Hanska area kids gather outside the community library for a special check passing. Hanska Library received $2,000 from New Ulm Area Foundation (NUAF) for summer programming. Back row: L to R: Rose Suess, Library Board secretary Mikra Meyers, Kazley Loose, Library Director Angela Pick, Rylen Meyer, Jaelynn Larson, Hayden Bellefeuille, Nova Bock, Natalie Schultz, Avery Bellefeuille and New Ulm Foundation Director (NUAF) John Illikman. Front row: L to R: Tallon Loose, Kate Anderson, Anga Goblirsch, Nolan Schultz, Leo Bellefeuille, Bentley Johnson and Liam Schultz.

HANSKA – The Hanska Library was awarded $2,000 from New Ulm Area Foundation (NUAF) to assist with summer library programming.

Hanska Library director Angela Pick said the money would be used to pay for the prizes they offered in their summer reading program. Kids who read for a certain amount of time receive special tickets they can turn in for prizes. Pick said the program is inclusive to offer different level of readers a chance to participate. In fact, because of the NUAF donation the reading program was expanded to include adults. Pick said adults get a ticket for each book they read.

Other programs at the Hanska Library include “Hanska Helpers.” This is a program in which senior citizens who need odd chores done may fill out an application. On Monday, Pick will gather all the children visiting the library to assist with the chores. Pick said after last week’s storms there were many in the community who needed help with cleanup.

NUAF executive director John Illikman said this program met the foundation’s education pillar, but it also meant with the NUAF board’s commitment to assisting communities around New Ulm. Illikman said the “A” in NUAF does stand for area and Hanska was within Independent School District 88’s coverage area.