Our Projects
The Foundation supports capital improvement projects like the construction of all our branches back in the 1990s, the expansion of our self-checkout system to the Big Island Library in 2015, the addition of the Sara Overstreet nook at Bedford Central, and the purchase of furniture items throughout the system.
The foundation also promotes several programs for the libraries, including the Summer Reading Program and our programs for adults. In addition, the foundation supports projects like Books for Babies donating a book to commemorate the birth of a child in Bedford County, and writing grants to fund specific projects.
Books for Babies
Congratulations on the birth of your baby! To honor the birth of your child the BPLSF/Friends of the Library would like to purchase a book for the permanent collection at the Bedford Public Library System. Your child’s name will be placed on a book plate inside the book and there is no cost to your family. Please contact your local BPLS library for details and to enroll in this program.
Summer Reading Program
The Summer Reading Program is our biggest program every year. The BPLSF supports the performances we have each year – in 2021 we had 8 performances at each of our branch libraries with hundreds of kids and adults attending. Our library staff created a variety of programs to excite a lifelong love of reading and exploration in our many participants.
Cafes
Our first cafe began at Bedford Central Library in May 2008. Over the next six months, the cafe grew in popularity. As a result, the cafe was expanded to other locations. When it began, the cafe offered only hot drinks and few snacks; now most cafe locations provide several hot and cold beverages, crackers, nuts, and pastries. The Foundation is happy to provide these amenities to our library patrons.