Library to Launch StoryCorps Project and Friends Announce Changes to Book Sale Pricing

September 10, 2015

By Dot Bergin

LibraryAt their September 13 meeting, Trustees of the Bedford Free Public Library heard  that the Library will launch its own version of StoryCorps, the program that captures and preserves the “stories” of ordinary Americans.  Be sure to visit the Library’s booth at Bedford Day to learn more about this year-long project, which will be directed by Maribeth Millar, Programming & Outreach Librarian.

As its name implies, StoryCorps ‘goal is to collect and record stories of Americans in all walks of life.For those who are already familiar with StoryCorps through NPR broadcasts, you know that the effort willbe a significant addition to Bedford’s collective “memory bank.”  Under the guidance of the American Library Association, each public library can form its own StoryCorps project.  Millar has already received special training from the ALA inhow to carry out the project, through guided interviews.  The usual format is for the Library to pose the same question to each interviewee in a 40-minute, conversational session that is recorded. Given a relaxed atmosphere and a careful listener (the interviewer), it is possible to capture an authentic sense of each person. Would you like to record your story?There will be an opportunity to sign up at Bedford Day or you may contact Millar at any time in the Library.

Rachel Field, chair of the Trustees, supported the project enthusiastically, saying, that as a social documentarian in her professional life, she is keenly interested in efforts such as StoryCorps. To read more about StoryCorps, visit their web site: https://storycorps.org/.

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In other Library business, Director Richard Callaghan reported that repairs to the Children’s Room are now complete and the Meeting Room is almost ready for use again, after the disastrous flood of July 12.  Callaghan is optimistic that the Friends of the Library Book sale, which begins on Friday, September 18 at 1 pm and runs through Sunday, Sept 20 at 4 pm,will be able to use the Meeting Room.  However, there is a contingency plan in place to use a space at the Congregational Church if the Meeting Room is still not usable.

The Trustees also heard that there has been a pricing change for the Book Sale:

  • Most hardcovers – $2
  • Most paperbacks – $1
  • Mass market paperbacks (the small grocery store format) – $0.50
  • Kids’ hardcover – $1
  • Kids’ paperback – $0.50
  • DVDs, CDs – $1
  • There will also be specially priced items.

Other towns nearby have increased their pricing and Bedford needed to fall in line, according to Callaghan. The Trustees felt confident that the new schedule would not curb Book Sale shoppers’ enthusiasm.

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