Check out the updated 2008 Best Projects Award guidelines and application form and the "About MALF" page.
Apply now for NEW Minnesota Book Awards Initiative
The Friends of the Saint Paul Public Library is delighted to announce a new Minnesota Book Awards initiative made possible by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education – Office of State Library Services. Effective immediately, Minnesota libraries and affiliated nonprofit library organizations are invited to apply for funding to host an author event or series featuring Minnesota Book Awards winners or finalists.
A total of $5,000 is available for author events occurring between September 1, 2007 and April 30, 2008. The maximum that may be requested for funding reimbursement by any one library or affiliated organization during this funding period is $500.
The application process is easy . For application materials, please contact Ann Nelson at mnbookawards@thefriends.org Applications are currently being accepted, and requests will be approved for organizations meeting all stated requirements on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply now! Review of applications began August 17, 2007.
Let Ann Nelson know if you have questions regarding this opportunity. She is available as a resource to applicant organizations needing author contact info and/or programming suggestions. Alayne Hopkins, Friends Programming Coordinator, and Stu Wilson, Director of Development & Communications, are also contacts for this program. They may be reached at The Friends' office, 325 Cedar Street, Suite 555, St. Paul, MN 55101-1055, phone 651/222-3242, friends@thefriends.org. Or email:
Alayne Hopkins, alayne@thefriends.org
Stu Wilson, stu@thefriends.org
2006 Best Project by Friends
2006 WINNER
New Central Library Benefit and Grand Opening Celebrations
Friends of the Minneapolis Public Library
What else can be said about the benefit and grand opening celebrations of the new Central Library that hasn’t already been said? That there were 22,000 celebrants and hundreds of volunteers? Performances by a dozen diverse musical groups? Entertainment by 25 different costumed characters? 929 new library cards were registered; 35,000 cookies eaten; and four children lost—and safely found? The opening of this library signals statewide, even national interest. Minneapolitans live in one of the most literate cities in the country; 75 percent of Minneapolis residents are library-card holders. They have the third largest materials collection in the country. The immediate funding goal was to net $600,000 from grand-opening events to purchase new books and to meet other library needs. Friends exceeded this goal with the help of a Target grant, which will buy all new children’s titles in the coming year. And all Minnesota library customers benefit.
Contact: Colin Hamilton, 612-630-6172, cjhamilton@mplib.org
The Friends of the Minneapolis Library
http://www.friendsofmpl.org/
Other finalists...
Let’s Play Bridge !
Friends of the Anoka County Library
A one-day fundraising event attracting seasoned library customers resulted in more than $500 for this growing Friends organization. Twenty-eight partnered bridge players paid $20 per player, competed for cash prizes and enjoyed a lasagna lunch. The Let’s Play Bridge ! event had local support from restaurants, grocery stores and a bank, as well as pre- and post-event publicity, including news releases; posters/registration sheets in Anoka County Library locations; library website; and flyers posted in community centers. A news release and photos of the winners were published in local media. Friends plan to organize a similar event next year, target publicity to existing bridge and senior organizations, and build on this year’s success.
Contact: Mary Caven, Assistant Director, Anoka County Library, 763-785-3695, ext. 315, mary.caven@anoka.lib.mn.us
Friends of the Anoka Public Library
http://www.anoka.lib.mn.us/aboutTheLibrary/friendsOfTheLibrary.htm
The BIG BOOKS Library Signage
Friends of the Fergus Falls Public Library
Friends recently closed the book on a failing, decades-old wooden Fergus Falls Public Library sign. Today, drivers and pedestrians are greeted by a 9’ steel-and-plywood constructed sculptural sign: Five giant books with steel lettering on the book ‘covers’ conceived and executed by three local artists. This public art project had tons of community and business support: Aggregate Industries donated ready-mix; West Tool and Design moved the BIG BOOKS sculpture from the studio to the library; Fergus Electric discounted the BIG BOOKS lighting; and plantings will be donated by the Fergus Area Garden Club. BIG BOOKS sign fundraising goal of $10,000 is nearly accomplished; so far, nearly $9,000 has been raised through donors and a silent auction of old, interesting books. BIG BOOKS turns a lot of heads; it’s located at an intersection with a daily traffic count of more than 86,000.
Contact: Rick Schara, Friends President, 218-739-9387, Richard.Schara@state.mn.us
Friends of the Fergus Falls Public Library http://www.fergusfalls.lib.mn.us/
Monticello Library Youth Team
Friends of the Monticello Public Library
The Summer Library Program--serving readers ages 3 through 12--was enhanced by the Monticello Youth Team. Eight middle-school volunteers sitting at ‘The Bug Hut’ assisted library staff by registering and helping young readers, distributing awards, special program set-up and clean-up; re-shelving materials; and helping create a fun reading environment. Buy-in from parents of the Youth Team, including a signed application, and training for participants were key components of the project. No funding from the Friends was needed, but each volunteer who served throughout the summer program received a $10 bookstore gift certificate. Youth Team members provided consistent service and were effective reading role models for the up-and-comers, who were made to feel like important library customers! What’s up for 2007: Staff will train Youth Team participants on additional tasks and encourage participation on other library projects for the 2007 Summer Library Program.
Contact: Jacquelin Gordon, 763-295-4826, jacqueg@usfamily.net
Monticello Public Library (Branch of the Great River Regional Library)
http://www.griver.org/
Hobby Lobby
Friends of the Princeton Area Public Library
Even if you played with marbles as a kid, have you ever seen a marble-making demonstration? In recognition of the City of Princeton’s 150 th celebration, and in a nod to an earlier time, Friends organized local artists, craftspeople, and collectors in a daylong program of displays, performances and demonstrations. Friends spent about $235 for publicity, refreshments and professional puppeteers; Hobby Lobby participants donated their time and talents. A 250-strong audience of all ages enjoyed a hands-on loom demonstration, blacksmith, leatherworker, quilter, woodworker, mushroom painter, and collections of vintage handkerchiefs, sheet music, photographs--and more.
Contact: Mardy Butterfield, 763-389-1199
Princeton Area Public Library
http://ecrl.lib.mn.us/branches/princeton/index.html
Copyright 2007, all rights reserved