Library “Self-Check-Out” Begins October 15

By Dot Bergin

At their October 9 meeting, The Bedford Public Library Trustees tested the new “self- check-out” system that will be unveiled on October 15.

For the past few days the system, which stands just opposite the Circulation desk, has been concealed under a covering with a “no-peeking” sign. Library Trustee Michael Pulizzi demonstrated how easy it will be for patrons to check out books and even to pay fines using the touch screen.

Vanessa Abraham, Assistant Library Director, assured the Trustees that even though the new system is self-explanatory, staff members will be hand for assistance until users are comfortable with checking out books and other materials themselves. Bedford is not the first town to install self-check-out; staff visited other libraries in the area and were able to benefit from their experiences in selecting a tested and proven system, Abraham said.

Library Director Richard Callaghan reported that September is a transitional month, with summer activities finished and the new season now getting into full swing, with everything from the Cookbook Club to workshops on planning for college. The Friends of the Library book sale over Bedford Day weekend broke all records, garnering proceeds of more than $11,000. Staff members are noticing an increasing number of requests for meeting room space. When the Library is fully booked, staff direct residents to other spaces in town, such as the Bedford Depot and Old Town Hall, which also are reporting an uptick in space requests.

One item on Tuesday night’s agenda brought up some interesting town history. Director Callaghan, holding a brown-paper-wrapped parcel (which he later unwrapped to display) reported that he had received a request from a library in Arkansas for the loan of a Bowie knife, which the Bedford Library owns. The HistoricArkansas Museum, located in Little Rock, is planning a major exhibit for the summer of 2013 and knowing of the Bedford knife wants to include it in the show.

A bit of background: In 1972, Charles Hume and his wife donated the authentic Bowie knife to the Board of Selectmen, and expressly stated the knife should go to the Library. Hume served two terms as a Selectman and was for many years an active participant in the civic life of the town.

Long-time Library patrons will recall that the knife was displayed for a number of years along with a letter from the Hume family confirming its provenance. During a library renovation, for the security and preservation of the valuable weapon, the knife was removed to a safe location. Callaghan reported that various knife collectors and specialists have attested to the authenticity of the knife (probably made in Philadelphia in 1830). Skinner, Inc., Auctioneers &Appraisers,has valued it at about $15,000. Another twist to the story is that the knife may have been used by Davy Crockett, a claim that seems impossible to verify—however, if true, the value of the knife would be even greater.

Although the Trustees did not take any formal action on the loan request, they directed Callaghan to consult with Town Counsel on the advisability of lending out such a valuable artifact.  And a subsequent question, to be resolved at a later meeting, is how best to safely display the knife in the library.

The Trustees will hold their next regular monthly on November 13, at 6:15 pm, prior to the Special Town Meeting.