2026 Evy Nordley Finalist #1: Friends of Sandstone Public Library
In October 2023, the East Central Regional Library opened the remodeled Sandstone Public Library to Pine County residents. Built to span 8,600 square feet, the facility is nearly triple the footprint of its earlier self. It boasts improved conference and meeting rooms, a dedicated children’s wing, and a double-sided fireplace with hearthside seating.
This was more than a brick-and-mortar investment, according to librarian Nora Hinton. It positions Sandstone Public Library as a “true community hub” for generations to come.
After the building was funded and built, supporters faced a new challenge: How would they draw in nonusers and make them aware of the new library’s endless potential?
That’s where the Friends of the Sandstone Library stepped in. In May 2025, the Friends piloted “Bees and Trees,” a spring-themed event calculated to interest residents of all ages and from all walks of life.
Bees and Trees took root (pun intended) after the Friends learned that the Pine County Soil and Water Conservation District (PCSWCD) hosts occasional tree and shrub sales. After crunching some numbers, the board realized that they could procure a significant number of saplings for a reasonable cost and host some kind of community giveaway.
The Friends focused on two ecologically advantageous species: balsam firs, an excellent winter haven and food source for wildlife; and lilac bushes, a superb early spring pollinator and effective soil erosion shield.
In total, the Friends committed $116 to purchasing 50 of the former and 25 of the latter. All were offered up for adoption at the Sandstone Public Library on May 10 (Mother’s Day), 2026. As hoped, the timely giveaway drew in residents like bees to honey.
The Friends, with support from library staff, coordinated numerous tie-in activities to double down on the springtime theme and ensure that all visitors came away with a positive impression of the library.
Friends president Mary Burmeister facilitated a bulk purchase of the award-winning children’s title Honeybee: The Busy Life of Apis Mellifera. Young patrons came away with their own gratis copy (each with a book plate reading “Donated by the Sandstone Friends of the Library”).
Organizers also enlisted community partners with subject matter expertise. “We brought in two Pine County Extension Master Gardeners to give a presentation on the importance of pollinators, give away complimentary seed packets provided by the PCSWCD, and answer people’s specific gardening questions,” explained Friends leader Mary Lundquist.
This was seen as a win-win. “The Master Gardeners had been hoping to become a larger presence in northern Pine County, where we are located, because they are based in the southern end of the county.”
The Friends also solicited support from the Pine County Dairy Association, who graciously agreed to send their junior royalty ambassadors to hand out free bowls of ice cream.
Volunteers decked out the library with themed decorations, with many of those going up well ahead of time to stoke early interest. Other promotional efforts included prominent signage along Main Street and a feature in the North Pine County News.
Lundquist says that it was gratifying to see so many lilacs and fir trees rehomed where they can strengthen the local ecosystem and beautify the community for years to come.
Better still was the reaction from attendees. “We heard comments from several families that they were impressed not just by the event but with the new building – and that this was their first time ever coming to the library.” Mission accomplished!
