Submitted Photo Books for the spring book sale in 2016 are pictured. The Friends of the Minot Public Library are offering appointment-only book sales for Friends of the Library members. People who are not members can join when they arrive for an appointment. The cost of an individual membership is $10 and a lifetime membership is $100.

By JANET ANDERSON

Minot Public Library Director

Like thousands of other organizations across the world, the Minot Public Library has faced many challenges over the last several months. However, of the libraries in the four largest cities in North Dakota, the Minot Public Library was the only one to never suspend all services at any time. As a matter of fact, according to a May survey conducted by the Public Library Association of 3,800 libraries responding, MPL was one of only 418 libraries in the country that was providing more than just curbside services. As libraries all over the world closed their doors and limited services due to the pandemic, they had to rely on the support of their community, employees and Friends.

Friends of the Library groups exist all over the country for the purpose of supporting community libraries. Through volunteer hours, book sales and donations Friends groups sustain library programs all year long and members are often the most loyal of library supporters. The Minot Friends of the Library group is a perfect example of this dedication. As MPL struggled to find new ways to fulfill their mission to connect, enrich and inspire, the Friends of the Minot Public Library also had to reconfigure how to support the Library when they couldn’t be there in person.

One of the major fundraisers for the Friends of the Library are the book sales held at the Library. Unfortunately, one of first events to be canceled due to the pandemic was the Spring Book Sale, so the group came up with an alternative way to hold book sales and raise money. The Friends are hosting “Appointment-Only Book Sales” for Friends of the Library members. However, anyone who is not a current member can join when they arrive for the appointment – a variety of membership levels are available from an individual membership ($10) to a lifetime membership ($100).

These 45-minute appointments will be available during Library hours Monday through Friday through Aug. 14. Members are allowed one appointment only and no cost will be assigned to items in the book sale room as it is a free will offering. Appointments will be limited to one person/family/household and can be scheduled by calling 852-1045.

The Friends of the Minot Public Library began in 1978 and has been helping support MPL ever since by providing thousands of volunteer hours and even more financial support to help the Library offer the best possible service to the Minot community. In 2020 the Minot Public Library has struggled to continue providing services to the Minot community and the Friends of the Library has helped make this possible by providing funding for circulating board games, circulating STEM kits for children, Summer Reading prizes, LEGO Robotics, books for the Dr. Seuss celebration and much more. Friends members also help stock and work with the Book Bike, which gives away books at events throughout Minot, including Arts in the Parks concerts held four times a week.

“Our members share a passion for reading and lifelong learning that we wish to pass on to others,” says Friends Board member David Leite. “The diverse resources and programs of the Library are the way to achieve that, so we try to support them in every way we can. Our reward comes when we get to see the many people who utilize the Minot Public Library every day. It’s enough to know we have made a difference in people’s lives.”

This passion and dedication to improving lives has become even more valuable in the past several months as the Friends of the Library continue to support virtual programming and take-and-make crafts for library patrons who aren’t able to come to the building in-person.

“Our library would be much poorer without the Friends,” said MPL Children’s Librarian Randi Monley. “The funds they raise definitely put the icing on the cake. I think most people would be surprised to learn how many of the services and programs they enjoy are supported by the Friends.”

To help the Friends of the Library continue supporting MPL, schedule your appointment to shop the book sale room. The Library’s current hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-7 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3 p.m.-6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Library does require face masks at this time, but shoppers can remove their masks while shopping. Please contact the library at 852-1045 to learn more about the book sale and to find out how to become a member of the Friends of the Library.