Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA)

08/28/2026

08/27/2026

Dolly Parton understood something libraries have always known: a book can open an entire world.

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she turned that belief into action by putting millions of books into the hands of children and helping them discover worlds beyond their own.

For those of us who believe deeply in the power of libraries, literacy, and stories, her legacy feels especially meaningful. Thank you, Dolly, for giving families moments together and so many young imaginations room to grow. 🦋

Library staff put together a list of books, cds, and dvds to help you remember Dolly, and learn more about the women who never saw a door she couldn't open. rclreads.org/explore/?tag=in-memoriam

08/26/2026

ALA is heartbroken at the passing of country music legend, cultural icon, and champion of literacy Dolly Parton.

Dolly’s award-winning Imagination Library initiative, inspired by her father’s inability to read or write, has put hundreds of millions of free books into the hands of children across America and was considered by her to be one of her greatest achievements.

“We’re giving books to kids who wouldn’t have a chance to get them otherwise,” she told American Libraries in a 2018 interview. “A lot of people think this is just for poor children—it’s for all children. It’s important to get books into the hands of any child that we can.”

ALA was proud to confer Dolly with an honorary lifetime membership, the Association’s highest honor, in 2023 for her lasting impact on librarianship, libraries, and the communities they serve.

Dolly was also part of ALA’s Celebrity READ campaign, in which she holds a copy of 'The Little Engine That Could.'

“I’ve always related to that book because I’m the little engine that did!” she said.

Thank you, Dolly. ❤️

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

08/21/2026

💥F1RST Wrestling: LIVE!💥

SATURDAY | September 5th
Washington County Library: Oakdale
Oakdale, MN | 1pm to 3pm
All Ages | Family Friendly

We return to the Oakdale Library… Who says Professional Wrestling isn’t educational? 📚🤓🤼

🎟️ THIS IS A FREE EVENT 🎟️

08/20/2026

Thank you to Angela Davis MPR for the great conversation with Jennifer Baker of MELSA and Maureen Hartman of Saint Paul Public Library!

Libraries aren’t just places to find a good book. They’re places to create, learn, connect and access technology and other resources. MPR News host Angela Davis and her guests explore how public libraries are meeting community needs.

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

Libraries Closing for Fall Renovations - Crooked Lake & Mississippi locations!
Both locations will close on Sunday, September 13th.
Anticipated reopening: December 2026.

We’ll miss seeing everyone this fall, but we’re excited for the upcoming projects that will be well worth the wait. These grant-funded renovations will include updated bathrooms and expanded after-hours meeting room access at both locations, creating more time and space for our community to learn, connect, and gather together.

The Crooked Lake project includes the addition of 4 private study rooms.
Mississippi improvements include roof and HVAC repairs and sidewalk improvements.

📚 Return bins will also be closed during this time!
There will be no access to the return bins during the renovation. 24 hour return bins are available at other Anoka County Library locations during the closure.

📅 The last day to place holds for pick up at these locations will be August 31.
You can choose other pick up locations when placing your holds.

🔐Locker users can use their key fob at lockers at the Northtown, Johnsville, or Saint Francis branches for access 365 days a year. Interested in utilizing lockers for after-hours access?
Apply for a key fob at tinyurl.com/aclLockers

WiFi access may not be available during renovations including the parking lot area.

It’s been a great summer, and we’re looking forward to a wonderful fall.