By Dot Bergin
Why should the kids have all the fun? The Summer Reading Program for children continues to be a big hit with younger library users, and now adults can also participate, in a new adult reading program sponsored by The Friends of the Library. Patrons over age 18 can fill out a slip about the book they have read or listened to and drop it in the sand pail to the left of the Circulation Desk. Each Friday a prize winner will be chosen to receive a gift certificate to Bedford Farms. All entries will be eligible for a grand prize at the end of the summer. The first week’s adult winner was Louise St. Germain.
Library Director Richard Callaghan and Assistant Director Noreen O’Gara described this and other summer programs at the July 9 Trustees meeting. The Wednesday series “Stories on the Lawn” attracts many children and their parents, craft programs take place every Tuesday, and the Lego Challenge happens on Wednesday afternoons.
The Children’s Room has added the Tumblebook database to its collection. This is an online collection of animated talking picture books designed to teach children the joy of reading, designed in easy-to-use formats, adding animation, sound, music and narration to existing picture books. Tumblebooks are available for use in the Library and online from home.
In his report, Callaghan said that although full financials are not yet available, the end of the fiscal year shows the Library to be in excellent shape. The Trustees commended the Director on his astute management of the budget.
On July 27, the Library is expecting to host the Bedford High School Class of 1963 to view the Bedford flag. This is a large group (some 50-plus members) who are touring the town as part of their 50th reunion and specifically requested to see the flag. Former Children’s Librarian and flag historian Sharon MacDonald will give a special talk to the group.
The Library’s historical artifact,-the Bowie Knife,-will soon be on its way to the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock, where it will be on display for a year, beginning in October. Director Callaghan said the paperwork to transport the knife is currently being processed. The knife, a gift of former selectman Charles Hume, has been authenticated as a genuine Bowie knife and for this reason the question of lending it to another institution has been handled by the Trustees with deliberation and care.
Trustee Rachel Field noted that in the recent train derailment and subsequent fire in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, the town, which is just 22 miles from the U.S. border, lost its library along with other city buildings. She suggested, and the Trustees affirmed, that Director Callaghan draft a letter of support to the library.
The Trustees will not meet in August. The next meeting is set for Tuesday, September 10.
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