Friends of the Crete Public Library

10/13/2026

09/28/2026

🎶 SAVE THE DATE! 🎶

Round up your friends and make it a night out for a great cause! Join us at the Crete Public Library on Friday, October 23 for an evening of Music Bingo, drinks, delicious food, and plenty of chances to win!

We’re raising money for permanent awnings over the Ann Howard Children’s Reading Garden — a much-loved space where Crete kids can read, play, and enjoy the library outdoors. It just needs a little more shade!

🍽️ Heavy appetizers provided
🍷 Drinks available for purchase
🎵 Music Bingo by The Music Bingo People— $10 per round donation
🏆 Lots of great prizes to win!

Bring your friends. Grab a drink. Sing along. Win some prizes. And help make the library’s outdoor space even better for local kids.

Friday, October 23 • Crete Public Library

09/25/2026

💛 Give Like Dolly Day is September 25! 💛

The Dollywood Foundation has designated September 25 as a day to honor Dolly Parton’s lifelong commitment to children by supporting local Imagination Library programs.

For us, that means Crete, NE! 📚 More than 300 children who live in the Crete Public Schools district receive a free book every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, supported by the Friends of the Crete Public Library.

Want to Give Like Dolly? Make a one-time gift or set up a monthly contribution to support our local program:
👉 https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com

Select “I would like to designate this donation to a specific Imagination Library Local Program Partner” and choose NESALINE – Crete School District – Friends of the Crete Public Library.

Every gift helps keep books in the hands of Crete’s youngest readers.

09/03/2026

As we remember and honor Dolly Parton, we’re sharing a message from the Dollywood Foundation about the future of Imagination Library. Please take a moment to watch.

https://youtu.be/ZNvHHJDclqU?si=7rwz6474zDdzE0t-

If your child is under 5, sign up online at https://imaginationlibrary.com or in person at the Crete Public Library.

Many people are asking how they can help. If you’d like to honor Dolly’s legacy, your donation can help us continue sending books each month to more than 300 children in the Crete Public Schools district.

Donate at https://donate.imaginationlibrary.com and select Crete Public Schools District to give directly to our local program.

Dolly Parton’s legacy, her loving heart, and her inspiration to Dre...

08/25/2026

The Friends of the Crete Public Library are saddened by the passing of Dolly Parton, a beloved champion of early literacy.

Through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, she helped put millions of books into the hands of young children, giving them the opportunity to build a love of reading from an early age.

Her impact has been felt right here in Crete. Since the Friends partnered with Imagination Library in 2021, we've been able to mail over 14,000 books to kids in the Crete Public Schools school district.

We are so grateful for the lasting gift Dolly gave to children in Crete and around the world: the chance to grow up with books.

07/16/2026

NEW: A federal book banning bill has been introduced in the Senate. It's time to make our voices heard and protect the freedom to read.

Tell your Senators to REJECT pro-censorship legislation like S. 4925 that would limit people's freedom to read. We need every advocate to speak out against censorship: action.ala.org/campaign/S4925

06/11/2026

🦕 Did you know we have dinosaur bones at the library? 🦴

Stop by and discover prehistoric fun as you create your very own fossil to take home! It's a hands-on activity that's perfect for young paleontologists and dinosaur fans of all ages.

Come dig into the past with us—we can't wait to see what you create! 🦖

05/26/2026

This summer, a few minutes of reading each day can make a big difference.

Reading aloud with young children helps build language skills, encourages imagination, and creates meaningful one-on-one time together. And the best part? The books can come right to your mailbox.

Children from birth to age 5 who live in the Crete Public Schools district are eligible to receive a free book every month through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, sponsored locally by Friends of the Crete Public Library, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Sign up today at www.imaginationlibrary.com.

04/20/2026

📚 🎧 📱 Right to Read Day is about protecting the freedom to read. It's a moment to recognize the people standing up for access, celebrate the progress being made, and keep the momentum going. Learn more about here: ➡️ https://bit.ly/43D9Dtw

American Library Association
Unite Against Book Bans

04/19/2026

It's National Library Week!

Millions of people visit their libraries every week—and for good reason. During National Library Week, April 19–25, take time to discover what brings you joy at your library. Visit your library and bring friends and family along; encourage a friend to get a library card and discover the opportunities it unlocks; browse the shelves, join a book club, attend a program or storytime, or get started on your next creative project in a makerspace.

National Library Week is filled with opportunities to celebrate our libraries and take action to keep them strong. Join in on one (or all!) of the various commemoration days:

Monday, 4/20: Right to Read Day - we're calling on library lovers and advocates to celebrate wins against censorship efforts and to take action to defend the freedom to read. On Right to Read Day, ALA will release the State of America's Libraries Report, including the list of the Top 10 Most Challenged Books of 2025.

Tuesday, 4/21: National Library Workers Day - take time to honor and thank the library workers at your library for all they do to impact your community.

Wednesday, 4/22: National Library Outreach Day - a day to celebrate libraries meeting people where they are. Look for your library out in your community - in the bookmobile, at a local pop-up, at schools or assisted living facilities, or wherever!

Thursday, 4/23: Take Action For Libraries Day - this year, we're asking YOU to show up for our libraries and take action against legislative censorship attempts by contacting Congress.

Stay tuned for posts throughout the week and more ways to get involved, and be sure to visit your library and ilovelibraries.org and celebrate your library.