Did you know? Library staff, trustees, and Friends of the Library across Minnesota enjoy free access to a host of online resources and (always timely) live virtual programming through United for Libraries. State Library Services, a division of the Minnesota Dept. of Education, recently purchased statewide access to this portfolio of assets maintained by the arm of the American Library Association most closely aligned to Friends of the Library work. Upcoming opportunities include:

Moorhead will soon be home to Minnesota’s newest library. While still under construction, this 48,000-square-foot architectural gem is already a prominent, permanent fixture in the downtown district. In April, supporters had the unique opportunity to support this generational project by getting something “prominent and permanent” of their own: a library-inspired tattoo!

One Book | One Minnesota is back for Fall 2025. This statewide book club, coordinated through The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library in that organization’s capacity as the Library of Congress- designated Minnesota Center for the Book, invites Minnesotans from all backgrounds to read a common title and come together virtually to reflect and discuss.

"The Great North Star Read Together" will take place in 15+ library locations spanning all across our great state, from Crookston to Luverne, Duluth to Red Wing. The premise is delightfully simple. Simply show up between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with a good book (or find one there at the library, of course), and read in companiable silence with other library lovers like yourself.

The Minnesota Book Awards is currently seeking reader-judges for the program’s 38th year (2025-26). Each year, more than 50 judges are involved in this evaluation process. Panels are comprised of Minnesotans from many walks of life who have interest in and aptitude for critical appraisal. Judges commonly include authors, editors, educators – and yes, librarians and Friends.