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Bedford library reports strong satisfaction, plans digital and space upgrades
Summary
Library Director Maria Redburn reported 527 survey respondents (a 6% increase), an 81% ‘A’ overall grade, expanded digital circulation (21.65% of total), and 896 programs with 36,679 attendees in the prior year. Staff proposed privacy pods, an improved holds notification system and online room booking for 2026.
The Bedford Library reported high community satisfaction and a set of actionable improvements for 2026 at the March 24 council meeting.
Library Director Maria Redburn said 527 residents responded to the satisfaction survey — a 6% increase over the previous year — and that 81% of respondents gave the library an A grade while another ~26% agreed the library met needs. Redburn highlighted that last year the library recorded over 450,000 items checked out and that digital content accounted for about 21.65% of circulation. “Because of the library, 28 people got a job or a better job,” Redburn said, summarizing tangible outcomes residents reported.
Redburn outlined several 2026 action items: adding an adult games and puzzle collection, rolling out an improved holds-notification system (delayed for SMS testing because carriers sometimes filter messages), launching a library app tied to the Aspen overlay, and enabling online booking and remote lock access for study rooms. She also said seating expansion and additional programming through community partnerships would be priorities; many projects are funded by the library foundation and friends group.
