ICYMI: Minnesota lawmakers closed out the 2023 legislative session in late May. The approved budget is chockfull of increases and other updates which should come as welcome news to library supporters. Liz Lynch, legislative co-chair for the Minnesota Library Association, recorded a legislative update to refresh us all on the funding streams that support our libraries – and orient us to all the exciting changes in store for 2024 and beyond.

Last year alone, Friends of the Library hosted countywide craft expos, video game-a-thon fundraisers, Día de los Muertos celebrations, and even a dog-friendly 5k walk.

Odds are good that over the next several months, your local Friends of the Library are hosting a book sale, author talk, marquee fundraiser – or some other program open to the public. MALF is here to help you promote! All member organizations are invited to submit their programs for promotion on MALF’s statewide Friends calendar.

ICYMI: The National Book Festival is just around the corner as well! Sponsored and hosted by the Library of Congress, this one-day extravaganza celebrates the American literary tradition across all genres and formats.