Friends Spring 2026 Newsletter

Link to downloadable PDF version of Friends Spring 2026 Newsletter. Text only version below.

2026 FRIENDS ANNUAL GATHERING SUMMARY

About 65 community members gathered at The Landing in Decorah on April 27 for Friends of Decorah Public Library Annual Meeting: an evening full of celebration, and shared commitment to our library.

Founded in 1995, the Friends is an independent nonprofit dedicated to supporting Decorah Public Library through memberships, donations, and advocacy. This year, that support added up: Friends met the library’s $40,000 funding request, with an impressive 92% of funds going directly back to library programs, materials, and services.

One of the highlights of the evening was hearing from Children’s and Young Adult Librarian Sophie Nall, who shared how Friends funding is helping reach new audiences across Winneshiek County. For example: a teen book club is encouraging young readers to explore new genres, while a supervised video game program is helping kids build teamwork and social skills (and even learn how to lose gracefully). The wildly popular “Hook and Loop” program is connecting generations through knitting: proving the library is as much about relationships as it is about resources.

Attendees also tested their knowledge with a quick round of library trivia – did you know there were 624 new library cards issued last year? – and walked away with some great library swag.

Beyond fundraising, the Friends also play a key advocacy role. This past year, members helped rally community support for the successful Library Maintenance Bond and continue to stay engaged with local and state leaders on issues that impact libraries.

The evening closed with a simple but powerful message from Friends board member Megan Buckingham: we are all Friends of the Library. And that matters. The library shows up for this community every day: with programs, resources, and a welcoming space for all. And in return, this community shows up for the library.

So here’s the ask: keep it going. If you’re not yet a Friend, join us. If you are, consider increasing your support. The more friends we have, the stronger our library—and our community—will be.

Special thanks to the library staff for sharing the impact of the library on our community, and Pete and Kari Espinosa, along with Terry Ramlo and Ellen Wilke, for hosting and creating such a welcoming space.

Become A Board Member!

Love the library and want to get more involved? Consider becoming a Friends board member! The Friends group is powered by all of our members, and the board helps guide decisions, set priorities, and keep things moving forward. It’s a great way to support the library and help shape its impact in our community. Visit: decorahlibrary.org/friends-board-application-form-mar2026

GREETINGS FROM THE CHILDREN’S & YOUNG ADULT DEPARTMENT!

We are wrapping up a whirlwind spring and impatiently awaiting the start of our Summer Reading Program! We have an awesome summer planned and can’t wait to get started.

This year’s Summer Reading Program theme is Operation: READ! Our ‘sneaky spies’ will work hard to read for at least twenty minutes every day. For every five days they read, they will unlock a Secret Clue, that will help them solve the location of the TOP SECRET FINAL MISSION! Readers unlock the location after logging a total of thirty-five days of reading. We’ll also have bonus missions posted weekly at the library, with spy gadgets to earn for completing them! We’d love to see readers of all ages at our Summer Reading Kickoff, on May 29th from 5–7pm at the Carrie Lee Playground! We’ll have bubbles, ice cream, and lots of spy-themed fun!

Alongside our reading challenge, we’ll have lots of fun programs for all ages, including magicians, live animals, outdoor recreation, and so much more! Keep an eye on our website for the full list of summer fun we have planned. Stay sneaky, and see you this summer!

Thank You Monday Club!

MONDAY CLUB continues its annual support of the Friends of Decorah Public Library. Club President, Joy Bahnemann recently presented Friends Board members Alan Ellickson, Sue Ballantyne, Alice Runde, Sue Ellingsen and Cheryl Pellet with a check for $2,900 from their recent fundraiser. The Monday Club of Decorah continues their long tradition of financial support which is helping our library increase programing and materials for all ages.

The Friends Board is very thankful for their generosity.

Year One Strategic Plan Overview

Building a Stronger, More Accessible, and More Responsive Library

In the first year of its new strategic plan, Decorah Public Library is focusing on four key priorities designed to strengthen the library’s role as a welcoming, future-focused community resource.

Engaging Community

The library is expanding efforts to better understand community needs, strengthen connections, and improve access to services. Year One work includes gathering broader community input, reaching underserved groups, developing programs that reduce social isolation, and exploring new services shaped by community feedback.

Exceptional Collections

The library is modernizing collections and improving access to materials in all formats. Priorities include expanding digital access, improving the visibility and browsability of materials, exploring new non-traditional collections, and securing outside funding to support innovative pilot projects.

Enticing Spaces

The library is investing in both immediate facility needs and long-term building improvements. Key initiatives include completing voter-approved maintenance bond projects, communicating progress with the public, planning future interior renovations, and identifying priorities for safety and security upgrades.

Empowering Staff

The library is strengthening staff development, communication, and innovation capacity to better serve the community. Year One goals include expanding professional development opportunities, improving staff training systems, strengthening internal communication, and creating clearer pathways for staff-led ideas and projects.

Looking Ahead

Year One focuses heavily on building strong foundations — improving systems, gathering community input, planning future improvements, and positioning the library to respond to changing community needs well into the future.

YOUR DONATION TO FRIENDS OF DECORAH PUBLIC LIBRARY IS NOW TAX DEDUCTIBLE FOR EVERYONE!

Beginning January 1, 2026, taxpayers who take the standard deduction will be able to deduct up to

$1,000 for cash (i.e. check/Venmo/PayPal) donations made directly to qualifying charities (or

$2,000 for married couples filing jointly). This is a significant change, as it allows the approximately 87% of taxpayers who do not itemize to benefit from their charitable giving deductions.

WE HAVE TRANSITIONED TO A NEW DELIVERY METHOD FOR THIS NEWSLETTER!

LAST REMINDER! We’re transitioning to a new delivery method for this newsletter and this is the last one you will receive in the mail. You should have received this newsletter in your physical mail box AND your email inbox. If you didn’t get an email version, please check your spam folder and make us a contact. If you need to correct or add an email to your account, please let us know at friendsofdecorahpubliclibrary@gmail.com

If you don’t have email or if you prefer the print version, copies will be available for you to pick up at the library.


Posted: May 26, 2026