Last year, the Minnesota Association of Library Friends (MALF) partnered with CRPLSA as 
the regions rolled out the first ever statewide one-book program geared towards young children. MALF is pleased to share news that as this celebration of literature and literacy, dubbed “Once Upon a Reader,” returns for a second year – and so will the MALF partnership!
MALF will offer members a generous cash match to offset up to half of the Once Upon a Reader materials costs! Matches will be capped at three (3) items and/or $300 per Friends group. Available for purchase are a waterproof and reusable Story Stroll, sign-sized book pages that will allow a library to display the Ten Pigs story outside a library or along a path in the park; an Epic Storytime Kit, which includes a copy of Ten Pigs, four other bath time and barnyard tales, and tie-in crafts; and a 15-piece Ten Pigs Play Kit for libraries to circulate among families and care providers.
Participating in Once Upon a Reader through this special offer is simple. Place an order online through the program’s website. At an early convenience, print a copy of the receipt or order confirmation form and mail it to MALF with this completed form. MALF will verify library membership and remit reimbursement for half the OUR expenses within 30 business days.
Note: Eligibility is contingent on 2016 MALF membership. Groups that participated last year are welcome to reapply for the match.
Once Upon a Reader is made possible thanks to funding from Minnesota’s Legacy Amendment Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund. This year’s season will be observed from March to October and include a diverse mix of tie-in activities, enabling libraries of all sizes and in all corners of the state to participate in the program.