The Grand Marais Public Library is seeing a lot of business after its expansion and renovation. It has gone high-tech, offering not only Internet access, but Ipads, Nooks, and Kindles that can be checked out to read e-books and online magazines. The interlibrary loan system expands the library’s capacity even more.
When I moved back home to Cook County after getting my master’s degree, I walked into the Grand Marais Public Library one day to see if I could find a book. What I found was a whole lot more!
I was amazed to see that our library also had videos, WiFi access, and computers for Internet use. I was totally awestruck. As I requested various items through interlibrary loan, I learned that our library is networked with almost every other library in the state. If the book or movie that I want is not in the Grand Marais collection, it can be ordered for me. Our library is part of the Arrowhead Regional Library System. Twentynine public libraries and many school libraries, including the Cook County School District, work together to share resources and help library patrons get what they are looking for. However, the collaborative effort gets even bigger.
Our library is also a part of MnLink, which is the statewide library system. I have to admit, I never knew where Lake Agazziz was, but they have sent me many books and movies over the years, along with lots of items from the Twin Cities. I was amazed to learn that I can order any book or movie available on the shared state catalog from the comfort of my own home. That’s exciting! This 24/7 service allows me to place orders for books and movies even when the library is closed.
The Grand Marais Library may be one small piece in a big picture; however it is a very important part. In the past eight years, I have enjoyed watching our library grow and eventually did what any person who loves libraries should do—I joined the library board. In my short time on the library board, I have been part of many fun projects. The first thing was working through the complex process of designing and building an addition and renovating the library building using the 1 percent county tax fund. What a change that project has brought! The library has room for more programs and attendance is up by the hundreds. Last, but not least, I got to help pick out new furniture. Yes, our library is now complete with attractive, durable, comfortable furniture.
I have seen the rise in Wi-Fi Internet use and helped approve new services such as e-books and online magazines. Our library now owns Ipads, Nooks, and Kindles to be checked out for downloading and reading electronic books on the Overdrive system. This system allows owners of portable devices to check out E-books and audio books. Zinio can be used to read popular magazines online using tablets, smart phones, computers and most portable devices that can connect to the Internet.
As fun as it has been to watch the development of library use from home, the fun of going to the library never gets old. From the teen lounge area to the Preschool picture book bins, to the Quiet Reading Room for users who still crave the quiet hush of traditional libraries, everyone can find a comfortable place to sit and enjoy. The library board has also encouraged director Linda Chappell to present more special events at the library. She has arranged for excellent programs, ranging from music to magic and poetry to drama, provided by Minnesota Arts and Recreation Fund.
The greatest part of living in Cook County is that it is unique and our library is no exception. For a small rural area, our library is top notch, earning a Five Star rating the last five years from Library Journal. This is not an easy task and takes many people working together to make it happen. Our library staff is incredible. Their teamwork keeps things running smoothly day-to-day and combines with the longrange vision of the library board to plan for exciting future services. So, stop in and check out what the Grand Marais Public Library has for you. It’s fun to be surprised like I was!
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