The Friends of the Library was founded in 1977. It began as an outgrowth of the Maud Hart Lovelace Ad hoc Committee. This committee was formed to raise money for the mural in the Maud Hart Lovelace Wing at the Blue Earth County Library (which is located in Mankato). The group then became the Friends of the Deep Valley Libraries. This group supports libraries in Blue Earth County and North Mankato Taylor Library.
The name, “The Friends of the Deep Valley Library”, was chosen to honor the famous Mankato-born author of children’s books Maud Hart Lovelace. The mission of the Friends of the Deep Valley Library is:
- To enhance reading and learning opportunities in the communities of the Deep Valley Libraries.
- To enhance the reading and learning opportunities provided by the Deep Valley Libraries.
- To support the functions of the Deep Valley Libraries so they may offer enhanced reading and learning opportunities.
Programs of Friends of the Deep Valley Libraries
Pages Past Bookstore ~ Located inside the Mankato Library, the bookstore offers a variety of reading material, including Maud Hart Lovelace’s Betsy-Tacy books. Often, rare and collectible books are available as well as plenty of gently used fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, self-help, educational, seasonal, historical (including local and state-wide history by Minnesota authors), and so much more! Since the community generously donates to the bookstore, the stock varies on a regular basis. Please click on the link to the left under “Programs/Pages Past Bookstore” to learn more.
Project Bookshelf ~ This program is a long-standing partnership with Mankato’s Santa Anonymous program which provides books to less-fortunate children during the holiday season. Friends is grateful for the opportunity to fill a void for so many of our local families, and encourage any assistance members or community members may be willing to offer. Please see the link to the left to find out more about the program or how to get involved.
Events ~ The Friends are often part of great events at the libraries, such as book sales numerous times per year. To keep up on what events may be taking place, please visit the Events link regularly. If you have suggestions for an event, please contact us with your ideas!
Features of Friends Website
· Program Information ~ Find out more about all of the wonderful Friends programs.
· Membership & Donations ~ Includes contact information and guidelines to join or donate materials, as well as how to volunteer if interested.
· Collectibles Page ~ Check out the some of the books we have for sale. If you're a Minnesota history buff, we have lots of books on topics of local interest.
Simply follow the links in the upper left to maneuver around the website. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions about the website, please don't hesitate to let us know.
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