Many of you may be aware of the discussions surrounding the municipal building update. We would like to share the library’s vision with you.
The municipal building was constructed in 1968, and since then the village has grown. Technological advances have required additional space for library computers and media collections, and updated ADA requirements have shifted space allocations. The village police department and village offices are also in need of additional, updated and/or more flexible spaces.
Our current municipal building/library has an unremarkable exterior, shared meeting space with village departments and other local groups, and no private study spaces. As the library’s collection, programming and outreach increases, our need for more space is becoming more and more apparent.
Balsam Lake has the unique opportunity to enhance our village’s image, set the tone for future redevelopment, provide a destination amenity to attract visitors and businesses, and promote the natural recreational opportunities of the area.
Imagine this…
An inviting and beautiful community entrance
Interactive and creative learning spaces
Community information and meeting spaces
A central location for recreation, education and community
While the village board and others have considered a possible use for the old highway shop location, we strongly believe that consideration should be given to building a new shared municipal building as part of the redevelopment of that site.
Thank you for your continuing support of our local library.
- Linda Heimstead, Library Director
- Rebekah Smith, Marketing & Technology Librarian
Leap Into Spring
March Upcoming Events:
Story Time -Tuesdays
@ 10:30 am March 3rd ~ Games & Puzzles March 10th & 17th ~ Playgroup March 24th ~ Music
March 31st ~ STEAM Activities
Steam Night - March 11th @ 4 pm Science, technology, engineering, art and math based activities
Discovery Club - March 19th @ 1:30 pm Glenna Farms "Sap to Syrup" Tour & Sampling
- Registration Deadline March 11th
Movie Night - March 18th @ 4 pm "Arctic Dogs" - Snacks provided
Have you hung out in our children's or teen's area? Next time you visit come and see what's around the corner. We invite you to explore the entire library and tell us what you think.
Our children's area is cute and quaint, but when we have a full house you can imagine how crowded it can feel. Our programming and attendance is positively growing! Back in 2013 we only had 5 people in attendance for our Summer Reading finale party; fast forward to 2019 and we had over 10 times that amount! We hope to see even more at this year's summer reading events. Remember to come see me on Leap Day! It's the final day of the Winterland game to turn in all activities and enter your tickets.
In March, our book club will come together on the 10th at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the intimate, powerful, and inspiring memoir entitled "Becoming" by the former first lady of the U.S. from 2009-2017, Michelle Obama.
She tells her story with honesty and boldness, while issuing a challenge to the rest of us: who are we and who do we want to become?
It's not too late to pick up the book at our library and plan to join us on Tuesday, March 10th. All are welcome.
- Jeanne Johnson, Assistant Librarian
Get Happy by Gerald Clarke
With award season upon us, check out the intriguing biography of Judy Garland. Titled “Get Happy” by Gerald Clarke, the story reads like a Hollywood movie. From humble beginnings in the Upper Midwest to the beacon of Hollywood in the early days of the 30’s... READ MORE
Visit our Little Free Libraries! Take a book and return a book. Anytime - 24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week. They are located at the beach, the park and the Polk County building.
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