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Library News and Events

winter weather & Library closures


When winter storms arise, Grand Marais Public Library will communicate closures and late openings here, on our website, as well as via boreal.org, WTIP and our Facebook page. We encourage you to call the library before leaving home to confirm that we are open.

The following closures are scheduled:
  • Christmas Eve: Tuesday, December 24
  • Christmas Day: Wednesday, December 25
  • New Year's Day: Wednesday, January 1
  • Monday, January 6 - Wednesday, January 8 to complete an energy efficiency upgrade. Please note: if weather prevents this work, the closure will be rescheduled to the following Monday through Wednesday.
Connect with the library 24/7. Use LIBBY and the barcode on the back of your library card to access a collection of downloadable eBooks, eAudios and eMagazines any time from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR December

Click here for the December events calendar.
 

Take and make kits are  HERE

We still have kits and will keep distributing until they are claimed.



Grand Marais Public Library will be distributing Felt Mitten and Heart Pockets Take & Create Kits provided by the Arrowhead Library System starting December 2.

This art experience, created by MN Artist Mary Mulari, includes instructions and supplies for creating 6 felt pockets to trim a tree, make a garland, or use as colorful holders for treats, gift cards, or special notes. The pockets can be sewn by hand or machine.

Take & Create Art Kits will include simple instructions and all needed materials, including: felt, assorted ribbons and buttons, an alphabet to trace for monograms, and ideas for personalizing each pocket. The link to a YouTube video showing the steps of making the pockets will also be provided.

This free program is best suited for all ages, but younger children may need help. Please note each location has a limited number of kits.  

This program, sponsored by Arrowhead Library System, was funded in part or in whole with money from Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Energy-efficiency upgrade to be completed

December 18, 2024

The Grand Marais Public Library will be closed for three days—from Monday, January 6, through Wednesday, January 8, 2025. In the event of adverse winter weather, the closure will be rescheduled for the following week.

During this time, the library will complete the final phase of an energy-efficiency upgrade. This upgrade represents a significant step in the library’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, and it will also help the City advance its environmental goals.

An upgraded heating and cooling system
The Board of Trustees initiated this effort in 2022, when they approved the replacement of three outdated mini-split air conditioning units with energy-efficient air source heat pumps. During their September 26, 2024 meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to complete the remaining two-thirds of the project.
The upgraded heating and cooling system will efficiently regulate temperatures throughout the building, be more cost-effective than traditional gas heating systems and significantly reduce energy consumption.

New LED lighting
The upgraded system will complement recent lighting updates. Beginning in 2020, it became difficult to replace burnt out fluorescent bulbs with new bulbs of similar temperature. As a result, the overall lighting was an uncomfortable mix of warm and cool light.

In addition, several ballasts — the devices controlling the lights — were also burnt out. So in 2024, Trustees approved the replacement and retrofitting of fluorescent lamps with advanced LED technology.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
According to Nancy Kelly of the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA), the improved lighting and the installation of the heat pumps will have reduced the library’s annual greenhouse gas emissions by an amount equivalent to planting 12 acres of forest. The completed upgrade will further reduce the library’s energy footprint, and visitors will enjoy a more consistently comfortable environment year round.

Amanda St. John, Director of the Grand Marais Public Library, noted that this project was made possible by generous donors. SMMPA also helped the library pursue energy rebates, which made the upgrades more affordable.

“We are grateful for everyone’s support and patience,” St. John said. “And we are thrilled to create a greener, more energy-efficient space for our patrons.”
 


Donations of Books, magazines, and more



If space permits, the library accepts small donations of books, magazines and DVDs in good condition. Check in at the front desk with your proposed donation.

Do you have a box of books? A bag of magazines? We have suggestions! Call the library at 218-387-1140 to receive referrals on places that may be able to help give the materials a second life.

Please do not abandon unwanted materials in the library, but choose to take responsible action and deliver your items to places that can process them for you.
 


City hall is closed while rebuilding:

here's How to Pay your utility bills

Grand Marais Public Utilities Commission



The City of Grand Marais will be rebuilding City Hall and the Liquor Store. Starting in February, the best way to pay your utilities will be online.

Create an account here.

***3/15/24: FYI***
The company that created an app for this service has discontinued new downloads of their mobile app. Customers who currently have the app can continue to use it but new customers will not be able to download the app. The library offers free public access to computers and the Internet. You're welcome to access the portal online in the library.
 

Book BundLES AVailable

Just fill out one of the Google Sheets linked below, and one of our librarians will assemble 4-6 books customized for you.
 
Click here to request an adult book bundle.

Click here to request a children's book bundle.

Self-service faxing, printing, photocopying, scanning


Grand Marais Public Library provides the public self-service access to a photocopier, printer, and scanner for small scale jobs.
  • Send a fax for 50¢ per page w/ a maximum charge of $5.
  • Scanning to your own flashdrive: FREE
  • Black and white copies: 20¢ per side
  • Color copies: 80¢ per side
When printing more than 100 sheets, or many professional-quality posters, please use an online service or professional printer. Paper Hog, ProPrint, Arrowhead Printing are a few that other community members have recommended. 

Library Board of Trustees' meeting


The Grand Marais Public Library Board of Trustees convenes at 5:00 PM on the following dates. We are meeting in person at the library. The meetings are open to the public. Join us!
  • Thursday, January 25
  • Thursday, February 22
  • Thursday, March 28
  • Thursday, April 25
  • Thursday, May 23
  • Thursday, June 27
  • Thursday, July 25--Canceled
  • Thursday, August 22
  • Thursday, Sept 26
  • Thursday, October 24
  • **Thursday, November 21
  • **Thursday, December 19
The Library is located at 104 2nd Avenue West, Grand Marais, MN 55604. Meetings are streamed live and archived on the City's YouTube channel.
 

creative bug resources


Do you have an ALS library card and Internet acess? Great! You now have unlimited access to more than 1,000 award-winning arts and crafts video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. 

There are creative projects for every occasion with downloadable patterns, templates, and recipes.  The easy-to-navigate website features classes on topics in art and design, sewing, paperwork, holidays and parties, knitting and crochet, quilting, jewelry, and more! Browse by skill difficulty levels, quick or multi-part classes, specialty techniques, or those video tutorials best suited for children.

state parks passes at your library



Through a partnership with the DNR, the library will be circulating two free 7-day vehicle parking passes to visit Minnesota's state parks. A library card is not required for participation.  

The purpose of this program is to make state parks even more accessible to the public by eliminating the entrance fee. Passes are funded by the DNR’s Parks and Trails Legacy Amendment dollars. Folks who try the program will be encouraged to complete a survey. The data are needed to support the program’s continuation. For more information about Minnesota’s parks, visit mndnr.gov.

WOWBRARY email service

A welcoming way to see the newest additions to our collection



WOWbrary is a weekly email showcasing Grand Marais Public Library's newest books, audiobooks, movies, and magazines.

With WOWbrary, you can browse our latest arrivals from home or wherever you have Internet access. You'll learn about bestsellers, cookbooks, mysteries, science books, travel guides, histories, children's titles, health books, science fiction, and more. Read a summary of each title and screen consumer reviews. With links to our catalog, it's easy to place holds on the titles that capture your imagination.


 

For free weekly emails of our latest books, movies, and music, enter your email address:  
 

mail-a-book program for county residents

Listen to this short WTIP audio clip

County folks, we know it can be difficult to return books to Grand Marais Public Library on time. Did you know you can borrow paperback books and other materials from the Arrowhead Library System via u.s. mail free of charge?

The items come to your mailbox; you return them through your mailbox. The same is true for city residents in assisted living. ALS Executive Director Jim Weikum joins Tracy Benson on WTIP to explain:



 

Library Strategic Plan


On February 22, 2024, the Library Board of Trustees adopted the following strategic plan to be carried out over the next three years, or fiscal years 2024 - 2026.

Focus Area 1: The Library inspires robust community involvement.
  • The Library attracts a wide range of stakeholders to participate in its vitality, by establishing relationships with the next generation of library users, strengthening relationships with communities and groups that have cultural or physical barriers to enjoying the library, and forging new strategic partnerships with local businesses.
Focus Area 2: The Library leadership uses financial resources wisely to honor public and private contributions.
  • Library Leadership uses contributions in combination with levied funds to ensure the continuous development of services, supporting personal development of all Cook County residents. To honor public and private contributions the plan will include commitments to 3 key areas:
    • Professional board training on their role in capital planning
    • Regular review of contributions and levied funds to achieve strategic goals
    • Publicize the plan and results 
Focus Area 3: The Library provides staff and leadership the environment and resources they need to provide quality service.
  • The Library supports staff in providing quality service to the community by investing in staff training and development opportunities, as well as the facility, its furnishings, and technologies.
Focus Area 4: The Library provides service to underrepresented and underserved parts of the county.
  • Every community member feels welcome and encouraged to take advantage of library services that meet their needs.