Page 374 - Bedford-FY22-23 Budget

Library

Maria Redburn
Director of Library

The Bedford Public Library (BPL) enriches, empowers, and transforms lives by serving as a learning hub, 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. Bedford citizens bene ted from the creation of a seed library and the
addition of streaming devices to the Library of Things Collection. In-house programming and large-scale events resumed in
2022, resulting in over 30,000 people attending events. With over 148,000 items in its collection, BPL provides the
community access to books, e-books, audiobooks, DVDs, tablets, and more. 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 2021-2022 Highlights
Received the Texas Municipal Library Directors Association Achievement of Excellence in Libraries Award
Over 1.5 million minutes read by Summer Reading Club participants
Created Seed Library and expanded programming related to gardening
Rokus devices were added to the Library of Things Collection as a pilot project to test streaming services
Received a $10,000 grant to install StoryWalks at Central Park and Harris Ryals Park
Received $33,900 in donations from the Foundation and Friends
Resumed Signature Events with Beer, Brats, & More and the Medieval Faire & Market
Partnered with the Beauti cation Commission and Parks to create a Rock Garden with interactive children's games

City of Bedford, TX | Adopted Budget FY 2023 Page 374