Thank you to everybody who made the Friends of the Library spring book sale a huge success. We raised $2,246.87 from sales of books, memberships and Lego kits. The proceeds, together with donations and Fountain Lake Bookstore sales, support extra programs and supplies at the Albert Lea Public Library.

Special thanks to Janelle VanEngelenburg and her Sentence-To-Serve crew, the city of Albert Lea, Michelle Gurung, Ken Keesling and many Friends volunteers for their efforts and support on behalf of this event. We are also grateful for continuing generous donations of books in good condition from area residents, which can be dropped off in the blue bin at the bottom of the City Hall stairway. We appreciate Hollandale Christian School’s large donation of children’s books prior to the sale.

The Fountain Lake Bookstore is open year round in the basement of City Hall and staffed by volunteers Monday through Thursday. Outside of bookstore hours, books can be purchased using the payment box near the bookshelves.

If you are looking for summer activities to do with your kids or grandkids this summer, check out the excellent schedule of children’s programming at the library through July 22. The library has also begun offering new adult programming like craft nights.

We hope to see you at our next sale in October. Happy reading!

Jennifer Vogt-Erickson

Albert Lea