Founded in 1876 by a group of townspeople, the Bedford Free Public Library was originally supported by private funds and governed by a private corporation. The library was housed in a variety of quarters until 1952, when it became part of the town structure and moved into the Stearns building, which currently houses the Police Station.

In response to Bedford’s growing population, a new library was constructed at 7 Mudge Way in 1968. A major addition to the library was completed in 1999, expanding the interior space to 35,600 square feet. The increased space offers more services to the community, and a climate-controlled room to house the historic Bedford Flag.

Photo courtesy of The Bedford Citizen