With the state school closures, we have decided to suspend library programs until further notice.
Stay tuned for more changes due to the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
Census 2020
Did you know that Minnesota is in danger of losing a seat in the US House of Representatives?
The 2020 Census is quickly approaching. The Library will be dedicating a computer so anyone coming in can fill out the census survey. If you have questions about the census and its importance, City Council member Kelly Leibold will be here weekly to answer them!
Starting April 1, we will have a computer dedicated to filling out census surveys. We hope everyone in Pine Island takes part in the Census so we are truly represented in Washington DC! Take a look at MN’s 2020 Census website to learn more.
Newsletter
We sent out a newsletter yesterday about our upcoming events. You can see it here!
Craft at the Library
First Yarn Tales session is Monday, March 2!
Story Time
Winter story time has begun! Every Wednesday morning at 10am until April 29, Heidi will read stories, sing songs and lead crafts for preschoolers and toddlers.
So join us for a fun hour of books and more!
Email Newsletter
Do you want to get on our email newsletter? You can do so right from our website! Fill out this form and you’ll receive our almost-monthly newsletter.
Closed Monday
We are closed Monday, January 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr Day.
Closing Early
We are closing today at 4:30 and will also be closed tomorrow due to the dangerous road conditions. Stay safe!
Book Club Venue
Book Club is meeting at Let’s Go Tacos on both Jan 8 & Feb 12 at 6pm.
No more overdue fines!
The Van Horn Public Library is pleased to announce that we are eliminating overdue fines for all of our items starting on January 1, 2020. The Library’s Board of Trustees approved this change at their December 2019 meeting as a way to increase access to library materials for everyone in Pine Island.
“I have heard of more than one family who does not use the library because of the threat of overdue fines. Hopefully with this new policy, these families will see the library as a great resource for them for both recreational and educational materials,” said Rachel Gray, Library Director.
Many libraries across the country have gone fine free in recent years and the outcomes have been positive. Many report that they have a more welcoming and friendly reputation in their communities. Others say that they have more library materials returned since patrons are not worried about having to pay fines.
The Van Horn Public Library joins both the Brownsdale and Rushford Public Libraries in going fine free in SE Minnesota. “We are thankful that other nearby libraries have blazed a trail for us to follow,” Gray said.
Next time you’re in the library, please consider supporting this new policy by using the donation boxes at our circulation desks.
While the library is eliminating overdue fines, patrons are still responsible for fees associated with the replacement of lost or damaged books and other materials they check out. Library users will also be expected to pay any overdue fines that are accrued for items from other libraries in the SELCO region.