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Library News and Events

THe Skally Line old-time stringband music

Saturday March 21 at 12:30pm
Free and welcome to all


The Skally Line presents traditional, foot stomping music paired with enduring stories. They will beguile you with a broad repertoire of original music all about Minnesota people, places and events. This riveting concert weaves together tales and tunes with string band music, Irish folk tunes and old ballads. Skally Line brings to life outrageous, funny, and touching stories of the past!

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

Friday Night Reels--CHinaTown

Friday March 20 at 6pm


Considered a landmark of American cinema, Chinatown follows private detective J.J. “Jake” Gittes (Jack Nicholson), who is hired to investigate a seemingly routine case of infidelity. The investigation soon draws him into a complex web of political corruption and devastating family secrets. A defining work of neo-noir, the film exposes the moral rot beneath 1930s Los Angeles and culminates in one of the most enduring endings in film history.

This program is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.
Intended for adult audiences. Viewer discretion advised.
 

we're hiring. JOIN OUR TEAM!


Grand Marais Public Library, a department of the City of Grand Marais, is currently hiring a part time library clerk and a full time youth librarian. Learn more about the positions below. 



PART TIME LIBRARY CLERK
Date Posted: March 17, 2026
Compensation: $19.73 per hour to start
Open until filled, applications welcome

The Grand Marais Public Library is seeking 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. You also encourage literacy and support the lifelong love of learning.

Access the job application and more detailed description at www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/apply.

YOUTH LIBRARIAN
Date Posted: Monday, February 2, 2026
Compensation: $24.37 per hour to start
Hours: 40 hours per week – Full Time
Open until filled, applications welcome

The Grand Marais Public Library is seeking a creative, community-oriented individual to join our team as a librarian. With an emphasis on youth services, this position plays a vital role in promoting early literacy and lifelong learning by providing inclusive, engaging library services for children and teens (ages 0–18), as well as their caregivers, educators, and families.

Access the job application and more detailed description at www.ci.grand-marais.mn.us/apply.

Contact:
Ms. Elektra Branwen, Library Director
218-387-1140 | elektra.branwen@alslib.info

WInter reading program is winding down

January 12, 2026 - March 27, 2026




We're nearing the end of this year's winter reading program. Whether you followed the trail to a new author, rediscovered an old favorite, or simply enjoyed the hunt, we’re glad you joined in the adventure this winter.

ATTENTION ALL BINGO PLAYERS: 

Adult readers may continue claiming BINGOs until 2:59 PM on Friday, March 27. The final prize basket winner will be drawn at 3:00 PM that day.

Youth readers may claim their grand prize anytime between now and the end of March. Each youth reader may claim one grand prize, with the prize level based on the number of BINGOs completed.

Thanks for reading and playing along with us this winter. We love seeing the creativity and enthusiasm our community brings to the challenge, and we’re already thinking about ways to make next year’s program even more fun. If you have ideas or feedback, we’d love to hear them—and we hope you’ll join us again for the next adventure.
 

tax season is here!



Here's what we offer: 
  • Free printed copies of federal 1040 forms and instructions for individuals in English and Spanish.
  • Free access to the Internet to access more forms, instructions, and tax programs.
  • Document scanning technology at no cost to you. 
  • Photocopies and printing:  
    • 20¢ per side black and white, or 80¢ per side for color.
  • Faxing: 
    • 50¢ per page up to a maximum of $5.00. 
  • This link to the IRS website for federal forms and contact information.  
  • This link to the Minnesota Department of Revenue for their forms and contact information.
Because they aren't provided to libraries, we do not carry: 
  • Federal forms for businesses 
  • State forms for individuals or businesses 
Did you know about VITA?
  • Volunteer income tax assistance
  • Every Tuesday at the Community Center
  • Providing assistance with income tax returns for those over 60 and those with low-to-moderate income. 
  • Available Tuesdays 9 AM - 3PM in the community room.

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.