Libraries are an important asset to any community. Friends of the Library (FOL) groups are non-profit groups comprised of volunteers that are formed to support those libraries. To honor them and all that they do, a national week of celebration is held each year. This year the 16th annual National Friends of the Library Week was Oct. 17-23.

The communities of Becker, Big Lake, and Clearwater/Clear Lake all have strong FOL groups, and each group has brought immeasurable benefits to their respective libraries.

“While a smaller GRRL (Great River Regional Library) branch will never be able to match the available space and services the St. Cloud headquarters can provide its local community, the Becker Friends of the Library work hard to provide patrons one small way to give back to their local library,” said Becker FOL President Geoff Johnson. “The Friends is an often overlooked group in most libraries that provide a lot of the bits and pieces that need to be filled in around any local branch’s main programming.”

Jeannette Burkhardt is the library services coordinator for both the Becker and Big Lake Libraries.

“Each Friends group has supported their community library by providing funds to purchase incentives for our winter and summer reading programs, supplies for various other programs, and in some cases, needed furniture for the library,” said Burkhardt. “Without these groups the libraries would not be able to provide some of their fun programs, like Dollipops and Dave’s Big Fun Show, to the communities.”

Because of the pandemic, last year libraries were unable to host in-person programs. The Becker and Big Lake FOL groups purchased supplies for numerous take-and-make home craft kits for patrons to enjoy in their place. Funds are raised mainly through book sales.

“All of the books we sell during our book sales have been donated,” said Big Lake President Deb Manion. “Along with the sales, we also use the book donations to fill the Little Free Libraries around town, as well as donating books to the prison in Elk River. During COVID we made up craft bags that each included a book that we gave to the food shelf to hand out to kids.” 

Big Lake’s FOL group also keeps carts in the library supplied with books available for purchase and sells some of the books and other materials on eBay. For example, they recently received a donation of 400 classical music CDs that they’ve placed on the site.

The Clearwater Area FOL have long been a part of the history of the Clearwater Library. Even before they became an official FOL group, they were the initial force behind bringing the library to Clearwater. Since that time they’ve supported the library in a variety of ways.

“Basically, most of what you see at the library, other than computers and materials, has been donated by the Friends,” said Clearwater FOL President Mary Torgersen. “This has been made possible through various fundraising events and support from local businesses and residents.”

Clearwater’s FOL group also pays for many of the summer and winter reading programs and operates Chapter 2 Book Store from which they sell used books that have been donated. 

“We are incredibly grateful to our Clearwater Area Friends of the Library,” said Shelly Kuelbs, Clearwater library services coordinator. “Their contributions of time and fundraising have helped make the Clearwater Library an inviting space. We also benefit from their role as ambassadors in the community. Whether they’re helping promote the library at an outreach event or purchasing prizes for our summer reading program, their dedication to the community and the library shines.”

All money raised by the FOL groups goes to benefit their community libraries. 

The Becker, Big Lake, and Clearwater/Clear Lake FOL groups are always looking for new members. Anyone interested in joining, or just learning more about FOL, is encouraged to inquire at their local library.