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Library News and Events

Library Holiday Closures 




We're wishing you a safe and restful holiday season this November. To help you plan ahead, please note our adjusted hours for Thanksgiving week:
  • Wednesday, November 26: Closing early at 2:00 PM
  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: Closed
We will reopen on Saturday, November 29 with our regular hours (10:00 AM–2:00 PM). As always, downloadable resources remain available around the clock.
 

family movie event

Wednesday, December 10 from 3:30-5:30 PM
Movie starts at 4:00 PM

The library is hosting a family movie event as well as a meet and greet with our new Youth Services Librarian AJ Jones. Join us for an afternoon of fun, refreshments and holiday cheer! Audience members of all ages are welcome. Bring a blanket, pillow or your favorite stuffie for a cozy afternoon. 

We will be showing the 2018 version of Dr. Seuss' The Grinch, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. This beloved classic is the animated tale of The Grinch and his dog Max and their wild adventure to try and steal Christmas from the joyful town of Whoville. Running time: 1h 30m and MPAA rating is PG. 
 
 

Federal funding and libraries: a news update

November 21, 2025 



On Friday afternoon a federal judge struck down attempts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). This is a major win for libraries and the communities they serve. 

Since April, 21 states' attorneys general have fought President Trump’s executive order to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services. In May, ALA’s lawsuit won a temporary restraining order that prevented the mass layoff of nearly all IMLS employees, just days before it was scheduled to take effect. On November 21, the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island ended the Trump Administration’s attempts to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The decision was issued in response to a lawsuit filed by the Attorneys General of 21 states. 

Learn more here. 

Join our team--we're hiring!

Part Time Library Clerk | 17 - 25 hours a week
First review of applications December 5, 2025



The Grand Marais Public Library has a job opening for a part time Library Clerk.

When you share your excellent customer service skills, attention to detail, interest in libraries, and technology skills with the library, you help inspire a sense of community belonging in Cook County.

Donations


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.

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 23
    Thursday, February 27
    Thursday, March 27
    Thursday, April 24
    Thursday, May 22
    Thursday, June 26
    Thursday, July 24 -- Canceled; no quorum
    Thursday, August 28
    Thursday, Sept 25
    Thursday, October 23
    **Thursday, November 20
    **Thursday, December 18
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

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

The Arrowhead Library System's Mail-A-Book (MAB) program is designed to supply library services to rural and homebound residents. Patrons who qualify may order materials which will then be mailed to them at no cost. Mail-A-Book is not an eBooks or downloadable materials service, and it is available to rural residents in Cook County. It is also available to all home-bound city residents, whether the situation is short-term or long-term. This tax-supported program provides library service directly to your home. ALS pays return postage for the items they own.

Find out more here, or call 218-741-3840 to speak directly with an Mail-A-Book librarian.

**To order books by mail, be sure to call the number above, which connects you to a librarian at the Arrowhead Library System office, which is set up to serve this mail-based program.**

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.