Page 323 - City of Bedford FY21 Budget

City of Bedford
Program Summary
FY 2020-2021

Fund: General
Department: Community Services Division: Library

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Bedford Public Library (BPL) enriches, empowers, and transforms lives by serving as a learning center, community anchor, and
technology center. BPL fuels Bedford’s passion for reading and learning through innovative collections, programs, and digital content.
BPL will play an integral role in helping citizens reenter the workforce through library technology, instructional assistance, and self-
directed learning. BPL has always been known for its innovative programming and signature events. The COVID-19 Crisis has launched
a world of virtual programming so the Library can continue to educate, inform and entertain the community. The Library has setup a
studio in the Story Time Theater to be able to deliver these programs. With over 145,000 items in its collection, BPL provides the
community access to books, e-books, audio books, music CDs, DVDs, tablets and more. The Stay At Home Executive Orders issued last
spring increased usage of digital content across the board by ___%. Maximizing resources, BPL partners with the HEB ISD, community
organizations, and other City departments to obtain grants and reach citizens where they live, work, and play.

FY 2019-2020 HIGHLIGHTS

∗ Received Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award.
∗ Implemented online library cards to allow the HEB community access to digital library materials.
∗ Converted the Story Time Theater into a studio to offer video-based, online programs for all ages.
∗ Provided home delivery of library materials to Bedford seniors age 70+ who were unable to use digital materials.
∗ Developed cleaning protocols of materials to safely circulate library materials through the drive-up window.
∗ Expanded Pumpkin Patch activities to include a Beers and Brats event ,which raised $4,000 for the Foundation.
∗ Completed the Library of Things collection which resulted in media attention and an $1,000 grant from a local foundation.
∗ Improved the user experience with a Spring Makeover replacing carpet, purchasing furniture and moving collections with the
assistance of Facilities and Parks personnel. Received $14,000 in donation for the project from the Foundation and Friends.

FY 2020-2021 DIVISIONAL GOALS
(AS RELATED TO COUNCIL STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS)

Revitalization
∗ Maintain the library and safeguard the integrity of the architecture and aesthetic appeal of the facility and grounds.
Economic Vitality
∗ Administer a state-of-the-art library to attract new residents to Bedford.
∗ Deliver signature events, quality programming and collections to be a destination for families in North Texas.
∗ Connect job seekers with free resources and workforce development opportunities to help them gain employment or get a
better job.
∗ Support businesses by providing meeting spaces, access to technology and online resources.

Transformation
∗ Develop alternative funding sources through grants, sponsorships, naming rights, donations and resource sharing opportunities
to support library needs.

Organizational Excellence
∗ Follow library industry best practices to ensure quality of services, collections and programs.
∗ Fuel Bedford's passion for reading by evaluating, selecting, and merchandising collections.
∗ Provide ongoing staff training on emerging technologies and customer service.

Communicate & Engage with Citizens
∗ Conduct annual library satisfaction survey.
∗ Promote City and Library services through email communication to over 20,000 library cardholders.
∗ Use several social media platforms to promote City and Library activities.
∗ Work closely with the Library Advisory Board, Foundation and Friends to communicate the impact of the Library within the
community and raise funds to support the Library. 290