Find uplifting stories about heroes, innovations, and solutions
7218 results for "friends of library"
Two friends turned destruction into hope by opening Gaza's first new public library using books salvaged from destroyed buildings. The Phoenix Library raised over $100,000 and now serves as a sanctuary for writers, students, and anyone seeking knowledge.
Dozens of volunteers at North Webster Community Public Library donate countless hours behind the scenes, from maintaining gardens to organizing book sales. Their quiet dedication keeps programs free and services running smoothly for everyone.
Over 1,000 children in Caldwell County, North Carolina signed up for their local library's summer reading challenge this year, with more than 7,800 people attending 250 family-friendly events. The program gave away 1,350 free books and sparked a love of reading across three library branches.
While libraries close across the US and UK, Finland is expanding its 700+ libraries into community hubs where people borrow everything from sewing machines to podcast studios. The result? Nine library visits per person yearly compared to just 2.5 in Britain.
The Kemmerer Library transformed into an indoor miniature golf course for a weekend fundraiser that brought neighbors together while raising money for community programs. Golf holes tucked between bookshelves created an unforgettable experience for families and friends.
Santa Clarita's public libraries are recruiting teen volunteers for their seven-week Summer Reading Program, offering high schoolers a chance to inspire young readers while earning community service hours. The "Unearth a Story" program needs friendly faces to help sign up families, distribute prizes, and assist with crafts and activities.
New York just completed a stunning $176 million renovation of five Carnegie Libraries, turning century-old civic landmarks into modern, accessible, climate-friendly community hubs. It's a blueprint for saving historic buildings while making them work for today's world.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F00%2F27%2F0027bdbf-8411-4315-90a3-4631226de8a8%2Fthe_real_winnie-the-pooh_and_his_friends.jpg)
After nearly 90 years apart, Winnie-the-Pooh's beloved friend Roo has finally returned home to the New York Public Library. Queen Camilla delivered a handcrafted replica of the baby kangaroo toy that vanished from an apple orchard in the 1930s.
After water damage forced Leeston Library to close, the Canterbury community is moving forward with plans for a brand new $16 million library and community center. While the old building awaits demolition, medical services continue uninterrupted and residents maintain access to library services at a temporary location.
New research finds that every dollar invested in libraries generates four times the value in community benefits. For one Chilean family, their local Sydney library became the bridge to a new life in Australia.
Boston Public Library is bringing 46 Pride Month programs to families this June, including 19 story hours designed to promote literacy and inclusivity for young children. The events reflect libraries' growing role in creating welcoming spaces for all families.
While Americans spend over $500 annually on streaming services, public libraries offer thousands of movies, shows, and books completely free. Your library card unlocks the same entertainment without the monthly bills or decision paralysis.
The Grand County Library District is celebrating the volunteers who keep local libraries running smoothly, from shelving books to leading weekly craft clubs. Their service highlights how small acts of giving back strengthen entire communities.
A groundbreaking library in Colorado is lending out snowshoes, telescopes, and bird-watching kits alongside books. The Anythink Nature Library proves getting outdoors doesn't require expensive gear or a mountain pass.
Elizabeth Rhinehart turned a college shelving job into a master's degree and an award-winning career in library science. Her journey shows how university libraries create opportunities far beyond books.
Volunteers at California's Kern County Library system are doing far more than shelving books. They're stocking seed libraries, prepping craft programs, and freeing up staff to focus on essential community services like free meals and storytimes.
Fifty years ago, India's Vice-President challenged the nation to transform libraries from quiet institutions into vibrant community spaces accessible to everyone. His vision of democratizing knowledge through free public libraries offers a hopeful blueprint still relevant today.
%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Ftf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Ffiler_public%2F9c%2Fa4%2F9ca40db8-4b6b-4ec5-9151-c80c9890a95f%2Flibrary-book.jpg)
A 77-year-old Australian discovered a library book hidden in his fireplace for three decades—checked out 150 years ago. The library welcomed it back and waived the $20,000 late fee.
Chicago just made accessing 6 million books as easy as showing up to school. Every public school student ID now doubles as a library card across all 81 city library locations.
More than 3.8 million people joined Dutch libraries in 2025, with young adults leading an unexpected comeback to public reading spaces. The surge comes as libraries added 35 new locations thanks to increased government funding.
Showing 20 of 7218