By Dot Bergin
Library Director Richard Callaghan updated the Trustees at their April 10 meeting on the forthcoming Skinner Auction House sale set for April 27 at 10 am, in which the Library’s Bowie knife is featured in Lot #17, with an estimate of $20,000 to $40,000. In keeping with today’s practices, the auction – “Historic Arms & Militaria”- can be attended in person at Skinner’s Marlborough, MA location, or online. To view the auction catalog and its nearly 300 fascinating “lots” click https://www.skinnerinc.com/auctions/3097M. Stay tuned for the outcome of this auction!
The Trustees met in the newly outfitted Reference Room, whose furnishings were made possible by a bequest from the late Pat Watson, a long-time Library volunteer. The room, which is directly opposite the second-floor Reference desk, also provides meeting space for other small groups. Reference materials are still housed in the room and may be accessed by patrons at any time.
Board Reorganization
Post the March town election, the Trustees welcomed newly-elected member Dennis Ahern and reorganized as follows: Emily Mitchell will serve as Chair and Elizabeth Hacala as Vice-Chair for the coming year. Ahern will handle secretarial duties.
Reference Head off to South Korea in June
Rand Hall, Head of Reference and Adults Services, will be in South Korea from June 25 to July 20 for an “immersion program” in the Korean language at Sogang University, Seoul. Director Callaghan emphasized to the Trustees that Hall is funding this trip entirely out of his own pocket, but the Library will gain immensely from his experience. Hall visited the country several years ago and has studied the language well enough to help select and catalog the Library’s collection of Korean books. The learning experience this summer will enable him to become even more proficient.
Friends’ Book Sale
Are people reading less these days? Not according to results from last weekend’s Friends of the Library book sale! Eager book lovers were lined up on opening day and a steady stream of buyers continued throughout the three-day sale, reported several Trustees who also scooped up bargains. Proceeds from the semi-annual Friends book sale go toward providing a variety of special programs that the Library could not otherwise afford from its budget. Audiobooks that were leftover after the sale were given to the VA Librarian; many veterans at the Hospital enjoy the audiobooks.
Building Safety
With the recent tragic incident at the Winchester Library very much on the minds of library staff, building safety is a consistent topic of concern. As Director Callaghan told the Trustees, “Safety is not something we address every now and then; we are constantly aware of our surroundings and are very grateful to Police Chief Bob Bongiorno and his force for their continuing support and their reassuring presence so close to our building.” The Town of Bedford is also working on safety guidelines for municipal buildings, reviewing emergency procedures for all town buildings.
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