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Grand Marais Public Library reopened its building to the public on Monday, May 9, after sustaining a month’s worth of flooding. Public access to the collection, computers, and conference room have been restored, and the library is operating its normal hours. With significant restoration work expected, staff anticipate fluctuations in service levels will continue this summer.
“It’s so good to be open again,” said Library Director Amanda St. John. “I don’t think our staff was going to rest until this moment happened. We can feel the joy emanating from patrons as they pass through the lobby into the stacks.”
St. John explained that the building last experienced flooding activity the weekend of April 24th. Since then, staff efforts shifted from flood recovery to preparing the library for public access. Foundation and waterproofing experts are being consulted for repairs to prevent the library from flooding again. Once the repairs are made, drywall will need to be refinished, and carpet tiles must be replaced. In the meantime, some of the staff are utilizing the magazine room as a temporary workspace, and in-person programs scheduled for June will be held off site.
It is Grand Marais Public Library’s mission to increase knowledge, inspire creativity, remove barriers, and build community across Cook County. Learn more about free take and make kits, State Parks Passes, and the early literacy Reading Ready program by calling the library at 218-387- 1140.
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