February 19, 2026

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Receives $10,000 Gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York

WHAT:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (BVMPL) received a $10,000 gift from Carnegie Corporation of New York, the foundation established by Andrew Carnegie. The award is part of Carnegie Libraries 250, a special initiative celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and honoring the roughly 1,280 Carnegie Libraries still serving their communities across the United States.

Scottish immigrant Andrew Carnegie funded the construction of 1,681 free public libraries nationwide between 1886 and 1917. Approximately 750 of them continue to use their original buildings, while others have moved to new locations. BVMPL is one of eight Carnegie Public Libraries in North Dakota built through this historic program. 

“Our library was founded in 1917 thanks to funding from the Carnegie Corporation. We take pride in having this historical connection and are grateful to be part of this generous grant initiative over a century later,” said Library Director Christine Kujawa. 

“Our founder, Andrew Carnegie, who championed the free public library movement of the late 19th century, described libraries as ‘cradles of democracy’ that ‘strengthen the democratic idea, the equality of the citizen, and the royalty of man,’” said Dame Louise Richardson, president of Carnegie and former head of the University of Oxford. “We still believe this and are delighted to celebrate our connection to the libraries he founded.” 

BVMPL received the gift in February 2026 and will use the unrestricted funds to further their mission and serve the community. 

PHOTO:

Carnegie Library Exterior, 6th Street and Thayer Avenue, 1917

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christine Kujawa, Library DirectorBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

October 10, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Receives 2024 Future-Focused Recognition

WHAT:

The Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library (BVMPL) has once again been recognized for excellence in library service, receiving the 2024 Future-Focused recognition through the North Dakota Library Coordinating Council and the North Dakota State Library. The honor was announced during the 2025 NDLA/SDLA/MPLA Tri-Conference in Grand Forks, North Dakota.

To earn the Future-Focused designation, libraries must meet all criteria at the Developing, Excelling, and Future-Focused service levels, with increasing expectations across areas such as programs, community outreach, local support, policy development, budgeting, and professional standards.

BVMPL is one of four, among the 84 public libraries statewide, to receive this distinction and has earned the recognition multiple times, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation, accessibility, and community engagement.

“This recognition highlights our library’s dedication to providing exceptional service and fostering lifelong learning for all,” said Christine Kujawa, Library Director. “We’re honored to be recognized among North Dakota’s leading public libraries.”

WHO:

Pictured (L to R): ND State Librarian Mary Soucie and BVMPL Director Christine Kujawa - Grand Forks, ND - 2025 NDLA/SDLA/MPLA Tri-Conference

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

Christine Kujawa, Library DirectorBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library

June 04, 2025

MEDIA ADVISORY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Offers Radon Detectors

WHAT:

In a significant partnership with the UND School of Medicine & Health Sciences and the American Cancer Society, Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library has added digital radon detector kits to its “library of things,” available for 14-day checkout. This new offering, backed by these reputable organizations, helps residents identify and respond to elevated radon levels in their homes.

Radon, an invisible, odorless radioactive gas, is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. In North Dakota, where two in three homes exceed the EPA’s recommended levels, the prevalence of radon is a serious concern. Winter, when homes are sealed tightly, is the ideal time to test.

Each kit includes instructions for proper use, allowing patrons to monitor their homes safely. If readings exceed 4 pCi/L, which is the EPA’s recommended action level, remediation is recommended. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/radon or deq.nd.gov/wm/radon.

WHERE:

Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library Checkout Desk

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:

MATT HOVLAND, HEAD OF CIRCULATION SERVICESBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library515 North Fifth Street, Bismarck, ND 58501 USA

MEDIA KIT:    bismarcklibrary.org/2221/For-the-Media

SOCIAL MEDIA:    facebook.com/bismarcklibrary/

SENT BY:Kevin R. Tengesdal, Public Information SpecialistBismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library