Blog
We've all dreamed of stepping into rich worlds from children's literature: timeless environments like those found in Where the Wild Things Are, Harry Potter, and classic European fairy tales. Last August, library lovers in Otter Tail County enjoyed a rare chance to do exactly that – courtesy of the Friends of the Pelican Rapids Library and their aptly named ‘Once Upon a Time’ Tablescapes Luncheon & Silent Auction.
The Detroit Lakes Chamber of Commerce proudly boasts: "It's not just Mother Nature that puts on a show around here." That tagline is a reference both to Becker County’s natural amenities and to the area’s robust arts and culture scene. In addition to the “usual suspects” – like theaters and artist coalitions – Detroit Lakes owes its curb appeal to the equally creative volunteers behind the Detroit Lakes Public Library Foundation (DLPLF). Their latest venture is more than decorative and takes an unexpected form: a new, much-needed, and fantastically adorned drive-through book return.
Minnesota is a hotbed for creative, effective and replicable Friends of the Library activities. Several of MALF’s keynote programs are dedicated to showcasing exactly that. Happily, we are not entirely alone in this regard. United for Libraries, the Friends and trustees arm of the national American Library Association, is currently welcoming applications for its new United for Libraries Awards for Innovation.
Author Elizabeth Andrew is credited with saying: “Volunteers do not necessarily have the time – they have the heart.” That’s a truism if ever we heard one. Friends of the Library who do the most for their groups aren’t necessarily the members with the freest or most flexible schedules. That just makes the invaluable contributions of Friends all the more impressive.
United for Libraries Virtual is slated for July 30 - August 1. Full conference registration is just $149. If you cannot attend all three days, single day pass tickets cost $65/per. (Further discounts are available for ALA members.) Panel topics will run a wide gamut!