The Friends of the Becker Library have a singular purpose, to increase library services to enrich the community of Becker by securing funding and materials which are beyond the library’s budget. These services include children’s story hours, author visits, reading programs, and special performances and activities. They also purchase materials as needed such as paint, brushes, pastel crayons, and paper for the Schooled in Art program. They primarily do this by collecting, organizing, and selling donated books.
Libraries Exchange
However, this summer provided a new opportunity for the Friends. Librarian Hilary Dawson suggested that the Friends apply for a grant from the Central MN Libraries Exchange. CMLE is one of seven multicounty, multitype library systems in Minnesota that were formed to improve library and information services for all Minnesotans. They accomplish this goal by working together to develop programs for sharing their resources.
The Friends applied for the grant. On June, 20, 2024, they discovered they were awarded a grant totaling $12,000. The money would be used to purchase new furniture and shelving for the library. The grant was broken into two equal parts. The first $6,000 was received in August of this year and was used to purchase chairs and accent tables. They create a restful and relaxing area for library patrons who have welcomed and embraced the new spaces.
More to come
The second half of the grant should arrive on January 1, 2025. The Friends plan to purchase new shelving and new heavy wooden chairs to replace plastic chairs. Dawson has plans for the new shelves. They will be used to add space to display more large print books. These books are primarily used by people who are 55+ and have some vision impairment. The books make it easier for them to read and is an area of the library that is according to Dawson, “well shopped.”
“The new shelves will allow the library to bring in new selections from other (Great River Regional) libraries, ease congestion, and make for a better borrowing experience,” Dawson said.
The grant would not have been received without the help of Melissa Beckon, Interim Executive Director for the CMLE. The Friends would like to express their gratitude for her assistance throughout the process.
Best Kept Secret
The Friends of the Becker Library meet regularly on the second Monday of each month and are looking for new members who value and understand all that the Becker Library does for the community. They believe it is the best kept secret in Becker.
