By Maura Steblay

Friends of the Library are supporters who strengthen community ties by sharing a passion for local books and learning, taking on fundraising efforts, assisting with programs and events, and sponsoring special programs for children, teens, adults and seniors. We invite you!

By Erin Callahan

Each day, over 42,000 people visit Hennepin County Library’s award-winning Web site, www.hclib.org. Ever wonder who does all of its behind-the-scenes work? Our Web site is a hugely collaborative effort coordinated by the Web developers and content specialists in our Web services department.

The next Friends of the Eden Prairie Library used book sale is set for 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 (friends members only); 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 (bag sale from noon to 1 p.m.).

Hundreds of books will be available in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced at $2 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations are accepted at the library during open hours.

The next Friends of the Eden Prairie Library used book sale is set for 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3 (friends members only); 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 (bag sale from noon to 1 p.m.).

Hundreds of books will be available in hardcover and paperback. Most books, withdrawn from the Hennepin County Library system or donated by the public, will be priced at $2 or less. Funds raised will benefit the library. Book donations are accepted at the library during open hours.

By Mary Severson

Hennepin County libraries will be open their regular hours on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11. Nokomis and Plymouth libraries are closed for renovation. Northeast Library will close for renovation at 8 p.m. today, Oct. 29.

For a complete schedule of library locations and hours, and for more information about Hennepin County Library, visit www.hclib.org.

By Heather Peterson

Now that school is back in session, and students and parents have refocused on academic success, they may wonder, “What role does reading play?” For many students, reading falls into two main categories during the school year: reading out of necessity (translation – school assignments) and reading for pleasure. Ask a student to describe pleasure reading, and they come up with descriptors such as interesting and, well, fun, while necessary or required reading is often described as the opposite.

Hennepin County Libraries are asking teens to vote in "The Ultimate Poll."

So which series is best? Harry Potter or Twilight? Vote from Thursday, Oct. 1, to Saturday, Oct. 31, at http://www.hclib.org/teens/ or at your library.

The Eden Prairie Library is at 565 Prairie Center Drive. For more information, call 952-847-5375. Visit www.hclib.org for more.

Sponsored by MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency).

By Marcela Sanchez and Jackie Caverly

Did you know that people in Chile don’t eat chilis (chili peppers)? Or that tacos, nachos and burritos are Mexican foods and aren’t representative of any other countries in Latin America? Did you know that Mexican cuisine is spicy, but other Latin American countries and Spain prefer non-spicy food? Food is just one aspect of Latin American culture that has become part of our everyday lives here in the United States.

By Jackie Caverly

The recession is being felt by everyone. Everyday lives are being affected in small and significant ways. Stores and restaurants are closing, schools are cutting back and local governments – including libraries – are trimming any place they can. How has the recession affected Hennepin County Library – Eden Prairie? For good reason, we’re busier than ever.