History of Friends of the Deep Valley Libraries

The Friends of the Library was founded in 1977.  It began as an outgrowth of the Maud Hart Lovelace Adhoc Committee. This committee was formed to raise money for the mural in the Maud Hart Lovelace Wing at the Blue Earth County Library (which is located in Mankato). The group then became the Friends of the Deep Valley Libraries. This group supports libraries in Mankato, North Mankato, Lake Crystal, and Mapleton.  

The name, “The Friends of the Deep Valley Library”, was chosen to honor the famous Mankato-born author of children’s books Maud Hart Lovelace. The mission of the Friends of the Deep Valley Library is:

• To enhance reading and learning opportunities in the communities of the Deep Valley Libraries.

• To enhance the reading and learning opportunities provided by the Deep Valley Libraries.

• To support the functions of the Deep Valley libraries so they may offer enhanced reading and learning opportunities.