Blog

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.”
Registration is now open for the 2023 conference of the Minnesota Library Association. Join library staff, trustees and supporters at the Saint Paul RiverCentre on October 4-5 for dozens of panels, keynote talks and networking opportunities. Friends rates start at $85 if you register before August 17. Cost jumps to $110 after the early bird cutoff. 
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.