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Anoka County Library

@anokacolibrary

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Connecting our community to ideas, information, and inspiration for over 60 years...because books were only the beginning! #ACLReads

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Read Local, Eat Local. Food connects us all—it’s a shared experience that crosses cultures and brings people together. Today, on World Food Day, we shine a light on global efforts to address hunger, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.

🧑‍🍳 Meal planning plays a powerful role in this work. Tracking food waste, planning weekly menus, storing produce properly, and getting creative with leftovers all help us make the most of what we have.
Featured Author Ashley Craft’s Weeknight Wonders offers 52 weeks of culturally inspired, holiday-themed dinners that turn everyday meals into moments of creativity and connection. These quick, family‑friendly recipes make it easy to bring everyone into the kitchen and around the table—a reminder that great memories can happen even on the busiest nights. Watch her interview with QCTV here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KN1mJk6Sp/
or #ReadLocalMN and learn more about Ashley Craft here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4264/Ashley-Craft

Ways to support World Food Day all year long
Support Local and Sustainable Food:
🚜 Buy From Local Farmers: Visit your farmers’ market or explore Minnesota Grown options here: https://ow.ly/Fc4k50ZWP5p
🪴 Grow Your Own Produce: Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in the backyard, home gardening makes fresh food accessible. Visit Mississippi Library and browse seeds - check out the Seed Library: https://ow.ly/MbFQ50ZWP5o
🍳 Eat Seasonal and Diverse: Choosing seasonal, local foods supports nutrition and reduces environmental impact. Need tools to try new recipes? Borrow bakeware, small appliances, and kitchen gadgets from Anoka County Library’s Kitchen Collection:
https://ow.ly/oZaz50ZWP5n

Reduce Waste and Conserve Resources
♻️ Start Composting: Turn fruit and vegetable scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your garden or community plots.
💦 Conserve Water and Reduce Packaging: Cut back on single-use plastics and be mindful of water use in the kitchen. Learn more about protecting local water sources and sustainable cooking practices at the We Are Water MN exhibit, running through November 30 at Northtown Library.

#WorldFoodDay #FoodSecurity #Sustainability Read Local - Featured author Ashley Craft and her book 'Weeknight Wonders' featuring a plate of spaghetti with tomato sauce and basil. by @anokacolibrary

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3 days ago

Join us for this month's genealogy program with Featured Author Brenda Lyne!

Brenda will discuss her book Ripple Effect, and her research and interest in forensic genetic genealogy.

Rum River's Genealogy meet up
Thursday, October 15
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Rum River Library
No registration required- sign up for an email reminder
https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/16609974

Ripple Effect is a cold case mystery told from the perspective of the murder victim as she watches her case finally be solved after fifteen years, thanks to two dogged detectives and cutting-edge DNA technology. The inspiration for fiction title came from real news stories about unidentified crime victims who finally get their names back thanks to forensic genetic genealogy.

A perfect tale for those seeking a chilling paranormal mystery this month. It explores the unseen connections between the living and the dead, the weight of unfinished business, and the ripple effects of choices made long ago. Watch her interview with QCTV here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1HxZ4qrAzZ/ or #ReadLocal and learn more about this author here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4291/Brenda-Lyne

#Genealogy Read Local Featured Author Brenda Lyne with book cover titled 'Ripple Effect' by @anokacolibrary

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5 days ago

Water: The Fabric of Our Lives Art Reception
Join our featured local artist, Juanita Tatum, for an art reception and live demo on her sewing machine! Juanita experimented with paint, water, and fabric to create mixed media artworks depicting water scenes in celebration of our We Are Water exhibit.

Monday, October 19,
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Northtown Library
Registration is not required, but register here to receive a reminder about the event: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17275554

Juanita's artwork will be on display for a limited time through October 26, the full We Are Water exhibit runs through November 30 at Northtown Library. Textile art by artist Juanita Tatum depicting a coastal scene with a blue and white striped lighthouse on a rocky shore beside vibrant blue water. by @anokacolibrary

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6 days ago

Join us for the launch of the We Are Water exhibit at Anoka County's Northtown Library!

The celebration begins with a keynote presentation by Kao Kalia Yang, author of Where Rivers Part and recipient of the 2025 Minnesota Book Award for Memoir. Following the keynote, guests are invited to explore the exhibit, sample refreshments at the Water Bar, and connect with local organizations working to protect and care for our water resources.

Community partners include the Coon Creek Watershed District, City of Spring Lake Park, Anoka County Transportation, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Anoka Conservation District.

Event Details:
Saturday, October 10
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Anoka County Northtown Library

This free event is open to all, and registration is not required. If you'd like to receive an event reminder, you can register here: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/16939221

Photo courtesy of Kao Kalia Yang. Event flyer for Anoka County Library's opening event for their hosting of the We Are Water Mn exhibit. Picture of Kao Kalia Yang. by @anokacolibrary

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11 days ago

Join us this evening at Rum River Library for "Thank You for Shopping" Author Talk with Kristal Leebrick. Take a nostalgic trip back to "The Golden Age of Minnesota Department Stores", when shops such as Dayton’s, Donaldson’s, Powers, and Young-Quinlan ruled the retail landscapes of downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Leebrick will present the history and stories behind these stores, which were once the centers of social life in the Twin Cities.

Monday, October 5,
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Register here: https://ow.ly/yMoE50ZUsA1 by @anokacolibrary

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14 days ago

Owls usually come out at night, but tomorrow morning you can meet them up close with Wildlife Science Center at the Rum River North Park shelter building in Saint Francis! Discover the incredible adaptations that help these nocturnal birds of prey hunt, hide, protect their territory, and raise their young.
10:30am-11:30am
23100 Rum River Blvd NW, St Francis, MN 55070
https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17096600

✨ A perfect event for nature lovers, families, and curious minds of all ages!

Afterwards, those young and young at heart can play on the playground and follow the pages of a book down the trail that connects the park to the library. Pick up some books, board games, or movies to take home with you to end a perfect fall day! A majestic Great Horned Owl perched on a tree branch outdoors. by @anokacolibrary

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16 days ago

Join us for the final stop of the We Are Water MN 2026 tour!

Catch the exhibit at Northtown Library in Blaine, where you can explore an immersive exhibit that highlights the science, history, cultures, and personal stories connected to Minnesota’s waters.

The exhibit runs October 8–November 30 and is free to the public.

Hours: Mon & Thu 11–7, Tue & Wed 10–6, Fri & Sat 10–5, Sun 12–4.

Top photo by @anokacolibrary

Bottom photo by @cooncreekwd Top photo has a man and child looking at magazines in Northtown Library. Bottom photo is of Laddie Lake in Anoka County. Text over top that says "We Are Water is moving to Northtown Library". by @anokacolibrary

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17 days ago

❗ Calling All Writers — don't miss your chance to become a Featured Author for 2027!
Selected authors will be highlighted in the local community over the next year. Connect with readers — this is where #ReadLocal starts.

📝 Apply online by September 30, 2026: https://tinyurl.com/aclAuthorsApply

✨Featured Authors will be part of the annual LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR —the highlight of the Winter Reads program. The fair will held on Saturday, February 27 at Bunker Hills Activity Center with keynote by best-selling author Jess Lourey!

📚 Submission Guidelines:
Submit a copy of your book for review. If selected, it will be added to the library collection and additional copies may be purchased.
🔎Submissions must be published within the last 5 years (fiction) or 2 years (nonfiction).
eBooks and manuscripts are not eligible.
Current employees of Anoka County, members of the Anoka County Board, and the Anoka County Library Advisory Board, are not eligible.

#MinnesotaAuthors #LocalAuthor Vintage teal typewriter with a paper reading 'Apply online SEPTEMBER 2026' and a call for local writers seeking featured authors. by @anokacolibrary

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19 days ago

💧We Are Water Exhibit - Opening Event October 10
Join us for the opening event of the interactive exhibit We Are Water MN hosted by Anoka County Library - Northtown.

Explore the science, history, story, culture, and relationships of water in Minnesota!

Opening Celebration:
📚10:30 AM Keynote from award-winning MN author Kao Kalia Yang
🛻10:30 AM -1:30 PM Visit a Street Sweeper and Snow Plow
🥛11:00 AM - 1:30 PM Nitrate Well Water Testing - Run the water for at least 5 minutes. Bring a 1 cup cold sample in a solid sealed container
💦11:30 AM Storytime
🔎12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Pond Dipping - Identify tiny creatures that live in the pond with a magnifying glass

After the keynote, explore the exhibit, visit the water tasting bar & learn about local water issues from community partners Creek Watershed District, City of Spring Lake Park, Anoka County Transportation, MN Department of Agriculture, & Anoka Conservation District.
The exhibit will be on display from October 8 through November 30.
For more information visit https://ow.ly/u9OM50ZRek7
#WeAreWaterMN 'We Are Water' exhibit opening celebration featuring keynote speaker author Kao Kalia Yang, water drop icon with Minnesota shape silhouette. by @anokacolibrary

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20 days ago

📣 Calling All Writers —submit your book this month! Don't miss your chance to become a Featured Author for 2027!
Selected authors will be highlighted in the local community over the next year. Connect with readers — this is where #ReadLocal starts.

📝 Apply online by September 30, 2026: https://tinyurl.com/aclAuthorsApply

✨Featured Authors will be part of the annual LOCAL AUTHOR FAIR —the highlight of the Winter Reads program. The fair will held on Saturday, February 27 at Bunker Hills Activity Center with keynote by best-selling author Jess Lourey!

📚 Submission Guidelines:
Submit a copy of your book for review. If selected, it will be added to the library collection and additional copies may be purchased.
🔎Submissions must be published within the last 5 years (fiction) or 2 years (nonfiction).
eBooks and manuscripts are not eligible.
Current employees of Anoka County, members of the Anoka County Board, and the Anoka County Library Advisory Board, are not eligible.

#MinnesotaAuthors #LocalAuthor Vintage teal typewriter with a paper reading 'Apply online SEPTEMBER 2026' and a call for local writers seeking featured authors. by @anokacolibrary

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a month ago

What does an ice cream truck have in common with a library?
Both bring joy and a little bit of magic to your day!
Celebrate reading and libraries with us today from 11am–2pm at Rum River Library for MN Libraries Read Together.
• Ice cream treats from Jilly Beans Ice Cream Truck
• Trivia
• Chalk art
• Treasure hunt
• Storywalk
Special events:
• 11:15 – Family‑friendly juggling and comedy show
• 12:30–1:15 – Meet & Greet with Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson and MN State Legislators

Event details: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17074738 by @anokacolibrary

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a month ago

🎉 **Minnesota Libraries Read Together!**

Celebrate reading and libraries with us today from 11am–2pm at Rum River Library for MN Libraries Read Together. Readers across Minnesota will celebrate libraries and the important role they play in our communities. Come as you are—or dress up as your favorite book character if you’d like—and show support for libraries in this statewide event!
• Ice cream treats from Jilly Beans Ice Cream Truck
• Trivia
• Chalk art
• Treasure hunt
• Storywalk
Special events:
• 11:15 – Family‑friendly juggling and comedy show with A Touch of Magic Entertainment for All Ages
• 12:30–1:15 – Meet & Greet with Anoka County Commissioner Julie Jeppson and MN State Legislators

Event details: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17074738

#MNLibrariesReadTogether young child dressed as Cat in the Hat smiling inside a library near a colorful book display promoting Minnesota Libraries Read Together event happening Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Rum River Library from 11 AM - 2PM by @anokacolibrary

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a month ago