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Bedford Library highlights programs, study pods and rising digital use in annual update
Summary
Library director Miriam Johnson told the Bedford Town Council on Oct. 23 that physical books still account for roughly 73% of circulation while e-audio and other digital services are growing; she highlighted study pods, expanded museum-pass offerings and nearly 1,300 program participants last year.
Miriam Johnson, director of the Bedford Public Library, told the Bedford Town Council on Oct. 23 that the library continues to circulate primarily physical books but is seeing rapid growth in digital formats and participation in community programs.
"The books continue to be about 73% of what we do," Johnson said, emphasizing that digital audio and e-audio checkouts have increased substantially since 2009. She told the council the library logs about 10,000 visitors and roughly 12,000 monthly computer users and that interlibrary sharing through the regional consortium moves about 35,100 items each month.
Johnson and staff described new and expanded services introduced in the last year: an expanded museum-pass program funded by private donors and local organizations (about $7,000 annually), the return of a seed library and volunteer packaging operations, a small but active 3D-printing service and newly installed study pods donated through the foundation and private gifts. "We do about 20 notary appointments a month," Johnson said, and noted the library recently added a digital camera and an 8mm projector to its gadget checkout collection.
Patricia Cline Millard, head of information services, connected the library’s outreach work to wider social concerns. Quoting data in the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 report, she said Americans are experiencing increased social isolation and described community programming and meeting spaces as a local response: book groups, a relaxed "reading and relaxation" society and other recurring clubs that help residents find social connection.
The presentation also showcased catalog and user-interface upgrades. Staff described a more browsable catalog that groups formats (large print, audiobook, e-book, etc.), offers librarian-curated carousels and makes award lists and bestseller information more prominent to help patrons discover materials.
Councilors thanked the presenters and asked operational questions about parking, the usage of study pods and logistics for high-attendance programs. Councilor Bill Carter said the new parking and sidewalk connections appear to be working well; Councilor Kathleen Bemis (joining by phone) commended the study pods. No council action was required following the presentation.
