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AAALibrary News and Events
snow better time to read!
All Ages Winter Reading Program, January 13-March 28, 2025
Library Bingo cards are now available for pickup at the library or, you can print one out by clicking HERE. Cards contain squares with categories of books to read, such as “Minnesota author” or “Published in the past year,” and activities, such as attending a library program or watching a movie based on a book.For adults, every “bingo” (five squares in a row in any direction) earns a chance at a grand prize as well as smaller prizes like candy and coupons to local businesses.
For kids, the first bingo earns a certificate for a free book from Drury Lane, generously sponsored by the Library Friends of Cook County. Subsequent bingos earn small prizes and determine the size of the grand prize at the end of the program. The more bingos the bigger the prize!
Kids’ grand prizes include Lego sets, book-and-plush-toy sets, gaming accessories, and art supplies. For adults, there are five grand prize bundles: a Hygge Bundle, a Date Night Bundle, a Readers’ and Writers’ Bundle, a Maker’s Bundle, and a Cozy Kitchen Bundle. Grand prize bundles include themed books, accessories, toys, treats, and gift certificates to local businesses.
The Winter Reading Program is made possible by the Arrowhead Library System, funding from the Library Friends of Cook County, and donations from local businesses.
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.
The Grand Marais Public Library is delighted to host geologist Al Trippel to present on the geology of the North Shore on Wednesday, January 22, from 6-8 PM.
In this presentation, Al Trippel will explain the geological and historical context to the rocks we find, whether washing up on the shores of Lake Superior or unearthing themselves on the Superior Hiking Trail. Cook County is home to a variety of rock types, some common and some extremely rare on earth. The presentation will show us where we sit in the regional “big picture” of the Canadian Shield “stable” craton.
The presentation will include a slide show, exemplary rocks, as well as digital and print resources about how and where to find agates and other fascinating rocks and minerals. A question and answer session and rock-identification segment will conclude the presentation. If bringing in rocks for identification, limit your rock-ID questions to two rocks per person, for time will be limited.
This free program is for rock hounds of all ages.
Al Trippel lives in Grand Marais and grew up around rocks in the Midwest and Western US. From a childhood hobby, to high school job, to career in mining, and now a passion during retirement (actually it’s “refirement”), rocks continue to awe and inspire him. Much of his lapidary and jewelry making utilize rocks and minerals found along the way.
The Grand Marais Public Library is proud to present a writing workshop on place and setting from award-winning novelist Brian Malloy, on Wednesday, January 29, from 6-8 PM.
“This free creative writing session is for beginners and those who’d like a refresher,” writes Malloy. “We’ll discuss and practice strategies to make the places we write about (fictional or real) come alive on the page.”
This workshop will be geared toward adults and youth, ages fourteen and above. Attendees should bring paper and a pen or pencil. No sign-up is required, though it is helpful to mark that you are attending on the Library’s Facebook event page.
This workshop is the first of twelve. With exception of the June 14 workshop, all workshops will take place from 6-8 PM on Wednesday evenings. The schedule is as follows:
January 29: Place & Setting
February 12: Scene, Summary, & Flashback
February 19: Figurative Language, Sensory Imagery, & More!
March 5: Real People & Fictional Characters
April 2: Starting Your Screenplay
May 7: Writer’s Block
June 14: Pride Edition - Writing Your Coming Out Story, *Saturday time TBA
July 9: Funny Stuff
September 10: Point of View
October 29: Personal Essay
November 12: Novel Structures
November 19: Novel Subplots
Brian Malloy is the author of novels The Year of Ice (St. Martin's Press), Brendan Wolf (St. Martin's Press), After Francesco (Kensington), and the young adult novel Twelve Long Months (Scholastic). His novels have been a New York Times New and Notable title, an Oprah Daily pick, a Women's National Book Association Great Group Reads selection, and a Book Sense Pick. His nonfiction has appeared in Minnesota Monthly, OUT, and the Lambda Award winning anthology, The Man I Might Become: Gay Men Write About Their Fathers (Marlow & Co.). Honors include the Minnesota Book Award, the American Library Association's Alex Award, the Bloomsday Award for Irish American Literature, the Loft Literary Center’s Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, and grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, de Groot Foundation, Jerome Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
The Grand Marais Public Library is excited to host a beginner knitting class with Dorothy Broomall, owner of the local knit shop Dappled Fern Fibers. In a warm and cozy place in the library, Dorothy will help beginner knitters and intermediate knitters in search of a refresher. Each session focuses on a different basic knitting skill. By the end of the series, you will have all the skills you need to make an Artist Point Cowl if you would like to continue knitting!
You can attend all sessions or choose the ones you are most interested in. No sign-up required. Yarn and needles will be provided.
The classes will take place on Thursdays from 10-11 AM. Dates and topics are as follows:
January 16 – Casting On
January 23 – Knit Stitch
January 30 – Purl Stitch
February 6 – Fixing Mistakes
*NO CLASS FEBRUARY 13*
February 20 – Increase & Decrease
February 27 – Reading a Pattern
Thank you, everyone, for your patience while Air Source Heat Pumps were installed at the library. Work will continue on Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28 The library will remain open with only the affected area closed off.
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.
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.
First review of applications: January 17, 2025
Library clerks work as a team to create a welcoming, comfortable place for the public to explore, learn, create and connect. In addition to processing, shelving and routing library materials, they help people access relevant information, use public access technology including the Internet or photocopier, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Through high quality customer service, they build relationships with folks from all walks and stages of life. In doing so, they foster a sense of
community belonging for all Cook County’s residents and visitors.
More details, including application materials, are available at the City of Grand Marais' website: https://www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/
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.
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.
Grand Marais Public Library provides the public self-service access to a photocopier, printer, and scanner for small scale jobs.
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!
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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.
Click here to request a children's book bundle.
OCEANS, VOLCANOES, & GLACIERS, OH MY!
A Presentation for Rock Hounds by Geologist Al Trippel -- 1/22/25 | 6-8 PMThe Grand Marais Public Library is delighted to host geologist Al Trippel to present on the geology of the North Shore on Wednesday, January 22, from 6-8 PM.
In this presentation, Al Trippel will explain the geological and historical context to the rocks we find, whether washing up on the shores of Lake Superior or unearthing themselves on the Superior Hiking Trail. Cook County is home to a variety of rock types, some common and some extremely rare on earth. The presentation will show us where we sit in the regional “big picture” of the Canadian Shield “stable” craton.
The presentation will include a slide show, exemplary rocks, as well as digital and print resources about how and where to find agates and other fascinating rocks and minerals. A question and answer session and rock-identification segment will conclude the presentation. If bringing in rocks for identification, limit your rock-ID questions to two rocks per person, for time will be limited.
This free program is for rock hounds of all ages.
Al Trippel lives in Grand Marais and grew up around rocks in the Midwest and Western US. From a childhood hobby, to high school job, to career in mining, and now a passion during retirement (actually it’s “refirement”), rocks continue to awe and inspire him. Much of his lapidary and jewelry making utilize rocks and minerals found along the way.
Writer in Residence: Brian Malloy @ the Library
Award-winning novelist to offer twelve creative writing workshops in 2025The Grand Marais Public Library is proud to present a writing workshop on place and setting from award-winning novelist Brian Malloy, on Wednesday, January 29, from 6-8 PM.
“This free creative writing session is for beginners and those who’d like a refresher,” writes Malloy. “We’ll discuss and practice strategies to make the places we write about (fictional or real) come alive on the page.”
This workshop will be geared toward adults and youth, ages fourteen and above. Attendees should bring paper and a pen or pencil. No sign-up is required, though it is helpful to mark that you are attending on the Library’s Facebook event page.
This workshop is the first of twelve. With exception of the June 14 workshop, all workshops will take place from 6-8 PM on Wednesday evenings. The schedule is as follows:
January 29: Place & Setting
February 12: Scene, Summary, & Flashback
February 19: Figurative Language, Sensory Imagery, & More!
March 5: Real People & Fictional Characters
April 2: Starting Your Screenplay
May 7: Writer’s Block
June 14: Pride Edition - Writing Your Coming Out Story, *Saturday time TBA
July 9: Funny Stuff
September 10: Point of View
October 29: Personal Essay
November 12: Novel Structures
November 19: Novel Subplots
Brian Malloy is the author of novels The Year of Ice (St. Martin's Press), Brendan Wolf (St. Martin's Press), After Francesco (Kensington), and the young adult novel Twelve Long Months (Scholastic). His novels have been a New York Times New and Notable title, an Oprah Daily pick, a Women's National Book Association Great Group Reads selection, and a Book Sense Pick. His nonfiction has appeared in Minnesota Monthly, OUT, and the Lambda Award winning anthology, The Man I Might Become: Gay Men Write About Their Fathers (Marlow & Co.). Honors include the Minnesota Book Award, the American Library Association's Alex Award, the Bloomsday Award for Irish American Literature, the Loft Literary Center’s Excellence in Teaching Fellowship, and grants from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, de Groot Foundation, Jerome Foundation, and the Minnesota State Arts Board.
This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
Free Knitting Class @ the Library
Thursdays from 10-11 AM, Jan 16 - Feb 27The Grand Marais Public Library is excited to host a beginner knitting class with Dorothy Broomall, owner of the local knit shop Dappled Fern Fibers. In a warm and cozy place in the library, Dorothy will help beginner knitters and intermediate knitters in search of a refresher. Each session focuses on a different basic knitting skill. By the end of the series, you will have all the skills you need to make an Artist Point Cowl if you would like to continue knitting!
You can attend all sessions or choose the ones you are most interested in. No sign-up required. Yarn and needles will be provided.
The classes will take place on Thursdays from 10-11 AM. Dates and topics are as follows:
January 16 – Casting On
January 23 – Knit Stitch
January 30 – Purl Stitch
February 6 – Fixing Mistakes
*NO CLASS FEBRUARY 13*
February 20 – Increase & Decrease
February 27 – Reading a Pattern
energy efficiency upgrades: Update
Thank you, everyone, for your patience while Air Source Heat Pumps were installed at the library. Work will continue on Monday, January 27 and Tuesday, January 28 The library will remain open with only the affected area closed off.
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.
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 January
Click here for the January events calendar.Job opening: Part-Time Library clerk
Starting wage: $19.73First review of applications: January 17, 2025
Library clerks work as a team to create a welcoming, comfortable place for the public to explore, learn, create and connect. In addition to processing, shelving and routing library materials, they help people access relevant information, use public access technology including the Internet or photocopier, and inspire a lifelong love of learning. Through high quality customer service, they build relationships with folks from all walks and stages of life. In doing so, they foster a sense of
community belonging for all Cook County’s residents and visitors.
More details, including application materials, are available at the City of Grand Marais' website: https://www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/
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 CommissionThe 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.
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
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 23
Thursday, February 27
Thursday, March 27
Thursday, April 24
Thursday, May 22
Thursday, June 26
Thursday, July 24
Thursday, August 28
Thursday, Sept 25
Thursday, October 23
**Thursday, November 20
**Thursday, December 18
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.
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.
- 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
- 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.
- Every community member feels welcome and encouraged to take advantage of library services that meet their needs.
Tutoring and Online Learning!
Library Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10-5Wednesday 10-8
Saturday 10-2
