The Journey of the new Library was shared by Sandi Melby:
The Friends of the Barb Geer Memorial Library was formed in 2021 and approached The Northwest Regional Library systems to collaborate on Becoming a branch or ‘Link’ site. After 2 years of planning and working with the Northwest regional Library board, the Middle River City Council, and with much help from generous donors- we were able to open our doors in March of 2023, and to celebrate with a Grand Opening Party last Thursday.
Unlike most Library branches, the Barb Geer Memorial Library is supported exclusively through fundraising done by the Friends of the Library board, and from the generous donations of our community members- not tax dollars. Our Friends of the Middle River Library Board of directors: Sandra Melby, Michelle Chaplinski, Grace Brandon, Beth and Tony Brandon, Howie Brockhouse, Bonnie Bengston, Mindy Bukowski, Reagan Mimnaugh, Tarson Erickson, and Sascha Melby.
Ways that you can support our Local Library: 1. Make a Donation! We have an account at Boarder Bank.
2. Become a Sponsor! A $100 donation buys you a Brick in the Library with your name or the name of your organization.
3. Buy a T-shirt! You can find the forms (or a QR code) in the library. 4. Get a Library Card! Even if you already have a card for another library, getting a (free!) library card from the Barb Geer Memorial Library shows your support.
5. Visit the Barb Geer Memorial Library! Every person who walks through the door or attends one of our community events is counted. Libraries that are well used are libraries that get funding. Each book that is checked out, even through the online app Libby, are counted if you check it out using a Barb Geer Memorial Library card.
Are you interested in becoming a Friend of the Library? Talk to Grace at the library desk, or call Sandra at 218-686-9603.
