Bedford Public Library

Bedford Public Library. The library serves the community of Bedford, Texas, providing access to a wide range of materials and resources, including books, DVDs, eBooks, and databases from ProQuest, EBSCO Information Services, and OverDrive, Inc.. The library is a member of the Northeast Texas Library System and participates in the TexShare program, which allows patrons to borrow materials from other libraries, including the University of Texas at Arlington and the Dallas Public Library. The library's mission is to provide excellent service to the community, as outlined in the Library Bill of Rights developed by the American Library Association.

● History

The library was established in 1961, with the support of the Bedford City Council and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The library's first location was in a small building on Bedford Road, but it soon outgrew this space and moved to a new location on Harwood Road. Over the years, the library has undergone several renovations and expansions, including a major renovation in 2001, which was funded in part by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The library has also received support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Texas Commission on the Arts. Today, the library is a thriving community hub, offering a wide range of programs and services, including storytime sessions, book clubs, and computer classes taught by instructors from Microsoft and Google.

● Collections and Services

The library's collection includes over 80,000 items, including books, audiobooks, eBooks, magazines, and newspapers, such as the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and the Dallas Morning News. The library also offers a variety of services, including interlibrary loan services, which allow patrons to borrow materials from other libraries, including the Library of Congress and the New York Public Library. The library's catalog is powered by SirsiDynix, and patrons can access their accounts and request materials online through the library's website, which is hosted by WordPress. The library also offers free Wi-Fi and public computers with access to the Internet and a variety of software applications, including Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud. Additionally, the library provides access to online resources, such as Lynda.com and Rosetta Stone, which offer tutorials and courses on a wide range of topics, including computer programming and language learning.

● Architecture and Facilities

The library's current location is a 25,000-square-foot building that was designed by the architectural firm HKS, Inc. and built by the construction company Jacobs Engineering. The building features a modern design with plenty of natural light and comfortable seating areas, including a quiet room and a children's area designed by Kohler and Herman Miller. The library also has a large meeting room that can be reserved for community events and meetings, and is equipped with audiovisual equipment from Sony and Panasonic. The building is fully ADA compliant and features elevator access to all floors, as well as ramps and automatic doors from ThyssenKrupp and Otis Elevator Company. The library's facilities are maintained by the City of Bedford's Public Works Department and are cleaned by ABM Industries.

● Programs and Events

The library offers a wide range of programs and events for adults, children, and teens, including author readings and book signings with authors such as John Grisham and Nicholas Sparks. The library also hosts children's storytime sessions, craft classes, and movie nights featuring films from Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. The library's teen program includes events such as gaming tournaments and karaoke nights, and is supported by the Young Adult Library Services Association. The library also partners with other community organizations, such as the Bedford Independent School District and the Boy Scouts of America, to offer programs and services to the community. Additionally, the library offers test preparation resources and career counseling services, including access to CareerOneStop and O*NET.

● Community Involvement

The library is committed to community involvement and outreach, and partners with a variety of local organizations, including the Bedford Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Bedford. The library also offers volunteer opportunities for community members, including tutoring and mentoring programs, and is supported by the Volunteer Center of North Texas. The library's friends group, the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, raises funds and awareness for the library through events such as book sales and silent auctions, and is a member of the Friends of Libraries U.S.A.. The library also participates in community events, such as the Bedford Blues and BBQ Festival and the Bedford Fourth of July Celebration, and is supported by the City of Bedford's Parks and Recreation Department. Overall, the library is a vital part of the community, providing a wide range of resources and services to support the informational, educational, and recreational needs of the community, and is accredited by the American Library Association and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. Category:Libraries in Texas