Blog
Many libraries, particularly those serving small and rural communities, double as their town’s premier venue for community education, civic discourse, and even art exhibitions. Leaning into this fact, the American Library Association recently announced a new and unique partnership with The Pulitzer Prizes.
The Minnesota Association of Library Friends has big plans for 2026, but let’s not give short shrift to the year that was. Last year, MALF had near-record high participation in webinars (metric averaged per session), brought on new members and board leadership, and facilitated or spotlit a host of impressive Friends programs all across Minnesota. You can read the highlights in our concise 2025 Annual Report.
Every public library in Minnesota benefits from State funds earmarked for interlibrary loan service (ILL), online database access, and special programming. These are just three of a dozen ways in which state dollars impact local library service.
It’s not too late to form a New Years Resolution for 2026. We’re quite biased, of course, but would argue that redoubling our commitment to Friends of the Library work is a particularly worthy goal! If you’re interested in taking up that challenge and “leveling up” your library knowledge and Friends skills, look no further than the suite of e-resources available to all Minnesotans via United for Libraries.
Practically everyone in Minnesota is familiar with Give to the Max Day (#GTMD), the state’s unofficial giving holiday each November. However, MALF sometimes hears from Friends of the Library that the Big Day “snuck up on them,” or that they are dubious that fundraising efforts would show a significant return for their nonprofit.