Albert Lea Public Library Newsletter 
March 2026
 
 
New Collection Item: Tonies
 
The Albert Lea Public Library added Tonies and Tonieboxes to our collection last month. Tonieboxes are screen-free devices that use audio storytelling to introduce kids to stories and music and are designed for independent play. 
 
Tonieboxes check out for two weeks and can be placed on hold. The Tonie characters, which play songs and read stories on the Toniebox, checkout for two weeks and cannot be placed on hold. There is a limit of three tonies per card.
 
Stop by the Children's Library to learn more about this new collection item and view what we currently have available in person! You can also browse our collection of Tonies on our catalog. 


NEWS
         
Family Reads
 
 
The Albert Lea Public Library held our annual Family Reads event this December and January.  In total, 29 families participated and read 985 hours. Five families won prize baskets. 
 
Thanks to everyone who participated!
 
Instant Digital Cards in Libby
 
Do you use your phone number (also known as an instant digital card) to access Libby? SELCO voted to discontinue the use of these cards on June 30, 2026.
 
The Albert Lea Public Library will be reaching out to individuals who use an IDC, but to speed up the process you are encouraged to stop by the library to update your account to a full library card or merge your existing account with your existing library card number so you don't miss out on the holds you currently have!



UPCOMING EVENTS
Needles, Pins & More 
 Thursday, March 5, 10 a.m. to noon
Computer Lab
 
Learn more about Needles, Pins & More.
 
Dr. Seuss' Birthday Party
 Sunday, March 8, 2 p.m.
Children's Library
 
Learn more about Dr. Seuss' Birthday Party.
Tween & Teen Drop-in Crafts
Wednesday, March 11, 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Fiction Library
 
Learn more about Tween & Teen Drop-in Crafts.
Pokémon Club
Thursday, March 19, 3:30 p.m.
Children's Library
   
Learn more about Pokémon Club.
Taste Test Challenge 
for Tweens and Teens
Thursday, March 26, 4 p.m.
Fiction Library
Registration required

Learn more about Taste Test Challenge.
Drop-In Crafts for Adults
Tuesday, March 31, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
Fiction Library
 
Learn more about Drop-In Crafts for Adults.
For a full listing of our events, check out our online calendar.
 
STAFF PICKS
Looking for your next read?
Check out some of our recent favorites!
 
The Charmed Library by Jennifer Moorman
The Charmed Library
by Jennifer Moorman

With her signature blend of magical and heartfelt storytelling, USA TODAY bestselling author Jennifer Moorman returns with The Charmed Library, a love letter to libraries, favorite childhood stories, and readers who have fallen for fictional heroes.
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina by Eric Velasquez
The Polar Bear and the Ballerina
by Eric Velasquez

When dancers have a photoshoot at the Central Park Zoo, a young, African American ballerina and a polar bear form a special friendship. When his new friend leaves her scarf behind, the polar bear must venture through Central Park and out into Manhattan to return it before her performance at the Lincoln Center. However, the theater goers eye the strange bear with suspicion. When the ushers won't let him inside, the ballerina comes to his rescue and welcomes him in. The polar bear has dreamed of seeing the ballet, and now he gets to be a part of it in the most surprising way.
Flora Nouveaux: Not Your Grandma's Dried Flowers by Carla Wingett
Flora Nouveaux: Not Your Grandma's Dried Flowers
by Carla Wingett

Embrace the unique and sustainable beauty of dried flowers with this bright, fun, and modern flower book from Carla Wingett, popular flower designer and founder of Idlewild Floral.

Albert Lea Public Library
211 E Clark St.
Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007
(507) 377-4350
alplonline.org