BEDFORD — During Tuesday morning’s Lawrence County Commissioners meeting, Nathan Watson, Director of the Bedford Public Library, presented the institution’s 2025 annual report, painting a picture of a library system successfully evolving alongside modern technology while remaining a cornerstone of local civic life.
Watson expressed immense pride in the library’s accomplishments over the past year, noting that the facility welcomed 70,835 visitors in 2025.
The Digital Shift
The most striking takeaway from the report was the significant shift in how residents consume media. While the library circulated a massive 269,120 physical items, digital materials accounted for 155,580 of those transactions.
“Out of every 10 items checked out of the library, six are electronic,” Watson informed the commissioners. “This is higher than ever before.”
This digital trend is supported by the library’s infrastructure; more than 17,590 people accessed the library’s free internet services last year, and nearly 5,000 residents utilized on-site public computers.
A Hub for Education and Service
The report detailed the intensive workload handled by library staff, who serve over 15,000 active account holders. Beyond checking out books, the staff acted as a vital information resource for the county:
- 12,454 reference questions answered.
- 4,622 instructional references provided.
- 400 citizens assisted with tax filings through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Programming and Outreach
The library’s reach extended far beyond its walls in 2025 through an aggressive outreach strategy, particularly within the local school system. Staff conducted 791 outreach programs, reaching more than 13,180 students.
On-site programming also saw robust attendance:
- Adult Programs: 98 events with 1,200+ attendees.
- Youth & Teen Programs: 87 events with 1,120+ attendees.
- All-Age Programs: 63 events with 5,900+ attendees.
Watson highlighted several marquee events that drew large crowds, including the Summer Discovery Festival and the popular Touch-a-Truck event. He also drew special attention to Camp Influence, a program modeled after Boys and Girls State that focuses specifically on civics and the inner workings of local government.
The Bedford Public Library’s report reflects a national trend where libraries are transitioning from simple book repositories to “community hubs.” By offering high-speed internet, tax assistance, and civic leadership programs like Camp Influence, the library continues to justify its role as an essential service in Lawrence County.
