All Together Now

Summer Reading at Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library is a wrap! The summer reading program kicked off with a party on the plaza in early June. It culminated with an ice cream social in late July. The theme “All Together Now” was about paying it forward and embracing community. The readers took to the challenge, collectively logging over 4,100 hours of reading. Instead of accumulating hours of reading to earn a prize, each hour was converted into a vote for one of five local nonprofit organizations. The clear favorite was Central Dakoka Humane Society, which ultimately received the grand prize of $1,500. The other four nonprofits (United Way’s Backpack Program, Global Neighbors, Sporting Chance, and Mentor Squad) received many votes, each receiving a prize of $250.

Second Annual Librarypalooza

Our 2nd annual Librarypalooza open house event was a huge success! We welcomed 400+ people on a beautiful summer evening to explore all the library offers and enjoy some fun free activities, food, music, and more. A huge thank you goes out to the Friends of the Bismarck Public Library for sponsoring and spearheading this fantastic community event. Check out the slideshow!

We welcome Christopher Remme (Chris) as the library’s new Technology Manager. Before joining our team, Chris worked for the University of North Dakota since 2013 in their University Information Technology department, most recently as their Director of Customer Engagement & Support. Before that, he provided IT support for the University of Mary.



Chris enjoys non-fiction, biographies, documentaries, history, and some historical fiction, especially from Dan Brown, Jack Carr, and Carl Sagan. He recently finished “Thief River Falls” by Brian Freeman. This title isn’t one of his typical types of reads. Still, he has family from Thief River Falls, and curiosity won him over. Chris says, “It was a good read and I’m glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone to read it.” Chris and his wife are “foodies” -- they love to travel and try out new foods and local favorites. They have two sons, two daughters, a few grandchildren, and two Boston Terriers, Winston and Dexter.

September is Library Card Sign-up Month!

September is Library Card Sign-up Month when Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (BVMPL) joins the American Library Association (ALA) and libraries nationwide to remind everyone about the valuable resources available with a library card. From borrowing books, ebooks, and audiobooks to getting homework help, learning new skills, or attending a book club or story time, a library card helps everyone do more of what they enjoy. 

BVMPL continues to adapt and expand services to meet the evolving needs of our community. Your new library card is FREE to those residing in Burleigh County. And there are NO overdue fines on anything you borrow! Stop by the library circulation desk with your current photo ID, and we will set you up on the spot. You can also sign up online if that is more convenient!

Jerry Barlow: Celtic Guitarist and Storyteller

Sunday, September 10, 2:00 PM

Meeting Room A

Please join us for an upbeat afternoon performance with Jerry Barlow, Celtic guitarist and storyteller. Barlow is a virtuoso guitarist and extraordinary storyteller who also sings a bit –sometimes in Gaelic. This year’s program focuses on the medieval period of Scottish, Irish, and English history…a time of incredible legend and lore. His new CD, Of Castles and Kings, captures much of the music from this program. If you are so inclined, there will be plenty of opportunity for some sing-along, some toe-tapping, and even some step dancing. The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library sponsors this concert.

Library Game Night

Thursday, September 28, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Meeting Room A

We love board games, and we know you do too! Join us for game night to meet new people and try out some fun games from the library's extensive collection. Open to all ages, there will be board games, card games, group games, and games for kids - plus fresh popcorn!

Teen HQ

Mondays through Thursdays

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

HQ program coordinator Jennie is excited to announce that Teen HQ Walk-in Hours are back! Teen HQ will be open for walk-in use for teens in grades 6-12 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Thursday. Please stop by to see what's happening -- it's the perfect go-to place for studying, crafting, hanging out with friends, and so much more!

Book Clubs

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library offers a variety of book clubs for patrons to gather and discuss their love of books. Please check the calendar to ensure an event is scheduled on the date you wish to attend. These groups are free and open to all; no registration is required. 

Fall Used Book Sale Donation Drive

Monday, September 11, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

Do you still have books, games, puzzles, or DVDs in good condition that you’d like to donate for the upcoming used book sale? We’ll take them! And we’ll help you unload them from your vehicle! Please bring your donations to the library’s main entrance between 10 AM and 5 PM, and our volunteers will give you a hand.

Love the Library? Be a Friend!

The Friends of the Bismarck Public Library is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing public awareness and use of the library through cultural, educational, and social activities. The Friends also raises funds to supplement and enhance library programs and services. There are many ways to get involved and support the Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library by volunteering with Friends of the Library activities! 

If you love the library, show your support by becoming a Friend today!