Our Mission
The Friends of the Anoka County Library raises funds for and increases awareness of the Anoka County Library (ACL) in its mission to connect the community to ideas, information, and inspiration.
Our History
In April 2003, local library supporters joined together to create Friends of the Anoka County Library, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit all-volunteer organization governed by a board of directors. Their vision to advocate for and support public library services provided in Anoka County has carried on to this day.
Serving as ambassadors for the ACL, Friends table at local community events, such as St. Francis Pioneer Days, Fridley 49er Days, Blaine Worldfest, Trunk or Treat, and back-to-school backpack giveaway events. Through collaboration with ACL, programs and collections are strengthened and expanded, making them more readily available to support and enhance our surrounding communities.
Since 2021, Friends has held three book sales each year. Gently used books are donated by the public and by the library. Friends raised more than $42,000 over the past five years from book sales alone. In 2025, Friends hosted a gala called “An Evening With Friends & Authors,” featuring a dinner, silent auction, and author presentations. Our first gala raised about $13,000 last year. We hope to exceed that in 2026.
Many programs Friends are proud to sponsor and volunteer/participate in include:
- Summer Reading Program is able to provide a new book to participating children thanks to Friends. The program has even begun to award adult participation by giving coupons for a free book, redeemable at any Friends of the Anoka County Library book sale.
- Book Club-in-a-Bag collection for discussing a shared reading experience.
- Park Packs for exploring the outdoors of Anoka County.
- Reading Bridge supports struggling younger readers, and Friends not only sponsor the program, some volunteer as mentors.
- Read Local Author Fair where Friends greet authors and attendees.
With the donations and attendance of you and your neighbors, local authors and businesses, we hope to see yet another year of fantastic fundraising! From 2023–26, Friends have been able to donate $20,000+ directly to the Anoka County Library.
To find out more about how the Friends organization operates, please see our by-laws.
Board Members
Betsy Friesen — President
KeriAnn Hollerud — Vice-President
Claire Walter-Marchetti — Secretary
Jackie LaTour — Treasurer
Molly Bauer — Director
Kaylee Dockter — Director
Kelly Foltmer — Director
Angie Homan — Director
Amanda Lefaive — Director
Partners
We are proud to partner with the Anoka County Library system, serving communities across Anoka County.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to get involved? Reach us at [email protected].