Read a non-fiction book in November and you could win a prize!
Adults, teens and children who read a non-fiction book during November are invited to fill out a simple form and be entered into a raffle! Forms available at all public service desks.
Need an idea of what to read? Check out our displays throughout the library as well as social media posts highlighting staff picks.
Raffle prize basket for each age group:
Explore over 70 world languages through Mango Languages. Designed with learners in mind, this platform uses real-conversations, native-speaker audio, and cultural insights to build vocabulary, grammar, comprehension and pronunciation. Mango Languages is available both on the web and via mobile apps, and you can access it anytime – at the library or at home. Whether you’re preparing for travel, connecting with your heritage, or just challenging yourself, your library card gives you free access.
If it’s your first time using Mango, you’ll want to click the “Sign Up” button on this page. Make sure to have your library card number handy!
We are revamping our programming for adults, and we would love to hear from you!
Please let us know what kinds of free programs you would like to see the Library provide by filling out our short survey.
We have two reading programs that run from mid-September to mid-May. One for children under 5 and one for Kindergarten – 5th grade students. Both programs kick off September 20. Read on to learn more.
Our preschool reading program is designed to encourage families with children under 5 to spend time together and make reading a daily habit.
Reading Dragons and Friends is a school-year reading program for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade.
Children earn cards for reading throughout the year. Reading Dragons cards can be used to play two games: one similar to Rock, Paper, Scissors and one similar to War. Your child will earn one set of four cards fore very 20 days they read. Listening to audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines and reading with family and friends – it all counts!
Reading must be tracked online using Beanstack. Once you are signed up simply log the minutes your child reads in the app or on the Beanstack website.
CHANGES THIS YEAR:
We’re excited to announce our membership to the Library Speakers Consortium which offers a virtual author talk series each month featuring bestselling, award-winning, and highly acclaimed authors from around the world. The featured writers and thought leaders will cover a wide range of fiction and nonfiction genres.
The free, virtual series takes place two to three times a month and includes the opportunity to ask questions to the author. A complete list of events is available on our virtual author talk series webpage.
Many thanks to the Friends of the Bedford Free Public Library for sponsoring this membership.
Meet our newest Kid Librarian, Daniel! Daniel is a rising 5th grader.
Daniel’s display, “If You Want to Read Greek Mythology” will be in the Children’s Room from August 18 – August 23.
Q+A
What are you reading right now?
I am reading book 4 of the Percy Jackson Trials of Apollo series.
What are you looking forward to this summer?
I’m looking forward to going to my grandparents’ house in July and August.
To see Daniel’s recommendations in our online catalogue, click here!
The Bedford Free Public Library is saddened by the loss of longtime Library Trustee Abby Hafer. Abby grew up in Bedford, was very proud of, and fiercely loyal to, our Library, and passionate about sustaining and growing the myriad ways we serve the greater Bedford community. Serving as a Library Trustee meant a great deal to Abby and she will be greatly missed.
Read more about Abby in the Bedford Citizen.
Meet our newest Kid Librarian, Elena! Elena is a rising 6th grader.
Elena’s display, “Treasured Classics and Modern Retellings,” will be in the Children’s Room from August 4 – August 11.
Q+A
What’s your favorite thing about visiting the library?
My favorite thing about visiting the library is checking out books. I especially like the “new books” section. The library puts together a display of over 20 recently released books. I really like reading the backs of the books to get a sneak peek before deciding which ones I want. The display offers books from many genres, which is helpful because you can find many different kinds of stories, even ones you might not normally pick up.
What are you reading right now?
Right now, I am reading a classic, Anne of Green Gables. It is a story about an orphan girl who gets adopted by the Cuthberts. This family of two has never dealt with kids before, so their experience with the very talkative and imaginative Anne Shirley is a whole new adventure.
What is your favorite series?
My favorite series is Harry Potter. I am an avid reader and have a long list of favorite books, but Harry Potter is at the top of that list. I love Harry Potter because it consists of adventure, and loyalty. This series is a magical one. Really! Dueling with wands, flying broomsticks, dragons and mermaids. These are all elements of these fantastical stories.
To see Elena’s recommendations in our online catalogue, click here!
Meet our newest Kid Librarian, Iliyana! Iliyana is a rising 5th grader.
Iliyana’s display, featuring novels in verse, will be in the Children’s Room from July 28 – August 4.
Q+A
What’s your favorite thing about visiting the library?
I’m reading four books right now. Wishtree, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Odder, and Willodeen.
What is your favorite book?
What are your hobbies besides reading?
Basketball, karate, writing stories, and math, other than subtraction.
To see Iliyana’s recommendations in our online catalogue, click here!
Meet our newest Kid Librarian, Phoebe! Phoebe is a rising 5th grader.
Phoebe’s display, featuring books with traveling adventurers, will be in the Children’s Room from July 21 – July 28.
Q+A
What’s your favorite thing about visiting the library?
To see Phoebe’s recommendations in our online catalogue, click here!