Albert Lea Public Library Newsletter 
April 2026
 
 
New Program: Book Tasting
 
Are you looking for your next great read?
 
Our first ever Book Tasting event will be held on Tuesday, April 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Come and sample a variety of books to find your next satisfying read. Participants will peruse a menu of titles curated by library staff, all available to check out after the program. 
 
Learn more about our Book Tasting event.


NEWS
   Closed for Easter
 
The Albert Lea Public Library will be closed on Sunday, April 5 for Easter.
 
View all closures on our online calendar.
 
Spring Children's Programs Ending April 16
 
Regular children's programs will end on April 16 to give us time to prepare for summer. Programs will start back up the first week of June.
 
Person Shopping for Books
 
Save the Date

The Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale will be held May 14 to 16. Look for more details in our next newsletter!
Summer Fun Guides 
 
Summer Fun Guides will arrive in mailboxes in April. Fun Guides contain information about library summer programs for all ages, as well as information from the Recreation Department, other city departments and community organizations.



UPCOMING EVENTS
Needles, Pins & More 
 Thursday, April 2, 10 a.m. to noon
Computer Lab
 
Learn more about Needles, Pins & More.
 
Tween and Teen Drop-In Crafts
 Wednesday, April 8, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Fiction Library
 
Learn more about Drop-In Crafts.
B.Y.O Lunch & Learn
Thursday, April 9, Noon
City Council Chambers
 
Learn more about B.Y.O Lunch & Learn.
Family Event: Suncatchers
Sunday, April 12, 2 p.m.
Children's Library
   
Learn more about April's Family Event.
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!
 
Tigers Between Empires: The Improbable Return of Great Cats to the Forests of Russia and China by Jonathan C. Slaght
Tigers Between Empires: The Improbable Return of Great Cats to the Forests of Russia and China
by Jonathan C. Slaght

The thrilling saga of the great Amur tiger and the scientists who risked their lives to save it.
Under a Fire-Red Sky by Geraldine McCaughrean
Under a Fire-Red Sky
by Geraldine McCaughrean

With World War II on their doorstep, four teens evade evacuation and remain in London, attempting to aid the Fire Service and keep each other safe during the Blitz.
The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story by Katherine Applegate
The Littlest Elephant: A One and Only Ruby Story
by Katherine Applegate

Ruby is the littlest elephant in the herd at the animal sanctuary, where she lives near her best friends Ivan the silverback gorilla and Bob the lovable mutt. Ruby loves all the things that make being an elephant fun, like splashing in muddy puddles and spraying water through her trunk. But there are parts of being an elephant that she doesn't love so much, like her new tusks. The herd is preparing for Ruby's Tusk day, a day to celebrate the fact that Ruby is growing up, and for remembering. Ruby has lots of happy memories, but she also has lots of sad ones, ones that are hard to think about. Surrounded by the love of her herd and her friends, the littlest elephant will see that growing up doesn't have to be scary, and that remembering the darkness can help us appreciate the light. This beautiful and poignant story shows readers the importance of honoring the past, cherishing the present, and facing the future without fear.

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