Construction on the addition to the Grand Marais Public Library is moving along quickly. The footings and foundation are finished and the interior has been gutted. Soon bathroom demolition and removal of the east and south walls will begin.
The Grand Marias Public Library has left its downtown site at 104 Second Avenue West and is settling in to its temporary space at Cook County High School. The library closed for one week and in that time managed to move books, computers, office equipment, and furniture to the former district office and Jane Mianowski Conference Center.
Library Director Linda Chappell said, “The space is fairly tight, but we were able to take all of our adult, juvenile and young adult book collections with us. Our reference books and some picture books are in storage at the school. We are able to borrow books and movies from other libraries through Interlibrary Loan in case someone needs a book or movie that is unavailable in Grand Marais.
“Computer users are happy that we moved our wi-fi and T1 Internet access to the school site.
“The online catalog and children’s games computers as well as our Xbox 360 are set up and ready to go.
“It is a good idea to call and make a reservation on the day you want to use a computer because we are getting busier now that summer has arrived.”
Left: The old library space has been emptied out and looks rather large now. The existing space will be renovated along with the construction of an addition to the building.
Renovation on the old library is moving along quickly. The footings and foundation are finished and the interior has been gutted. All carpet, interior windows, and light fixtures have been removed, and the electrical service is being relocated. Next steps include bathroom demolition, cutting new channels into the concrete floor for computer cabling and removal of the east and south walls.
“It is going to be a busy summer,” Chappell said, “and the library board is excited to see the community’s request for an expanded library being met. Please watch the News-Herald and our website, www.grandmaraislibrary.org, for updates on the library’s progress.”
Right: Library services have been temporarily relocated to the former district office and Jane Mianowski Conference Center at Cook County High School.
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