Anoka County Library

10/22/2026

🧜‍♀️Among the Mermaids: Fascinating Facts and Fictions About the Sirens of the Sea

Join folklorist, enthusiast of the uncanny, and Featured Local Author Varla Ventura for captivating tales of mermaids from around the world—stories sure to enchant anyone fascinated by these romanticized mythological beings. Her book Among the Mermaids: Fascinating Facts and Fictions About the Sirens of the Sea is just one of her six irresistibly strange and curious titles. and learn more about this author here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4297/Varla-Ventura

Among the Mermaids
Saturday, November 7
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Northtown Library
Registration is required - register here: https://ow.ly/MIFR50ZWXHz

💦This event highlights the We Are Water exhibit that runs through November 30 at Northtown Library.

Join folklorist, lover of the strange, and Featured Local Author Varla Ventura for tales of mermaids from around the world that will thrill every lover of this romanticized...

10/22/2026

Thank you to all pumpkin artists who participated in 2026 Pumpkin Decorating Contest at Northtown Library!

🎃Youth Winners:
1st place - Coraline by Arianna
2nd place - Luna by Romina
3rd place - Witch by Alison

🎃Adult Winners:
1st place - Witches Brew by Shubhi
2nd place - Pumpkin Punter by James
3rd place - Bats at Dusk by Linnea

Participants are now welcome to come pick up your pumpkin at Northtown Library, (we have extended the date to October 29th).

10/21/2026

Homework Help and Online Tutoring at Your Library
Parents join us for an introduction to HelpNow, the library database for live online tutoring, homework help, and subject review. Learn about the library resources available to help support your children in school. We’ll also explore Novelist, a reader’s advisory database that helps readers of all ages explore new genres and discover authors and titles to enjoy. Coloring pages will be available for younger children during the program.

Tuesday, October 27
4:30pm - 5:30pm
Northtown Library
Register here: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17209075

10/20/2026

Every five years on October 20 - World Statistics Day is observed. This event celebrates the power of data to inform policies, improve services, and drive innovation. Officially observed in 2025, but if you love data then don't wait for WSD 2030, checkout Featured author Anna Farro Henderson's book Core Samples: A Climate Scientist’s Experiments in Politics and Motherhood.
This essay collection is a gem and will make you think.

Anna Farro Henderson is a PhD climate scientist and policy expert who worked as an advisor including senators and governors. Watch her interview with QCTV here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KFFMETxEb/
"The title of my book refers to the geologic samples I collected as a research scientist. But this is not a book of explanations or arguments, and the title has another, more metaphorical meaning, referring to the intimate and literary nature of my book. "

and learn more about this author here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4288/Anna-Farro-Henderson

10/20/2026

Let's Celebrate Minnesota Water / Celebremos el agua de Minnesota
Join us for a bilingual (Spanish and English) celebration of all things Minnesota water! There will be a treasure hunt, Spanish vocabulary practice, music, and activities with Minda Gomez, author of Treasure of the North, the fourth book in the Martinez Kids Adventures book series! The program will be focused on K-2, but all ages are welcome.

Minda Gomez (Featured Author alum) is pictured on left at the We Are Water MN exhibit which runs through November 30 at Northtown Library.

Let's Celebrate Minnesota Water / Celebremos el agua de Minnesota
Thursday, October 29
5:00pm - 5:45pm
Northtown Library
Register here: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17095394

10/19/2026

Teen Art Afternoon: Polymer Clay Creations
Teens are invited to experience new ways to craft and make art each month as we explore a new art medium, theme, or style. We provide several project options available to try or teens are welcome to make up their own projects or collaborate with friends. Learn about art history, be inspired by other artists, and make something cool! This month we'll be sculpting with polymer clay. This program is intended for youth grades 6 and up.

Wednesday, October 21
4:30pm - 6:00pm
Northtown Library
Register here: https://anokacounty.libcal.com/event/17222376

10/19/2026

Code Club
Teens join us for Code Club, a monthly hands on learning space where teens can explore coding. Each session introduces a beginner friendly project using simple programming challenges to build problem solving skills, creativity, and confidence. Participants will experiment with coding concepts, create interactive games and animations, and develop digital skills at their own pace with support from library staff. No experience is required, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new!

Code Club
Wednesday, October 21
4:30pm - 5:30pm
North Central Library
Register here:

Join our monthly Code Club, a hands on learning space where teens can explore coding in a fun, welcoming environment. Each session introduces a beginner friendly project using...

10/16/2026

Read Local, Eat Local. Food connects us all—it’s a shared experience that crosses cultures and brings people together. Today, on World Food Day, we shine a light on global efforts to address hunger, nutrition, and sustainable food systems.

🧑‍🍳 Meal planning plays a powerful role in this work. Tracking food waste, planning weekly menus, storing produce properly, and getting creative with leftovers all help us make the most of what we have.
Featured Author Ashley Craft’s Weeknight Wonders offers 52 weeks of culturally inspired, holiday-themed dinners that turn everyday meals into moments of creativity and connection. These quick, family‑friendly recipes make it easy to bring everyone into the kitchen and around the table—a reminder that great memories can happen even on the busiest nights. Watch her interview with QCTV here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1KN1mJk6Sp/
or and learn more about Ashley Craft here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/4264/Ashley-Craft

Ways to support World Food Day all year long
Support Local and Sustainable Food:
🚜 Buy From Local Farmers: Visit your farmers’ market or explore Minnesota Grown options here: https://ow.ly/Fc4k50ZWP5p
🪴 Grow Your Own Produce: Whether it’s herbs on a windowsill or tomatoes in the backyard, home gardening makes fresh food accessible. Visit Mississippi Library and browse seeds - check out the Seed Library: https://ow.ly/MbFQ50ZWP5o
🍳 Eat Seasonal and Diverse: Choosing seasonal, local foods supports nutrition and reduces environmental impact. Need tools to try new recipes? Borrow bakeware, small appliances, and kitchen gadgets from Anoka County Library’s Kitchen Collection:
https://ow.ly/oZaz50ZWP5n

Reduce Waste and Conserve Resources
♻️ Start Composting: Turn fruit and vegetable scraps into nutrient-rich compost for your garden or community plots.
💦 Conserve Water and Reduce Packaging: Cut back on single-use plastics and be mindful of water use in the kitchen. Learn more about protecting local water sources and sustainable cooking practices at the We Are Water MN exhibit, running through November 30 at Northtown Library.

10/15/2026

Drop by and see the exhibit!

10/15/2026

🚲Curious about e-Bikes?
If you missed e-Bikes presentation at Northtown Library last month, you can now view it on YouTube courtesy of Anoka County Commute Solutions. We covered the basics including: buying, owning and riding.
We've had a few requests for the recording so we wanted to share. Stay safe out there.

View the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8K4NR-ALwg