Friends of the Crete Public Library

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.

04/10/2026

We have ONE WEEK left to tell the Senate to in next year's federal budget. Are you ready to take action? Call your Senators TODAY and remind them how important libraries are to your community - and how important it is that they provide robust federal funding: ala.org/showup

04/09/2026

04/03/2026

Our Friends group has been actively reaching out to our Senators to advocate for library funding, and we’d love for you to join us. Please take a moment to contact your representatives today.

04/01/2026

Honoring the memory of Bunny Dudley—a devoted reader, friend and supporter of the Crete Public Library. Along with her husband Dick Dudley, she gave generously to the library and served as a Director of the Friends of the Crete Public Library. May her love of spring and Easter be reflected in the joy the books donated in her honor bring to others.

We warmly invite the Crete community to stop by, enjoy a cookie, and pick out a book to take home in Bunny’s memory.

03/26/2026

NEW: Letters in support of library funding in the House are now CLOSED. It's time to make some noise in the Senate!

Tell your Senators to sign on to in next year's federal budget. Your voice can make a difference: We need every advocate to speak out!

Take action: ala.org/showup

03/11/2026

Advocates are ramping up the campaign to : are you ready to take action? Congress needs to hear from constituents like you.

Call your House Rep TODAY and urge them to include library funding in next year's federal budget: ala.org/showup