Minnesota Center for the Book

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The Friends is the Center for the Book in Minnesota, designated by the Library of Congress. The Center for the Book is a national initiative established in 1977 to promote reading, literacy, libraries, as well as the scholarly study of books.

All 50 states, plus the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, have a designated Center for the Book. The Friends was honored with this distinction largely because of the success of our statewide programs, including the Minnesota Book Awards. As Minnesota’s Center for the Book, The Friends produces dynamic programming that benefits all ages and reaches all corners of the state, such as the following.

Download a printable pdf of our Center for the Book program overview.

Minnesota Center for the Book Programs

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Minnesota Book Awards

The Minnesota Book Awards is a year-long program that fosters the literary arts community in our state with the ultimate goal of creating stronger communities.

The process begins in the fall with book submissions and continues through winter and into spring with two rounds of judging. Also woven throughout the season are various engagement activities and events that promote the authors and connect the entire world of Minnesota books to readers throughout the North Star State.

Minnesota Book Awards Page >>

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One Book | One Minnesota

One Book | One Minnesota is a new statewide book club that invites Minnesotans of all ages to read a common title and come together virtually to enjoy, reflect, and discuss.

Libraries are essential for connection, and through One Book | One Minnesota, libraries across the state will connect their communities through stories. The program aims to bring Minnesotans closer together during this time of distance and adversity.

One Book | One Minnesota page >>

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Minnesota Writers Directory

The Friends created this online resource that connects writers across the state with people who want to hear more about their stories and their craft..

With this interactive directory, event hosts, literary organizers, teachers, arts administrators, librarians, and booksellers throughout Minnesota can find local authors who might be a good fit for their programming. Minnesota writers have the opportunity to reach a broader audience, and booklovers can find more inspiration from their home state.

Visit the Minnesota Writers Directory: www.mnwritersdirectory.org

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Minnesota Writers Map

Available in both hard copy and interactive online formats, this map is a collection of writers, from historical to modern times, whose contributions to the state’s literary legacy are profound.

Visit the interactive Minnesota Writers Map: www.mnwritersmap.org.

Download a printable copy of the map here or request a printed copy for your classroom here.

The need for a strong library is greater than ever.