardi Gras Gala - February 18 from 7-10pm. Advance tickets are only $40. This would make a great Valentine's gift for your sweetheart. We'll have a New Orleans style buffet, live music, silent auction and casino night.

Silent Auction donations are welcome and appreciated. Sponsorships are also available.
• Silent Auction Donation Form
• Sponsorship Form For more information or to make a cash donation call 817-501-0418 or email mardigrasbedford@gmail.com

Register Now for Ebook Classes

It's Never Too Early to Get a Library Card

This baby's mother knows how important it is to start her child off right so she brought her ten-day-old son to the library to get his own card.

A library card opens the door to a world of reading, information and entertainment. With a library card you can read the latest best seller, watch a movie, listen to music, check out an ebook, complete a homework assignment, use a computer or printer, attend great programs and much more. To get a card just stop by the library or apply online.

It's never too early or too late to make a library card a part of your life.

We Value Your Opinion - Please Take our Survey

The library is conducting its annual survey to assess quality of service, programs, materials and hours of operation. Please take a moment to fill out the survey to let us know how we are performing. Survey results help us set budget priorities for the next fiscal year. The survey takes less than five minutes to complete online. It is also available in print.