When You Can’t Get to the Library . . . The Library Comes to You

Looking at the Bedford Free Public Library from behind the Mudge Way fence

There isn’t anything that can quite take the place of a real, walk-in visit to the Bedford Free Public Library,  BUT – there are a host of online services available to you at home during this time when the physical Library is closed.

Need a Library Card?

First thing to note: if you don’t yet have a library card, you can get an e-card online for our Library and for the Boston Public Library. It’s good for six months and once our library has reopened you can transfer it to a regular card. Here is the link:
https://www.bedfordlibrary.net/2020/03/16/e-cards/

Free Online Media

Are you a movie buff?  Kanopy to the rescue. This service, provided by the Friends of the Library, as so many of the special programs are, allows you to stream up to 10 films per month.  Kanopy offers classic films, documentaries, Oscar winners, and classic films.

Hoopla is a digital media service that allows you to borrow movies, music, audiobooks, ebooks, comics, and TV shows to enjoy on your computer, tablet, or phone – and even your TV! With no waiting, titles can be streamed immediately or downloaded to phones or tablets for offline viewing.

OverDrive is a similar service,  offering ebooks, magazines, videos/films, and audiobooks.  The Library also has a collection of databases covering a wealth of subjects, from Biography to Business (including Morningstar Investment Research) to Newspapers to special collections for students in all grades.

E-Resources

The Library’s menu link to E-Resources brings links to a broad selection of material in a wide range of fields: Biography, Books & Literature, Business, Careers, Consumer Info, Culture, Current Events, eBooks, Education, Genealogy, General Research, Health, History, Home & Garden, Languages, Magazines, Movies, Music, Newspapers, Reference Books, Science, Software/Technology, Students in K-Grade 5, Grades 6-12, and College.

Only a few of the selections need to be accessed from a computer physically located within the Library, and some require a valid library card and pin number. Most are freely available, simply by clicking a link.

Peeps Diorama Contest

The ever-popular PEEPS Diorama Contest is postponed but Teen Services Librarian Pam Aghababian says this would be a great time to work on a diorama to be ready when the contest resumes.  Pam reminded Citizen readers that PEEPS simply harden over time and retain their color and form. The Library has had some dioramas for as long as five years!  So, no worries about your Diorama turning moldy or off-color because of age.  (The only problem may be a tendency to consume those PEEPS before you finish your entry.)

Automatic Renewals

No fines will be assessed during the time the Library is closed.


Keep our journalism strong! Support The Citizen Journalism Fund today. Contact The Bedford Citizen: [email protected] or 781-430-8837

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