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To the Albert Lea Public Library’s summer reading programming.

Thank you to the Albert Lea Public Library for the start of another great year of summer programming.

The library each summer hosts events and programs for all ages, starting at the beginning of June and continuing through mid-August.

While the most popular programming is for children, the library also has programming for teens and adults.

On Thursday, the library hosted its RAD Zoo reptile and amphibian show, bringing in children and caregivers to the library to see different reptiles and amphibians up close.

Some of the children who attend these events may not otherwise have the opportunity to see these shows, and they provide the chance not only for continued learning but also entertainment.

We encourage parents to take advantage of the programming — whether it be the special events, storytime, Music and Movement, Science Blast, Art Zone or Book Pals. For teens, there are also crafts, book clubs and other arts opportunities.

Thanks to the city, Freeborn County, the Friends of the Library and Legacy grants that make these things possible.

To the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club and Albert Lea Anglers.

Thank you to the Fountain Lake Sportsmen’s Club and Albert Lea Anglers, who last weekend hosted the annual Take a Kid Fishing Day. At the event, the Sportsmen’s Club gave out hundreds of fishing poles to area youth, and the Anglers prepared each rod with a fishing line, hooks, bobbers and weights. Palmer Minnows donated bait.

Fishing is an activity that children can learn in their youth and take it with them for the rest of their lives.

It provides a positive outlet for people to take part in and gives an opportunity to make memories with friends and family.

Thank you for keeping this event alive and for starting another generation of new fishing enthusiasts.

To all of the hardworking fathers in the community.

Sunday is Father’s Day, and if you forgot it was this weekend, there’s still time to figure out how you want to thank the special father figures in your lives.

We’d like to take a minute to thank all of the hardworking fathers in the community who provide love and encouragement to their children and who sacrifice to put their families first.

Fathers have the opportunity to teach valuable lessons for their children. And while they may not see it right away, a father’s influence will be felt for years to come.