​A Good Library Needs Good Friends!

The Brainerd Minnesota Friends Board of Directors

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library President: Sheila DeChantal

Sheila is a lifelong book lover and received the "bookworm Award" in 3rd grade.  (She is still proud of this award). In her free time, she enjoys biking, running, and rollerblading, hanging out with family and friends, as well as reading books and listening to audio.  Sheila writes book reviews and women's interest articles for  Her Voice magazine, as well as enjoys writing bookish topics for her website Book Journey. She volunteers through her church, and community, and is a Board Member for Camp Benedict - a camp for those infected and affected by AIDS, as well as a City Board Member for The Brainerd Library and a State Board Member for the Minnesota Association of Library Friends.  She has 18 years of Management and Promotional Event experience.

3rd  3 Year Term ends February 2024

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Vice President: Doreen Eiesland

Doreen retired as a regional program manager from the Department of Human Services after nearly 34 years. In the next phase of her life, she enjoys traveling, meeting new people, gardening, reading, spending time with family, volunteering, and learning something new every day.

2nd 3 Year Term ends February 2023

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Treasurer: Mary Susan Anderson

Mary Susan Anderson was born and raised in Fort Wayne, IN, and graduated from Ball State University. She spent 30 years as a CPA in Rochester, MN. In retirement, Mary Susan enjoys reading, biking, knitting, gardening, and kayaking on North Long Lake. She is pleased to be part of the Friends of the Brainerd Public Library as the treasurer.

1st 3 Year Term ends February 2025

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Secretary: Judy Rardin

Judy started as a volunteer with the Friends of the Library book sales, following her recent retirement, now serving as Book Sale Co-Chair.  As a non-traditional college student, she graduated from the Minnesota University system with a B.S. degree while working full time and raising a family, Judy worked 42+ years for the State of MN Human Services Division.  Her favorite genres include mystery/suspense, pioneer, and WWII biographies. Family, travel, photography, home gardening, and landscaping are among her favorite activities.

2nd 3 Year Term ends February 2024

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Member: Rita Hamann

Rita is retired after 36 years at Brainerd Regional Human Services Center (BRHSC).  She serves as Book Sale Co-Chair for the Friends.  She enjoys gardening, sewing, and camping in their travel trailer at State Parks.  Of course, Rita is also a big fan of books, especially mysteries.

3rd 3 Year Term ends February 2023

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Member: Lily Atwel

Lily lives in Brainerd and has recently retired from (MN) State Services for the blind where she was employed for twenty years.  She earned an MS Degree at MN State University and was employed there for ten years before moving to Brainerd.  Besides her interest in the Library and reading, Lily enjoys art and is presently involved in two local art clubs, and related activities.  She enjoys designing and creating greeting cards, art projects, and participating in Quilts For Kids.

3rd 3 Year Term ends February 2023

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Member: Amy Johnson

Amy lives with her family in Fort Ripley, MN. She works for ISD 181. Her love for reading started as an adult and continues to grow. Along with reading she enjoys running, gardening, traveling, and shopping.

1st 3 Year Term ends February 2024

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Member: Diane Runberg

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Diane is a longtime Brainerd resident, graduating from Washington High School, (now Brainerd High School), and St Cloud State University.  After careers in banking and real estate appraising, she is enjoying retirement and the chance to volunteer at some of her favorite activities, including reading and art.  She paints and participates in local art shows, and art groups, and is currently co-president of Central Minnesota Watercolorists, secretary of the Brainerd Area Art Guild, and on the Board of Artists of Mn.  Sharing art with kindergartners at Garfield is a special joy.  The Brainerd Public Library has always been important to her. Husband Jim’s Aunt Helen Runberg was head librarian for years! Retirement has given me more time for travel and family, especially a new great grand baby.

1st 3 Year Term ends February 2025

Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board Member: Laurie Wig

Laurie grew up on North 7th St. where she spent hundreds of hours in the air-conditioned refuge of the Brainerd Carnegie Library basement. After graduating from St. Catherine University, she returned to the area as an elementary school teacher. Laurie spent 34 years in a variety of educational roles, but retired in 2021 from her favorite  - 5th-grade reading & writing! Today, she still works part-time in curriculum design at Forestview Middle School, but finds much more time for reading, travel, and family.

1st 3 Year Term ends February 2025

The Friends Of The Brainerd Public Library Board of Directors consists of 9 members, including the officers.  Vacancies on the board will be filled through appointment by the President Of The Board, subject to the approval by a majority of the Board Of Directors.