Bedford Free Public Library
🏢 Minuteman Library Network · Bedford, Massachusetts
Bedford Free Public Library
Founded in 1876 and now housed in a 35,600-square-foot building at 7 Mudge Way, the Bedford Free Public Library is the proud custodian of the Bedford Flag — the oldest complete flag known to exist in the United States, carried by Bedford Minuteman Nathaniel Page to Concord Bridge on April 19, 1775.
🕑 Library Hours
| Monday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Tuesday | 9:30am–8pm |
| Wednesday | 9:30am–8pm |
| Thursday | 9:30am–8pm |
| Friday | 9:30am–6pm |
| Saturday | 9:30am–5pm |
| Sunday | 1pm–5pm |
Hours may vary on holidays; check the library site before visiting.
📍 Location, Contact & Directions
Address: 7 Mudge Way, Bedford, MA 01730
Phone: (781) 275-9440
Website: bedfordlibrary.net
Plus Code: 87JCFPR8+W8 (Bedford, MA)
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👋 Use the Library Online
📖 About Bedford Free Public Library
The Bedford Free Public Library traces its roots to 1876, when Bedford townspeople established a community reading institution supported by private funds. For decades it occupied temporary quarters — the Ladies Union hall, a grammar school, Town Hall — before moving in 1952 into the Stearns building at the corner of Great Road and Mudge Way, the same year Massachusetts legislation formalized its governance under an elected Board of Trustees. Rapid population growth drove the library to its current 7 Mudge Way address in 1968, with federal-grant assistance funding a 14,700-square-foot building. A major 1999 addition expanded the footprint to 35,600 square feet, adding dedicated spaces for children, teens, and community meetings. The library's most celebrated holding is the Bedford Flag, a silk cavalry standard dating to the 1730s kept in a climate-controlled display room — it is the oldest complete flag known to exist in the United States. The library belongs to the Minuteman Library Network, linking its cardholders to shared collections across 40+ partner libraries, and has earned KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification for its welcoming, accessible environment.
⭐ What makes this library special
- Custodian of the Bedford Flag — the oldest complete flag in the United States, carried by Minuteman Nathaniel Page to Concord Bridge on April 19, 1775, displayed in a climate-controlled room
- Founded 1876, now a 35,600 sq ft community library serving Bedford, Middlesex County
- KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certified — welcoming environment for visitors with sensory processing needs
- Museum pass program offering discounted access to local and regional attractions, bookable online
- Open seven days a week, including Sunday afternoons and Tuesday–Thursday evenings until 8 p.m.
📱 Digital Resources — Free with Your Library Card
Bedford cardholders can borrow, stream and research free through Massachusetts statewide and Minuteman Network digital collections:
📚 Services
- Museum passes — discounted entry to local and regional attractions, bookable online
- Library of Things — loanable non-book items for home and community use
- Bedford Flag display — the oldest complete flag in the United States, in climate-controlled case
- KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification — inclusive environment for patrons with sensory needs
- Public computers, printing, scanning & free Wi-Fi
- Study and meeting rooms available for reservation
- Interlibrary loan through the Minuteman Library Network
- Homebound patron services and curbside pickup
🎸 Programs
- Children's storytime and youth programs
- Teen programs and summer reading
- Adult book groups and author events
- Summer reading program for all ages
- Community art gallery exhibitions
- PEEPS Diorama Contest (annual community favorite)
📍 Nearby Libraries in Middlesex County
Distances are approximate straight-line miles from this library.
All libraries in Bedford · Browse all Massachusetts libraries →
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Bedford Flag and why does the library keep it?
The Bedford Flag is a silk cavalry standard dating to the 1730s, making it the oldest complete flag known to exist in the United States. Bedford Minuteman Nathaniel Page carried it to the North Bridge in Concord on April 19, 1775 — the first day of the American Revolution. The library houses the flag in a specially designed climate-controlled room where visitors can view it safely.
Is the Bedford Free Public Library open on Sundays and weekday evenings?
Yes. Sunday hours are 1–5 p.m. The library is also open until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for after-work visits. Monday and Friday run 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
How old is the Bedford Free Public Library?
The library was founded in 1876 by Bedford townspeople as a community reading institution. It operated in temporary quarters for decades — including the Ladies Union hall and Town Hall — before moving into its first dedicated building in 1952. The current 35,600-square-foot building at 7 Mudge Way dates to 1968, with a major addition completed in 1999.
What is the KultureCity Sensory Inclusive certification at Bedford Free Public Library?
KultureCity is a nonprofit that certifies venues for their commitment to sensory inclusivity — ensuring the space is welcoming and accessible for patrons with sensory processing differences, autism, PTSD, and similar needs. Bedford Free Public Library has earned this certification, meaning staff are trained and the building is equipped to support all visitors.
🎨 This library lends museum passes. See how library museum passes work and find other libraries that lend passes museum passes by state.
🧰 This library lends a “Library of Things.” See what you can borrow besides books and find other libraries with a Library of Things Library of Things by state.
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