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Congratulations to local 8th grader Gabrielle Pappenfus, who has won the 10th annual Anoka County Library summer reading Teen Bookmark Design contest. Gabrielle participated in the summer reading program and submitted her design at the Northtown Library in Blaine. The printed bookmark is now available free at all Anoka County Library buildings and the Columbia Heights Public Library.

Gabrielle is homeschooled and uses the Northtown library frequently. She enjoys the wide variety of books available there and the helpful staff. She has been going to the Northtown library for years and decided to participate in the Bookmark Design contest for the first time last year. Gabrielle has taken art classes and loves to draw realistic pictures as well as create abstract pieces. She’s also interested in writing poetry and novels and hopes someday to combine her artistic and writing talents and be published. Gabrielle’s other interests include playing volleyball, and this year she’s playing on the Coon Rapids Middle School volleyball team.

"Congratulations to Gabrielle on her terrific drawing," said Anoka County Commissioner Robyn West. "Her artwork shows a dog wearing a bright orange kerchief. Her love of art in many forms has been nurtured by her visits to Northtown Library and we are proud she will represent all teens this year."

The Teen Bookmark Design Contest is sponsored annually by the Friends of Anoka County Library. In addition to summer reading activities, the Friends have also contributed to some author programs and the popular Book Club in a Bag kits that may be borrowed from any Anoka County Library. Join the Friends and become actively involved in a growing organization that makes a difference for the kids and adults who use the Library!

For more information about this and other library programs, call 763–785–3695 or visit your local Anoka County Library. More information about the Friends and the Anoka County Library, including a photo of the winning bookmark design, is available at www.anoka.lib.mn.us.

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Pictured left to right: Ben Trapskin, Zilla Way, Marlene Moulton Janssen (Library Director), Doug Zbikowski, Lois Ballinger, Ruth Ann Norrick


Anoka County Library once again received a gift of $5000 from Friends of the Library at their Annual Meeting on May 3, 2011. The money will be used for the Summer Reading 2011 program which promotes reading throughout the summer to maintain and enhance kids’ literacy skills. The contribution will also be used to purchase new titles for the Book Club in a Bag collection. The remainder of the contribution will be distributed to each library throughout the system for materials that enhance public service. Commissioner Erhart, who attended the annual meeting, expressed his appreciation to the Friends. "The continued support from the Friends will mean more library programs over the summer months and an enhanced reading collection. Their strong dedication to libraries has led to improved service at all of our eight branches. We are thankful for all their hard work."

Friends President, Doug Zbikowski presented the check to Marlene Moulton Janssen, Library Director, who gave the group her sincere thanks.

The Friends always welcome new members. Board meetings are 7pm in the Library Support Services building located behind the Northtown Library. The public is invited.

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Download a membership form

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Mission of the Friends

• To increase public awareness, understanding and use of the Anoka County Library (ACL) system.
• To organize public support for the eight ACL libraries through special events and programs, membership development, and fundraising.

Activities

• Plan and conduct author talks and other library events
• Support the Summer Reading Program for kids
• Support the Teen Bookmark Contest
• Buy Books–in–a–Bag kits for reading and discussion groups
• Donate annually to the library system
• Promote the Anoka County Libraries – some of the county’s most popular assets!

Why join the Friends?

Your member dues and volunteerism help assure the library’s continued ability to offer special events and programs which enhance the library experience and enrich the lives of library users. Your active involvement will help the Anoka County Library system stimulate and inspire library patrons for many years to come.

History of the Friends

In April 2003 local book enthusiasts joined together to create Friends of the Anoka County Library. The Friends are an all volunteer, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting library programs and services.

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