A hearty thank you to all who made our Friends of the Howard Lake Library fundraiser sale a huge success. Shoppers found wonderful books for sale and the food was not to be missed.  Our group was approved by Thrivent for matching funds and we did make our goal. Thank you Thrivent for recognizing  the worthwhile work we do.  Check out  the before photos to see just how much work is done the final day before the sale and compare to the nicely organized tables ready for customers.

See you in June 2016!

On June 17th, 2015 over  50 people enjoyed singer/songwriter Paul Spring (provided with Legacy funds).  He had the audience singing, dancing and just having a good time. The Friends of the Library provided the after program treats- ice cream floats and cookies- and noisemakers to take home. Thanks to all who attended this fun afternoon. Check out some of the action:

On Saturday, June 27 the Howard Lake Community Room (above the library) doors open at 9:00 for both books  and food.  Most books are priced at .25 and .50.  Coffee table sized and special offerings will be priced separately.  There will also be movies, music CDs and jigsaw puzzles for sale.  At 12:30 until closing at 1 PM our fabulous bargain of “a bag of books for a buck” will be available. This is the perfect time to stock up for the year as there is NO LIMIT on the number of bags you may purchase.

The eating area will again feature sloppy joes & chips  and luscious strawberry shortcake.  Coffee, water & Kool Aid will also be for sale.   Having lunch with your friends and family at the book sale has become a community tradition so please join us and help the library at the same time.  For more information contact the library at 320.543.2020.

This is the major fundraiser for the Friends for 2015.  Funds are used for library programs & projects and to provide the patrons with a better library experience.

Matching funds are provided by Thrivent–Thank You!

Here are some photos of the 2014 sale:

The Howard Lake Library patrons recently completed a community art project that highlighted the love of reading in our community.  Under the guidance and direction of St. Paul artist, Lisa Arnold, the group created the piece using stained glass and ceramic tile. Participants ranged in age from 8 to adult.  The finished project is now on display in the library. The project was funded by a grant to the Great River Regional Library system from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Legacy fund.

Here is the finished project being proudly held by librarian Deb Cox-Johnson.

The Friends of the Library hosted a craft event with artist Marie Edwards on February 14th. The weather was cold but the few youngsters who attended had a great time.

Check out some of their creations.

On January 17th artist Lisa Arnold presented a mosaic workshop that allowed participants to create a small mosaic to take home and to play an active part in the creation of a  larger community mosaic that will be on display at the Howard lake Library.  The group enjoyed Lisa’s knowledge of the mosaic process and her enthusiasm for her craft. 

The Friends of the Howard Lake Library have again worked their magic and decked the library out in its holiday finest.  Along with the decorating the Friends hold their annual potluck supper. Many delicious foods to try and much good fellowship to enjoy.

We wish you a healthy and happy 2015. Keep reading and watch for programs and events in the coming year.

Merry Christmas Reading Rabbit.

Christmas Rice Krispie treats– yummy.

Who is that peeking out from behind the Christmas tree?

A pumpkin was the blank “canvas”  for the creative artists that attended the 2014 Pumpkin Painting event on October 18th. The two sessions saw many unique pumpkins: from monsters to minions to Olaf from Frozen. A big Friends of the Library thank you to Untiedt Vegetable Farms for the perfect pumpkins, the Howard Lake Royalty for providing encouragement to the painters and to artiste extraordinaire Marie  for her designs and support.

The painters enjoyed Kool Aid and cookies while their pumpkin art deried and also had a goodie bag to take home.  See you all next October!