Noah Lenstra

In Delaware "The Milton Public Library, Milton Chamber of Commerce and Cape Henlopen School District Mentoring Program are joining forces to present the Milton Community Volunteer and Job Fair: Joining Hands for a Stronger Community Nov. 17" www.capegazette.com/article/milt... #EngagedLibraries

American Horticultural Society gives Johnson City Public Library in Tennessee $8,000 to create a children’s sensory garden that complements the library’s literacy and community programming. www.gardencentermag.com/news/america...

A Long and Fruitful Partnership: Cheshire County Conservation District Awards Keene Public Library Community Partner of the Year Award keenenh.gov/news/a-long-...

In Illinois "Recently, the Westmont Public Library’s Giving Garden project was nominated for and awarded the State Master Gardener Teamwork Award." westmont.illinois.gov/m/newsflash/...

The October 2026 newsletter of Let’s Move in Libraries includes: The Awardees for the Fourth Annual I Partner with My Public Library Awards, A Safe Routes to Libraries update, A webinar recording on physical literacy programs for all ages, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/october-2026...

"The Cuyahoga County Public Library partners with Eddy’s Bike Shop to maintain the bicycles." #EngagedLibraries www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...

Anna Davis spent years as the Bayport-Blue Point librarian. Now - at 100 years old - she drives herself to the Bayport-Blue Point Public Library every Tuesday morning for one hour of exercise greaterlongisland.com/long-island-... #EngagedLibraries

Milwaukee's NPR "highlighting Milwaukee Public Library's partnership with Reach Out and Read, a literacy nonprofit that incorporates books into pediatric care to encourage families to read aloud together." #EngagedLibraries www.wuwm.com/milwaukee-pu...

In Kentucky "The Russell County Public Library officially opened its newest community space, known as “The Green,” with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday." lakercountry.com/2026/09/rcpl...

In British Columbia, Powell River Public Library teams up with Lift Community Services for third annual warm clothing drive. #EngagedLibraries www.prpeak.com/in-the-commu...

In Pennsylvania "Reading District Libraries’ DOR (Dignity, Opportunity, Respect) Committee, in partnership with Berks Nature, will host the next Nature Stroll & Roll on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Berks Nature" #EngagedLibraries www.bctv.org/2026/09/18/n...

New Jersey "event a collaborative effort between the Roxbury Public Library, the Lake Hopatcong Foundation and Roxbury Township Recycling. It brings together local residents and volunteer fixers for an afternoon of repairs, shared skills and community connection" www.tapinto.net/towns/roxbur...

"The Wichita Journalism Collaborative is a coalition of 11 newsrooms and community groups, including The Wichita Eagle and the Wichita Public Library. Raising awareness about literacy struggles part of new initiative, “Beyond Words: Wichita’s Reading Crisis.” www.kansas.com/news/local/a...

In Wisconsin "The Village of Johnson Creek and Johnson Creek Public Library invite families to enjoy a day of fun, learning, and community at the second annual Wellness in the Creek on Saturday, Sept. 19." www.wdtimes.com/news/local/w... #EngagedLibraries

In Pennsylvania "So far this year, the library’s Garden Project has donated more than 1,200 pounds of food to the pantry. During the garden’s 11-year history, it has donated nearly 12,000 pounds of food to the North Pocono Food Pantry" #EngagedLibraries www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/09/08/n...

In Illinois "Kankakee Public Library will unveil its newly redesigned Reading Garden on Thursday, September 10 at 7 p.m., featuring a custom mural celebrating native plants and the library’s core values."  www.shawlocal.com/daily-journa... #EngagedLibraries

Love this new Iowa partnership. www.briarcliff.edu/family-and-f... @librarycolleen.bsky.social #EngagedLibraries

In Alberta "The Chestermere Public Library is introducing a new Borrow a Bike program in partnership with the City of Chestermere. It allows residents to borrow a bike for one day at no cost." strathmorenow.com/articles/new... #EngagedLibraries

The September newsletter is out! Read on for Safe Routes to Libraries news you can use, how to join us for the 4th Annual I Partner with My Public Library Awards Ceremony, news on Extension & library partnerships, and more! #EngagedLibraries letsmovelibraries.org/september-20...

The library received grant funding from the Francis Gertrude Levitt Foundation, with assistance from Library Board Trustee Pat Roth, to help outfit the kitchen with small appliances, pots, pans and other equipment. www.liherald.com/oceanside/st...

"HOPKINSVILLE, KY – The Pennyroyal Arts Council (PACI), in partnership with the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library, invites the community to pack a picnic and dress in their favorite Elizabethan attire for Shakespeare in the Park " christiancountynow.com/news/267762-...

"Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library, in collaboration with UMC Food Ministry, offering complimentary meals and snacks to kids and teens aged 18 and under at select locations throughout the school year." www.wlwt.com/article/cinc... #EngagedLibraries

"In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Dover (Ohio) Public Library will host a tienda and taqueria walking tour Friday, Sept. 4. During the group walking tour, participants will visit two tiendas, or stores, and a taco truck." www.yourohionews.com/tuscarawas-c... #EngagedLibraries

Memory Cafes "a unique partnership between hospitals and libraries that include free monthly meetups and an annual senior prom." #EngagedLibraries www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-n...

In Indiana "The Westfield Washington Public Library (WWPL) and Westfield Washington Township opened the new Read & Roam Garden on Tuesday, Aug. 18, with a ribbon cutting for the new outdoor space." readthereporter.com/read-roam-ga...

BENTON, Ky. — The community gathered at the Marshall County Public Library Benton branch Tuesday to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a community garden and patio space. #EngagedLibraries www.wpsdlocal6.com/news/marshal...

In Michigan "Orion Township Public Library expected to complete a StoryWalk in November using a $16,650 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Foundation" and "Brandon Township Public Library in Ortonville is building one this fall with a $62,000 grant from the Foundation." bridgemi.com/michigan-gov...

In Ontario "Asphodel Norwood Librarian Trish Reed said “Partnerships like these give rural libraries the opportunity to expand their collections with engaging resources that spark curiosity and foster an inquisitive mindset.” www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/life/backpac...

"Since 2023, Brown students matched with the Providence Public Library have helped develop and teach the English-language curriculum for local high schoolers." Learn more about this amazing partnership in this article! www.brown.edu/news/2026-08... #EngagedLibraries

In Kansas, Wichita Public Library teams up with Wichita Journalism Collaborative for Literacy News Fair, "an opportunity to connect with local news and information organizations and agencies that offer literacy resources." www.kmuw.org/education/20... #EngagedLibraries

Carl DiNardo (@redfish-brewfish.bsky.social) & I are excited to announce a call for proposals for a Gaming in Libraries issue of Library Trends! Details here: forms.gle/ZWfQp3EbPTRv... Proposals due Sept 21, 2026. Don't ask us topic questions here, please! See the call for info on how to do that!

"The Conway (NH) Public Library held the groundbreaking of its Library Park Project on Wednesday afternoon, marking the beginning of a community-led investment in a new public gathering space in the heart of Conway Village. www.conwaydailysun.com/news/local/c...

Check out the August newsletter to learn about game-changing grants from the AARP to public libraries, a new library fitness program launching in October, how and why to join the Safe Routes to Libraries learning series, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/august-2026-...

Love this partnership! Madison's Transportation Department is teaming up with Public Health and the Public Library to host informal focus group sessions on the City of Madison’s Vision Zero efforts to improve safety for everyone moving about the city www.madisonpubliclibrary.org/check-it-out...

Sign up for the Safe Routes to Libraries Virtual Learning Series. It's free and starts July 14, led by Safe Routes Partnership & Urban Libraries Council with the first session featuring Taylor Arnold, Makerspace Librarian from Billings Public Library saferoutespartnership.org/event/librar...

Check out the July 2026 Let's Move in Libraries newsletter for An inspiring story from Illinois, news about an outdoor-focused librarian winning a national award, The Safe Routes to Libraries Impact Brief, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/july-2026-ne...

In Indiana "Both Library Director Moore and UW CEO Moira Weir congratulated the team effort and community support that brought this project to fruition" www.eaglecountryonline.com/news/local-n... #EngagedLibraries

"Starting in June, Urban Hikes KC is partnering with the Kansas City Public Library for a free series — in English and Spanish — that tours the neighborhoods of several branches." #EngagedLibraries kclibrary.org/news/2026-06...

Brooklyn Public Library and Brooklyn Museum teamed up to host a block party on Thursday to celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month outside the Cortelyou branch. #EngagedLibraries brooklyneagle.com/393285/brook...

In Ontario, “Summer is often a slower time for donations coming in, so we are so grateful for an initiative like this with our partners at Milton Public Library to help keep our shelves full,” said Jessica Rankin, Director of Early Years Child and Family Services. www.miltontoday.ca/local-news/f...

Our June 2026 newsletter is out! Read on for news on the 2026 I Partner with My Public Library Awards, how public libraries celebrate Bike Month in the US and Canada, the Safe Routes to Libraries Impact Brief, and more! letsmovelibraries.org/june-2026-ne... #EngagedLibraries

Awesome new blog post from Oklahoma Department of Libraries! "From Mustang's IMLS-sponsored greenhouse to the Checotah Library plots, libraries help communities grow in unexpected ways—turning vacant spaces into gardens where customers can learn to grow their own food." oklahoma.gov/libraries/st...

Call for nominations for fourth annual I Partner with My Public Library Awards now open! Learn more and get started here. Nominations will close August 31. letsmovelibraries.org/partner-award/ #EngagedLibraries

In Oklahoma "The Lawton Public Library and Lawton Fire Department are teaming up for a free, family-friendly event to kick off the beginning of summer. The Summer Kickoff party will be held Saturday, May 30." #EngagedLibraries www.lawtonok.gov/m/newsflash/...

In Iowa, "Fairfield Public Library organizing a “bike brigade” to participate in the Independence Day parade on Thursday, July 2, starting at the high school parking lot at 5:30 p.m." www.southeastiowaunion.com/fairfield/ne...

Rebecca Aharrah, Director of the Clarion (PA) Free Library, said “We’re grateful for our partnership with The Arc, which helps the Clarion Free Library serve our community and connect people with meaningful resources.” www.exploreclarion.com/sponsored/20... #EngagedLibraries

"The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) announced today the launch of the Hooks and Books program, a new partnership with public libraries across Massachusetts that provides free access to fishing equipment for local communities." www.mass.gov/news/masswil...

In Wisconsin "The city of Ripon Parks & Recreation Department and the Ripon Public Library hosted their third-annual Kids to Parks Day collaboration on Saturday, May 16 as part of a nationwide effort to encourage children and families to stay active outdoors." www.riponpress.com/news/ripon-p...

Madeline Khair, Sunnyvale's environmental programs manager said “Our partners at the library have always been really supportive of the climate action plan and sustainability goals." www.kqed.org/science/2000... #EngagedLibraries

New Hampshire "program series offered through partnership between Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Walk with a Doc, Whole Foods Market, and Portsmouth Public Library." portsmouthpl.librarycalendar.com/event/walk-5 #EngagedLibraries