Press Releases

  1. 2023 Annual Focus
  2. Early Literacy
  3. Art Gallery Installation

Grand Forks Public Friends announces “Library of Things” as 2023 Friends Focus

Volunteer organization joins forces with Grand Forks Public to celebrate offerings well beyond books

Grand Forks, ND – 2023 finds us living in an age when gadgets and gizmos are outdated before we recycle the packaging. At the same time, we’re being encouraged to simplify our lives, get organized, and only keep items that bring us joy. How can one save money and space AND still have access to needed items when they’re, in fact, needed? Grand Forks Public may be the answer – and Grand Forks Public Friends is here to help in 2023.  

Grand Forks Public Friends has named “Library of Things” as its Friends Focus for 2023. Libraries across the country are beginning to circulate nontraditional items to assist patrons in spending less while experiencing more. Grand Forks Public already circulates wireless hot spots, laptops, Roku devices, video games, puzzles, state park passes, and memory kits. Plans are in the works for adding other exciting items this year. 

The Friends have kickstarted their 2023 Focus by donating $1,500 to the library’s upcoming distribution program for needed personal care items in a former card catalog, now named the Care Catalog. Additionally, the Friends donated $1,000 to the Grand Forks Public Library Foundation on Giving Hearts Day to support the purchase of a library outreach van for Grand Forks County. The organization will also assist financially with other items for the “Library of Things” collection. However, while one of Merriam-Webster’s definitions of a thing is an object, other definitions include an event, deed, or notion. “What makes the ‘Library of Things’ Focus so great is that it allows us a range of possibilities for not only items, but events and programs this year as well,” said Friends President Debbie Sanders. “We’ll be continuing some of our past favorites such as the Mini Art Show and Six-Word Story contest, as well as introducing some fun new ‘things.’”

Grand Forks Public Friends board members and volunteers will work with library staff throughout the year to organize tangible and intangible opportunities for all ages. The library will post the events on Facebook and its website as they are planned.

The Friends board chooses a Friends Focus every year, to which it dedicates a portion of its fundraising dollars and volunteer hours. Last year’s Focus – Retuning You in 2022 – was a huge success with the ultra-popular Mini Art Show, Music & Mocktails program, and more. If you would like more information about Grand Forks Public Friends, please contact Debbie with the media information above.

About Grand Forks Public Friends

The Grand Forks Public Friends (formerly the Friends of the Grand Forks Public Library) are a group of community members that help to expand, enhance and promote the offerings of the library. The Friends raise funds that are used to supplement the library budget for programming, staff enrichment and other activities that engage people who value the library.