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   The Friends of the Longville Library have been in existence for over 38 years to focus public attention on library services, facilities and needs; and has been involved with very successful fund-raising events for the Margaret Welch Memorial Library. Over the course of the years, many, many wonderful volunteers have been involved with book sales, bake sales, Fluff and Puff Pillow cleaning service and more.  The funds raised from these events have helped the Longville Library in many ways such as to help purchase additional materials for the library including books, DVDs, audiobooks and magazine subscriptions.  Recently, with the completion of the new library addition, the Friends have donated towards the purchase of locally built, beautiful pine bookshelves and pine study pod desks that help furnish the new addition.  The Friends of the Library have also sponsored prizes for the adults and children’s reading programs as well as weekly snacks for kids during the summer and summer crafts for kids and other programs such as Teddy Bear Workshops, concerts, Zoomobile, science and nature activities, weekly turtle race coupon prizes, weekly summer activity kits for kids and more. Storytime programs at the Longville Library have served nearly 170 children and their families over the course of one summer, nearly 310 kids for summer activity kits and over 150 craft kits. Here’s a fun fact that you may not be aware of . . .Longville is known for being the smallest town in Minnesota to have a public library and due to the dedication of the Margaret Welch Memorial Library Friends of the Library group, our little library has been BIG on activities, reading incentives and the newest of materials. Our local and summer residents are very grateful for this service in our small community and voice their thankfulness to library staff often.

   Many of the volunteers have been involved with the Friends of the Library since its beginning and have faithfully run the events all for the good of the local library.  The time has come for those that head up the group to pass the hat.  We are so very thankful for the dedication that these individuals and all the volunteers have given for the success of the library. The Friends are currently seeking volunteers to continue with these fundraisers, as well as individuals that would be interested in heading up this local group that can bring their fresh ideas, enthusiasm and energetic involvement to continue the great work that has already begun. 

   The Friends of the Library plan to hold their annual meeting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12 at the Young at Heart Senior Club.  All are welcome to attend to ask questions, share ideas and learn more about becoming involved with this beneficial community organization.

   Please contact Cheryl at the library at 218-363-2710 or stop in the library for more information.

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