ELLSWORTH – The Ellsworth Public Library will spend the week of Oct. 18-24, 2026, promoting its Friends of the Library group as part of the 21st annual celebration of National Friends of Libraries Week.
The Friends will hold a drawing for gift cards to Brush Strokes Creative, Kwik Trip, Nilssen’s Foods, and Waltz Ace Hardware. The drawing is open to adults (18+) and will be open from Oct. 19-24 near the circulation desk during the library’s open hours.
The Friends are a major factor in the library’s progress, advocating for funding and volunteering their time to assist with fundraising efforts that include Bingo nights, a perpetual book sale, Curd Fest volunteer program, and a 5K fun run held in the spring. Save the date for their Bingo fundraiser coming up on Nov. 6 at the Ellsworth VFW!
“The Friends are a dynamic and dedicated group of people,” said Library Director Tiffany Meyer. “When we need an outside voice for advocacy or when we have a funding request for something outside of our established budget, they are on top of it. Without a doubt, they expand the programming and services the library can offer.”

The Friends of the Library regularly support library programs, sponsor the library’s coffee station, and pay for custom planters at the library’s north entrance. This year, the Friends also purchased a new projector, a youth seating area, and game shelving for the Makerspace. So far in 2026, the group has increased the library’s budget by about $6,000.

The Friends of the Library meet the first Thursday of the month at 4:30 pm. Members, current and prospective, are encouraged to attend and learn more about the group and its mission. Please visit friendsofepl.org to learn more about past events and upcoming initiatives and to find out how to become a member of the Friends. And mark your calendar for the upcoming Mocktail and Appetizer Party, Nov. 12 from 5:30-7:30 pm. This will be a true celebration of our amazing Friends group!
National Friends of Libraries Week is coordinated by United for Libraries, a division of the American Library Association. United for Libraries supports those who govern, promote, advocate, and fundraise for libraries, and brings together library Trustees/board members, advocates, Friends Groups, library Foundations, and those who work with them into a partnership that creates a powerful force for libraries. For more information, visit www.ala.org/united. 

Submitted by Ellsworth Public Library