An old-world tradition is still giving friends in Little Sweden a reason to fika.

“My grandparents especially would have cookies and coffee and sometimes cheese and crackers, midafternoon. It’s what fika is: spending time together and having something to eat and something to drink and taking a break in the afternoon.” Connecting people to the rich culture of the area is part of what Lindsborg Community Library Director Suzanna Swenson does through books. A collection of Scandinavian resources, cookbooks and genealogy line the shelves.

What began as a summer reading program with 200 borrowed books in 1960 has grown into a full-service library that houses more than 30,000 books, movies, magazines, interlibrary loan, and free internet. Though fines were originally 2 cents per day, the library now loans items without late charges but does accept donations. Because of the generosity of the community and some municipal funding, the library collection continues to expand, serving a wider variety of ages and interests. A group of volunteers, the Friends of the Lindsborg Library (FoLL), helps promote and fund the library's summer reading program, educational movie licensing, and additional special projects via the annual spring book sale and patron membership.

"Fika has been more of a thing lately in Lindsborg," Swenson said. Judging by the lingering crowds at nearby coffee shops like Blacksmith Roastery, Courtyard Bakery & Kafe, The White Peacock, and various restaurants, the tradition of enjoying fika together stands strong.