Last year, Friends of the Library elsewhere in the country coordinated programs running a wide gamut: from readathons and spelling bees, to cooking demos and fashion shows, and even charity 5ks and relay races! We know for a fact that Friends here in Minnesota have not been idle, either. Our annual Evy Nordley Award for Best Project is the perfect way to learn about and share your group highlights from 2023.

In our decades of work with Friends, MALF’s board has picked up on an interesting disconnect. Most volunteer-run groups are fortunate to boast at least a few “standout” members – movers and shakers whose dedication, creativity and boundless energy help the organization overcome obstacles and adapt to meet new needs. What is lacking, in contrast, are good opportunities to acknowledge these outstanding contributors.

William Lambert is well known to regulars at the Kasson Public Library, and so is his trusty GMC Sierra 1500 pickup. Both are central to the success of the Friends of Kasson Public Library’s biannual book sales. “Will manages the sales from start to finish – planning, scheduling, and staffing,” shared group treasurer John Talcott.

What have you been up to lately? It’s not a rhetorical question. Minnesota’s impressive Friends of the Library community orchestrate scores of creative and successful programs each year – and MALF wants to hear about them! Our annual Evy Nordley Award for Best Project is the perfect way to learn about and share community highlights from 2023.

Congratulations to Friends of the Babbitt Public Library, winners of the 2023 Evy Nordley Award for Best Project by Friends. Babbitt (pop. 1,380) is one of the smallest communities to ever earn MALF’s highest prize –– which goes to show that exemplary, innovative Friends work happens within groups and towns of all sizes!

Nestled at the eastern edge of the Iron Range, the small town of Babbitt usually doesn’t qualify as a mecca for commerce or the arts. The exception is a special weekend each June, when the Friends of Babbitt Public Library hosts its annual Up North Craft & Vendor Extravaganza. On Saturday, June 3, nearly two dozen handicraft vendors accepted an invite extended by The Friends to sell their wares in the Babbitt Municipal Gym!

Regrettably if unsurprisingly, COVID-19 forced many robust Friends fundraisers to go dormant. Many have not yet fully regained their momentum, with attendance and revenue trailing pre-pandemic norms. Granted, exceptions exist. For a case in point, consider Friends of the Cook Public Library’s annual Holiday Basket Fundraiser.

We are excited to honor this year’s class of Standout Friends in September as part of Saturday Splash. Thanks to the many Friends groups who have already submitted one of their own for this Friends-only honor. If you haven’t already, there’s still time. Deadline is 11:59 p.m. CDT next Friday, July 28.

Fifteen years ago, the American Library Association established the I Love My Librarian Award as a way to recognize the dedication and achievements of MLIS-level library staff members. Specifically, this annual, national honor is intended to celebrate “librarians who have made a difference in your life and/or gone above and beyond to serve your community.”

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.

Over the past 7 years, we have officially recognized no fewer than 90 honorees through video montages, conference presentations, letters to local elected officials, and other coordinated efforts. Stand Up for Standout Friends is officially back for 2023. It’s likely to hold distinction as the year we celebrate our 100th award winner, and we want YOU to help add to the class.

Dollar General opened more than a dozen new Minnesota stores in 2022, on top of a similar number in 2021. Odds are - if it wasn’t before - your Library is now located within 20 miles of the nearest Dollar General. This makes you eligible for a youth literacy grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation!