 |
 |
|||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||
November 2009
The Bedford Public Library System Will Offer Amnesty for Overdue Materials on Thursday, November 12th, Friday, November 13th, and Saturday, November 14th
The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) will clear fines on overdue materials returned to the library on Thursday, November 12th, Friday, November 13th and Saturday, November 14th. Library patrons may return books and materials, fine free, no matter how long they have been overdue. This free fine period will give library patrons an opportunity to clear their fines at the library before BPLS enters into a partnership with Unique Management, a library materials recovery agency. This amnesty period will be available throughout the Bedford Public Library System, which includes the Bedford Central Library, Big Island Library, Forest Library, Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake Library, Montvale Library, and Stewartsville Library. Please call your local BPLS library for further information.
October 2009
Bedford Central Library Offers Free Assistance with VAEmploy.com
Need help with job searching? The Bedford Public Library System is offering free instruction in navigating, using, and searching the Virginia Employment Commission online employment database. During the months of October and November, instructors from the Virginia Workforce Center will be available for one-on-one instruction every 2nd and 4th Monday, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at the Bedford Central Library. The Bedford Central Library is located at 321 North Bridge Street, Bedford VA. No appointment or registration is necessary. For further information, please call (540) 586-8911.
October 2009
Bedford Public Library System Provides Free Computer Skills Classes
The Bedford Public Library System is offering free instructional classes in various areas of computer usage. Topics include Internet safety, online searching, social networking sites, web design, Microsoft Word 2007 and computer troubleshooting. The course topics being offered will vary according to library location. All courses will be instructed using Windows XP and Internet Explorer. To find a list of classes being offered at your library location, please visit www.bplsonline.org or call your library. Bedford Central Library (540) 586-8911; Big Island Library (540) 425-7000; Forest Library (540) 425-7002; Moneta/SML Library (540) 425-7004; Montvale Library (540) 425-7006; Stewartsville Library (540) 425-7008.
September 2009
The Bedford Public Library System and the National D-Day Memorial partner to host The September Project, a celebration of freedom
Throughout the month of September, the Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) and the National D-Day Memorial will host a series of events in honor of The September Project. Founded in 2004, the September Project encourages local efforts to celebrate freedom and democracy. Join BPLS and the National D-Day Memorial in this celebration by participating in events such as writing thank you letters to veterans or listening to local author and wartime veteran, Bob VandeLinde, share stories of bravery.
Learn more about The September Project at http://theseptemberproject.org.
Schedule of Events:
August 2009
Hollywood in the Hills Outdoor Movie Series Presents Hotel for Dogs
On Saturday, August 15th, Hollywood in the Hills presents the feature film, Hotel for Dogs (PG). This community-founded outdoor film series will be held at Bedford’s recently opened Falling Creek Park and promises to provide fun, family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful setting. Come early and enjoy the many amenities offered at the park, including walking and biking trails, a playground, shuffleboard, picnic pavilions, and an 18- hole Frisbee golf course. Admission is free and the movie begins at dusk. In the case of rain or windy conditions, the film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedford Elementary School gym. If inclement weather occurs, please call the Bedford Welcome Center contact number (provided below) to verify the viewing location.
Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase. The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. No alcohol or pets are permitted. This event is brought to you by the generous support of the Bedford Memorial Hospital, Wal-Mart and your community organizers: The Bedford Welcome Center, Just Right Audio/Video, the Bedford Public Library System, and the Parks & Rec Departments of both Bedford City and County.
For more information, including titles of upcoming films, please visit www.bplsonline.org or contact the Bedford Public Library System at 540.586.8911 x1111 or the Bedford Welcome Center at 540.587.5681.
August 2009
Bedford Central Library hosts Twin Peaks Studio Exhibition
During the month of August, the Bedford Central Library will exhibit work by artists belonging to the Twin Peaks Studio. The Twin Peaks Studio group is made up of eight artists/friends who take classes with local artist, Revelle Hamilton. Ms. Hamilton teaches watermedia with an emphasis on the basics of design and use of color. Most of the work in this exhibit was completed during the time these artists took classes with Ms. Hamilton. The Twin Peaks Studio group includes Carol Berkstresser, Regina Comella, Janet Dixon, Pat Dougherty, Revelle Hamilton, Nancy Laurent, Janie Mantooth, Joyce Reese, and M. Lee Walker. Ms. Hamilton's next beginning watercolor class starts on Tuesday, September 15 and the next advanced watercolor class begins on Saturday, September 19. For more information, contact Revelle Hamilton at (540) 586-9447.
The Bedford Central Library Twin Peaks Studio exhibition will run from August 3rd to September 2nd.
Please call (540) 586-8911 for more information or visit www.bplsonline.org.
July 2009
Hollywood in the Hills Outdoor Movie Series Presents Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
On Saturday, July 18th, Hollywood in the Hills presents the feature film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (G). This community-founded outdoor film series will be held at Bedford's recently opened Falling Creek Park and promises to provide fun, family-friendly entertainment in a beautiful setting. Come early and enjoy the many amenities offered at the park, including walking and biking trails, a playground, shuffleboard, picnic pavilions, and an 18-hole Frisbee golf course. Admission is free and the movie begins at dusk. In the case of rain or windy conditions, the film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. in the Bedford Elementary School gym. If inclement weather occurs, please call the Bedford Welcome Center contact number (provided below) to verify the viewing location.
Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase. The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. No alcohol or pets are permitted. This event is brought to you by the generous support of the Bedford Memorial Hospital, Wal-Mart and your community organizers: The Bedford Welcome Center, Just Right Audio/Video, the Bedford Public Library System, and the Parks & Rec Departments of both Bedford City and County.
For more information, including titles of upcoming films, please visit www.bplsonline.org or contact the Bedford Public Library System at 540-586-8911 x1111 or the Bedford Welcome Center at 540-587-5681.
June 2009
Hollywood in the Hills Outdoor Movie Series Presents The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
On Saturday, June 20th, Hollywood in the Hills presents the feature film, The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (PG). This community-founded outdoor film series will be held at Bedford's recently opened Falling Creek Park and promises fun, family-friendly entertainment in the a beautiful setting. Come early and enjoy the many amenitiies offered at the park, including walking and biking trails, a playground, shuffleboard, picnic pavilions, and an 18-hole Frisbee golf course. Adminission is free and the movie begins at dusk. In the case of rain or windy conditions, the film will be shown at 7:30 pm in the Bedford Elementary School gym. If inclement weather occurs, please call the Bedford Welcome Center contact number (provided below) to verify the viewing location.
Popcorn and drinks are available for purchase. The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. No alcohol or pets are permitted. This event is brought to you by the generous support of the Bedford Memorial Hospital, Wal-Mart and your community organizers: The Bedford Welcome Center, Just Right Audio/Video, the Bedford Public Library System, and the Parks & Rec Departments of both Bedford City and County.
For more information, including titles of upcoming films, please visit http://www.bplsonline.org or contact the Bedford Public Library System at 540-586-8911 x1111 or the Bedford Welcome Center at 540-587-5681.
May 2009
2009 BPLS Adult Summer Reading Program
All adult bedford Public Library System card holders are invited to spend this summer touring Bedford City and County by participating in the Adult Summer Reading Program board game: Mile by Mile, Page by Page: An Armchair Tour of Bedford County. Beginning June 8th, maps will be available at all of the BPLS branch libraries to guide participants in a reading, viewing and listening tour of Bedford. Patrons who complete the midway goals will be entered into a July 9th drawing. A final grand prize drawing will be held August 17th.
Prizes include Emerson Creek Pottery pieces and Barnes and Noble gift certificates among other things.
If you live in the area and do not have a Bedford Library patron card, come on by; bring a picture ID with your address. It will only take a few minutes to register.There is no fee for Bedford residents or for anyone whose local library does not charge Bedford citizens a registration fee.
###
April 2009
Forest Library Exhibits Art by Local Students
The Forest Public Library is proud of the talent in its community. April as been a month of exhibition - the trees are budding and flowers blooming outside the library doors, while inside, colors brighten the walls. The students at Forest Middle School have loaned their amazing paper-and-spray paint masks to the library to create a focus on expression in the children's section. Also showcased are Radial Designs which are imagined, hand-drawn, and colored by the students. Three drawings, one in pencil, the second in 3-D colored pencil, and the third done in crayon and marker, hang at the beginning of the collection. These images have been selected as entries in an art contest in May. The eye-catching display of talent from the middle school ties in with the Summer Reading Program for Teens in the Bedford Public Library System - Express Yourself@the Library.
Also showcased in the library during April are the polished, published works of students at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Mrs. Stenback's first grade class wows us with We Are Thankful For... and Mrs. Wilgus's class has two submissions: We Love Our Parents Because... and All About Us! First-graders in Ms McBride and Ms Putt's class have submitted a book by the same title for display. Pupils in Mrs. Richardson's class, also first grade, have put together artwork in We Are Thankful. One Kindergarten group, the students of Mrs. Cries, has saved memories in Our First Field Trip. Finally, two student submissions of ocean-theme books make up the display. These, too, go hand-in-hand with the Summer Reading Program theme for children in 2009 - Be Creative@Your Library.
Yes, Forest Library is proud of the students in its community. We invite you to come by and see what the children and teens in Forest have done! Please call (540) 425-7002 for more information.
April 2009
Bedford Public Library System Presents TechChat Program
The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) introduces TechChat, a technology program designed to help you with the basic functions of everyday technologies, including cell phones, digital cameras, GPS navigation systems, iPods/MP3 players and more. Each library location in the system is offering an open house featuring specific technologies. During the month of April, TechChat will highlight cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, and GPS navigation tools. If you need help with simple features such as checking voicemail, setting a ring tone, viewing or deleting pictures on a digital camera, navigating an iPod, downloading music to a MP3 player, or learning a GPS system, then the BPLS staff can help you. Program dates and times for future technologies are not yet determined. Please check the library website at www.bplsonline.org for further information.
If you are unable to attend the TechChat program, you can access FAQs, cheat sheets, and online tutorials for featured technologies at the library's new wiki, entitled BPLS TechChat. The wiki is available from the library's homepage under the drop down menu, "Featured Links."
Please note that the Bedford Public Library System staff is unable to fix any out of order technologies, but can help you access information to support sites.
April TechChat programs, featuring cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, and GPS navigation tools are scheduled on the following dates: Forest Library on Thursday, April 16th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.; Big Island Library on Tuesday, April 21st, from 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.; Stewartsville Library on Tuesday, April 21st, from 2:00-4:00p.m.; Bedford Central Library on Thursday, April 23rd, from 2:00-4:00p.m.; Moneta/SML Library on Thursday, April 23rd from 6:00-8:00pm.; Montvale Library on Friday, April 24th, from 10:30-12:30p.m.
###
April 2009
Bedford Public Library System Provides Free Job Searching Skills Seminar
Are you looking to gain a competitive edge in your job search? The Bedford Public Library System is offering assistance in developing online employment application skills through a free training session that will cover basic computer skills, resume writing and interviewing techniques. The basic computer skills portion of the seminar will provide instruction on Internet navigation, Word Processing resume templates, and email attachments. The resume writing and interviewing section will focus on key elements to include in your resume and tips for a successful interview. Registration is preferred. Please see the following schedule for training session locations, dates and times.
For registration and further information, please contact the library where you plan to attend the training session.
###
March 2009
Bedford Central Library hosts Gallery Exhibit Featuring Work by Artist and Photographer Warner J. Scott.
During the month of March, the Bedford Central Library will exhibit work by the Bedford artist and photographer, Warner J. Scott. Originally from Richmond, VA, Scott relocated to Bedford in 1960 to work at Piedmont Label Co., Inc. Trained in art at the Richmond Professional Institute (now known as Virginia Commonwealth University), Scott designed labels and logos and made illustrations and drawings for Piedmont Label Co. for 37 years. Prior to retirement in 1997, he served as the company’s Art Director. Scott’s photographs, architectural drawings of historic Bedford buildings, and “Bedford Treasure Boxes” are well known throughout the community and the Library is pleased to provide the public an opportunity to view a variety of work by of one of Bedford’s talented artists.
Please call (540) 586-8911 for more information or visit www.bplsonline.org
###
March 2009
Bedford Central Library hosts Free Lunchtime Concert with Musical Group Riddle on the Harp to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
Be sure to pack your lunch and wear green on Friday, March 17th! The Bedford Central Library will be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a lunchtime concert, free and open to the public, featuring the well known musical trio, “Riddle on the Harp.” The Central Library invites you to bring a lunch to enjoy or try coffee and snacks available for purchase from its recently opened “A Novel Place” café. The concert will last from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Please visit www.riddleontheharp.com to preview the group’s music.
Please call (540) 586-8911 for more information or visit www.bplsonline.org
###
Bedford Central Library Provides Free Job Searching Skills Seminars for Dislocated Workers
The Bedford Central Library, in partnership with Central Virginia Community College, the Hope Network, and the Region 2000 Career Center, will host a free, five part seminar series on skills needed by job seekers and dislocated workers to gain a competitive edge in applying for jobs through the Internet. The seminars will cover the following skill sets: using the computer to search for jobs, performing job searches through the Internet, and tips on resume writing and interview techniques. All seminars will be held at the Bedford Central Library. The seminars will begin with a kick-off on Tuesday, March 17th, from 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., where interested persons can receive information on the remaining seminars and register. The seminar schedule, including topics to be covered, is as follows:
*Seating is limited to 30 per session. Registered participants will be given seating priority.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call (540) 586-8911, ext. 1111 for further information or advance registration
###
Bedford Public Library System hosts An Evening With The Stars
A Sampling of Treasures From The Library of Virginia’s Special Collections
The Library of the Commonwealth of Virginia, established in 1823, is extraordinarily rich in its holdings. Some of its most dazzling items are housed in the Library’s Special Collections Department. On February 19th, at 6:30 pm, the Bedford Central Library will host presenter Tom Camden, Director of the Special Collections Department. Camden will talk about “what’s so special about Special Collections”, sharing his own passionate interest in special materials while also sharing some of the treasures of the Commonwealth. On hand for private and up-close viewing will be items related to Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry; an exceedingly rare atlas with a startling provenance; special and unusual format materials such as a pre-Braille story book for blind children published in Staunton, Virginia; and the ever-popular miniature books and fore-edge paintings, to name a few. Light reception to follow event. In conjunction with this program, the Bedford Central Library will be hosting an exhibit from The Bedford Museum and Genealogical Library on past and present Bedford City/County post offices. Come and see photographs, postcards, and even an antique mail sorter! Exhibit will run from February 2nd through February 28th. Please call (540) 586-8911 for more information or visit www.bplsonline.org
###
The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) introduces TechChat, a technology program designed to help you with the basic functions of everyday technologies, including cell phones, digital cameras, GPS navigation systems, iPods/MP3 players and more. Each library location in the system is offering an open house featuring specific technologies. During the month of January, TechChat will highlight cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, and GPS navigation tools. If you need help with simple features such as checking voicemail, setting your ring tone, viewing or deleting pictures on your camera, changing your camera settings, navigating your iPod, downloading music to your MP3 player, or learning your GPS system, then the BPLS staff can help you. Program dates and times for future technologies are not yet determined. Please check the library website at www.bplsonline.org for further information.
If you are unable to attend the TechChat program, you can access FAQs, cheat sheets, and online tutorials for featured technologies at the library’s new wiki, entitled BPLS TechChat. The wiki is available from the library’s homepage under the drop down menu, “Featured Links.”
Please note that the Bedford Public Library System staff is unable to fix any out of order technologies, but can help you access information to support sites.
January TechChat programs, featuring cell phones, digital cameras, iPods, MP3 players, and GPS navigation tools are scheduled on the following dates: Stewartsville Library on Tuesday, January 20th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.; Big Island Library on Tuesday, January 20th, from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; Moneta/SML Library on Thursday, January 22nd, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.; Montvale Library on Thursday, January 22nd, from 6:00-8:00 p.m.; Bedford Central Library on Thursday, January 29th from 2:00-4:00 p.m.; Forest Library on Friday, January 30th, from 2:00-4:00 p.m.
###
The holidays are just around the corner and the Bedford Central Library is kicking off the season with our annual Gingerbread Decorating Open House on Saturday, December 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Every year, librarians at the Central Library bake hundreds of gingerbread men for the public to come in and decorate. All participants are invited to decorate one for munching and one for trimming the Library’s Christmas tree. So, come on into the library and help us celebrate the holiday season. Please call (540) 586-8911 for more information.
###
The Bedford Public Library System (BPLS) introduces TechChat, a technology program designed to help you with the basic functions of everyday technologies, including cell phones, digital cameras, printers, iPods and more. Each library location in the system is offering an open house featuring a specific technology. During the month of November, TechChat will highlight cell phones and digital cameras. If you need help with simple features such as checking voicemail, setting your ring tone and viewing or deleting pictures on your camera, then the BPLS staff can help you. Program dates and times for future technologies are not yet determined. Please check the library website at www.bplsonline.org for further information.
If you are unable to attend the TechChat program, you can access FAQs, cheat sheets, and online tutorials for featured technologies at the library’s new wiki, entitled BPLS TechChat. The wiki is available from the library’s homepage under the drop down menu, “Featured Links.”
Please note that the BPLS staff cannot fix your technologies, but can help you access information to support sites.
Ivan Kirby, owner of Kirby Custom Painting, which has serviced the Central Virginia area for the past 19 years, donated his time and resources to repaint the flagpole of the Bedford Central Library in appreciation of the library and in honor of Veteran’s Day. Mr. Kirby is an avid WWII collector and historian.
The flagpole was in need of repainting and Kirby Custom Painting did an excellent job of removing old paint and dirt, repairing a lanyard, and repainting with environmentally friendly paint. The library is very pleased with the flagpole’s new look and appreciative of Mr. Kirby’s generous donation. Other notable projects completed by Kirby Custom Painting in the Bedford community are the Bedford City/County Museum and the Bedford Middle School.
###
October 10, 2008
BPLS presents a "Free Intro to Buying and Selling with Online Auctions"
Want to get in on the action of eBay? Buying and selling can be exciting, certainly fun, but also perplexing and complicated!
Learn the basics of buying and selling from eBay entrepreneur Linwood Hoffman. He will present tips and tricks for getting the best deals as well as how to present an item for auction. Hoffman will share "trade secrets" for getting the most attention for your items, as well as maximizing bidding potential and earning a good rating as an eBayer.
Via digital projector, watch screen by screen as Hoffman places an item for actual sale, beginning with identifying a starting value and descriptors, and all points along the way.
Instructor Linwood Hoffman is owner of the Internet auction listing company, Sell It Central Virginia. Hoffman, bitten by the eBay bug several years ago, has turned this hobby into a profit-making interest for himself and the clients. Hoffman will share secrets and tips for success in both buying and selling.
Attend any of the following sessions for beginning eBayers:
Forest Library on Thursday, October 16 at 6:30 p.m.; Moneta/SML Library on Thursday, October 23 at 2 p.m.; or Bedford Central Library on Tuesday, October 30 at 6:30 p.m.
Calling all experienced eBayers! If you have eBay basics covered, join us for an advanced tutorial on Tuesday, November 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Bedford Central Library.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call 540.586.8911 for information.
###
September 26, 2008
Bedford Public Library System hosts
Apron Gallery Exhibit - All Tied Up: Aprons from 1870-2008
The Bedford Central Library will host a gallery exhibit from October 1st through October 28th highlighting aprons dating from 1870 through 2008. Taken from the personal collection of Cece Guida, a member of the Bedford community, this exhibit will feature a delightful display of aprons accompanied by an informative narrative of historical events that influenced apron use and fashion during the afore mentioned time period.
As a compliment to this exhibit, Mrs. Guida will host a more extensive historical presentation on aprons at each of the library locations in the Bedford Public Library System. Come and find out what events in America’s past influenced the aprons that your great-grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers wore.
“All Tied Up” apron program dates and times are as follows:
Bedford Central Library on Tuesday, October 14th, at 6:30 p.m.; Montvale Library on Thursday, October 16th, at 2:00 p.m.; Big Island Library on Tuesday, October 21st, at 11:00 a.m.; Stewartsville Library on October 23rd, at 6:00 p.m.; Forest Library on Monday, November 10th, at 6:30 p.m.; Moneta/Smith Mountain Lake on Thursday, November 20th, at 2:00 p.m.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call 540.586.8911 for further information.
###
September 26, 2008
Bedford Public Library System hosts Car Talk: Learning the Basics of Car Maintenance
Join us for Car Talk, where Dave Ireland, from Dave’s Auto Service, shares tips for basic car maintenance and informs you on the best ways to find good professional car service.
Topics covered will include:
“Car Talk” program dates and times are as follows:
Forest Library on Monday, September 29th, at 6:30 p.m.; Bedford Central Library on Tuesday, September 30th, at 6:30 p.m.; Montvale Library on Thursday, October 2nd, at 6:30 p.m.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call 540.586.8911 for further information.
###
September 1, 2008
Hollywood in the Hills Outdoor Movie Series Wraps-up 4th Season with the film We Are Marshall
Bedford’s free outdoor movie series, Hollywood in the Hills, wraps up its 4th season on the evening of September 20th at the Bedford Elementary School with the film We Are Marshall. This moving film details the true events of the 1970 airplane crash involving the Marshall University Thundering Herd football team. When the crash takes the lives of most of Marshall University’s football team, new coach Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughey) must rally the surviving players and a grieving community to victory. Based on true events, this inspiring drama follows Lengyel and his assistant coach (Matthew Fox) as they try to renew Marshall’s football program and help the close-knit West Virginia town find new hope.
The concession stand opens at 7:00 pm and the movie begins at dusk. In the case of rain or windy conditions, the movies will be held in the Bedford Elementary gym and the film will begin at 7:30 pm. Come early, claim a great spot, and enjoy the sunset over the D-Day Memorial. The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Concessions include pizza, candy, popcorn, sodas, and ice cream. No alcohol or pets are permitted. This family-friendly event is brought to you by the generous support of Bedford Memorial Hospital and Bank of Fincastle and your community organizers: The Bedford Welcome Center, Just Right Audio/Video, the Bedford Public Library System, and the Parks & Rec Departments of both Bedford City and County.
For more information, please contact Elisa Day, at the Bedford Public Library System at 540.586.8911 x1111 or Lynn Scott at the Bedford Welcome Center at 540.587.5681.
###
August 29, 2008
Bedford Public Library Systems hosts Car Talk: Learning the Basics of Car Maintenance
Join us for Car Talk, where Dave Ireland, from Dave’s Auto Body, shares tips for basic car maintenance and informs you on the best ways to find good professional car service.
Topics covered will include:
“Car Talk” program dates and times are as follows:
Big Island Library on Tuesday, September 23rd , at 6:30 p.m.; Forest Library on Monday, September 29th, at 6:30 p.m.; Bedford Central Library on Tuesday, September 30th, at 6:30 p.m.; Montvale Library on Thursday, October 2nd, at 6:30 p.m.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call 540.586.8911 for further information.
###
June 18, 2008
Bedford Public Library System begins Adult Summer Reading Program
Summer has arrived! With it comes your chance to participate in the Bedford Public Library System's annual Adult Summer Reading Program. This summer's program, entitled "A Novel Place," once again offers a game board listing a variety of ways -- including reading, viewing and listening experiences -- for you to participate. Some of these experiences include reading, listening to audiobooks, attending a library program, visiting a library book club and surfing the Internet.
The program will run through August 4. Register now at any BPLS library location and begin earning points in time to enter the mdway and final drawings. The grand prize is a piece of pottery from the well-known Emerson Creek Pottery. This program is open to everyone at least 18 years old, with a Bedford Public Library System card.
Please visit www.bplsonline.org or call 540.586.8911 for information.
###
May 14, 2008
Get Caught Reading for the Bedford Public Library System
The Bedford Public Library System wants you to “get caught reading” in honor of the national Get Caught Reading campaign, which celebrates the fun of reading for people of all ages. We are asking you to submit photos of yourself, or people you know, having fun reading to be posted in a special gallery on our website at www.bplsonline.org. So, find your camera, get out your favorite book and start getting caught reading!
The Get Caught Reading online gallery will run from Friday, May 16th, through Monday, June 30th. Pictures may be submitted any time throughout the duration of this gallery. Email pictures in jpeg file format to libsrv@bplsonline.org and please indicate if you would like your name to be included with your picture in the gallery. Library staff will preview all pictures for appropriate content. Visit www.getcaughtreading.org for more information on the Get Caught Reading campaign.
###
May 13, 2008
Hollywood in the Hills Outdoor Movie Series Enters 4th Season
Bedford’s free outdoor movie series, Hollywood in the Hills, returns for its 4th season at the Bedford Elementary School. All movies will be held at the Bedford Elementary School athletic field at dusk on the dates listed, with gates opening at 7:00 pm. In the case of rain or windy conditions, the movies will be held in the Bedford Elementary gym and the film will begin at 7:30 pm. Come early, claim a great spot, and enjoy the sunset over the D-Day Memorial.
The 2008 season will screen the following features:
June 21st: Charlotte’s Web - An updated retelling of E.B. White’s beloved tale, “Charlotte’s Web,” of an eclectic bunch of barnyard characters who come together under the leadership of a wise spider to save a young pig destined for the dinner table.
July 19th: Surf’s Up - An animated documentary, in which film crews go behind the scenes at the Penguin World Surfing Championship to provide a close-up look at the inventors of surfing. The documentary follows Cody Maverick, a penguin with a passion for surfing, through his journey of leaving home, training with Big Z, and competing in the big challenge, including the life lessons he learns along the way.
August 16th: Happy Feet - Living with his colony in the Antarctic, young emperor penguin Mumble is aptly named: Whiles his friends use their singing skills to attract mates, his caterwauling send potential sweethearts waddling in the opposite direction. But Mumble is blessed with an unusual gift – he can tap dance in a way that would make Fred Astaire jealous!
The community is encouraged to bring chairs and blankets. Concessions will be on sale, including pizza, candy, popcorn, sodas, and ice cream. No alcohol or pets are permitted. This family-friendly event is brought to you by the generous support of Bedford Memorial Hospital and Bank of Fincastle and your community organizers: The Bedford Welcome Center, Just Right Audio/Video, the Bedford Public Library System, and the Parks & Rec Departments of both Bedford City and County.
For more information, please contact Elisa Day, at the Bedford Public Library System at 540.586.8911 x1111 or Lynn Scott at the Bedford Welcome Center at 540.587.5681.
###
April 29, 2008
The Bedford Central Library closes to refresh its look and invites the public to a re-opening celebration on May 9th
The Bedford Central Library will be closing its doors from noon on Friday, April 25th, through Friday, May 2nd, to add new features. The Library will reopen on Saturday, May 3rd, with a new biography alcove dedicated to the memory of Sara Frances Overstreet and a new coffee and tea cafe. Ms. Overstreet left the library a generous bequest in her will that is being used to fund the new reading alcove. The Library Foundation is sponsoring the coffee and tea cafe, which will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Even though the Central Library will be closed for the re-flooring project, throughout the week patrons will be able to pick up holds at the Bedford Central Library during normal operating hours at the meeting room door. The Library invites you to peek behind closed doors and watch the changes taking place by visiting www.bplsonline.org.
In celebration of the changes, the Bedford Public Library System Board and the Library Foundation Board will host an open house at the Bedford Central Library on Friday, May 9th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The community is invited to attend and enjoy a variety of events that evening. These include dedicating the new biography alcove in memory of Sara Frances Overstreet, listening to music by the popular local group, Generic Folk, sponsored by the Friends of the Bedford Public Library, sampling coffee and tea from the cafe, visiting the Friends of the Bedford Public Library book sale room, and enjoying a special art exhibit provided by well-known local artists. For more information, please call the Bedford Central Library at (540) 586-8911 and leave a message or visit www.bplsonline.org.
###
The Bedford Public Library System Raises Money for the Red Cross
For the second year in a row, the Bedford Public Library System gets casual as part of the “Give Where You Live: Season 2” campaign by the American Red Cross during the month of April. Library employees throughout the system can donate $5 to wear comfy clothes to work on any day in April—Hawaiian shirts, sneakers, you name it!
Library director Peggy Bias, who serves on the board of the Historic Virginia Red Cross chapter, encourages the staff to “have some fun and raise money for our Red Cross.” Last year, the Library, in partnership with the Bedford Community Health Foundation, raised over $400 for the Red Cross through casual days at the library.
So, when you look around your favorite branch of the Bedford Public Libraries and see some big grins on some pretty comfortable people, you’ll also see an American Red Cross pin and a Hometown Hero. Patrons may make donations to the cause at the service desk of any branch.
###
March 5, 2008
Wal-Mart has once again demonstrated a commitment to making a difference in its own neighborhood, as Steve Wilmouth, manager of the Bedford Wal-Mart, presented Peggy Bias, Director of the Bedford Public Library System, with a check for $1000 on Friday, February 15, 2008.
The donation will be used in support of the Library’s annual summer reading program.
Through special performances, programs, and rewards, the summer reading program re-enforces the enjoyment of reading to Bedford City and County youth during the summer months. With support from community organizations, such as Wal-Mart, the program has reached over 4000 youth in the past two years, proving it to be an integral event in the Bedford community. Bias thanked Wilmouth and the Bedford Wal-Mart staff for their continued support of the Library, saying, “Wal-Mart demonstrates a dedication to encouraging literacy in the youth of our community through their support of the Library. We are very pleased to have such a literacy focused organization supporting our programs.”
Charitable giving is a well-established practice for Wal-Mart as it provides financial and volunteer support for over 100,000 organizations, allowing it to participate in addressing international aid, community-based projects, and environmental concerns. In addition, Wal-Mart provided $57 million in scholarships in 2006 for educational initiatives, making it one of the largest corporate sponsors of education in the United States.
###
March 5, 2008
The Bedford Public Library System and the Bedford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary are partnering to ease the wait-time for outpatients and their friends and family at the Bedford Memorial Hospital.
Barbara Kolmer, of the Auxiliary Services, approached the Library about supplying and replenishing a small collection of various reading materials to help “time fly” for waiting patients. Bernadette Brennan, Public Services Librarian, says, “What better way, than a good book, to relieve the boredom and stress of a hospital waiting room.” This collection requires no library card and has no designated due dates. In fact, the Library encourages you to find a good book, take it home and then pass it on to a neighbor, friend, or family member.
This partnership with the hospital falls right in line with the Library’s goal of playing an active role in the community, not just in the library building. Brennan says, “The Library looks for ways to extend the enjoyment of reading throughout Bedford as we have been doing through services like the Homebound outreach program. Providing books at the Hospital seems to be a perfect extension of our mission.”
For more information contact S. Elisa Day at 540-586-8911 x1111
| Contact Us | Site Map | ||
| Last Updated: October 2009 | 321 N. Bridge Street |
Bedford, VA 24523 |
540-586-8911 |