One of the most famous is Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, a retreat home designed and built by Jefferson. Bedford is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Bedford Public Library System, founded in 1900, operates a new Central Library in the City of Bedford, five libraries in Bedford County and a bookmobile with a combined collection of more than 100,000 items. Annual circulation is approaching 250,000. The library system also offers a full range of information technology including public Internet access.
Planning is now under way for a major library development and construction program in the county.
The Sedalia Center near Big Island is a private, regional, non-profit educational center offering programs in the arts, ethnic cultures, environmental awareness, health and inner development. The Little Town Players, a community theater organization, produces four plays a year and sponsors a summer children's theater program. LTP is a recipient of the prestigious President's Action Award for Volunteerism. The area is home to a number of churches and most major denominations are represented. Fraternal and service clubs are also well represented.