Media Release from the Grand Marais Public Library - August 13, 2018

Minnesota State Libraries Services reports that libraries are vital to the state. In a recent update, the state reports library usage in 2017 remains high. 

In Cook County during the year, the Grand Marais Public Library was visited 63,000 times, circulated more than 69,000 items, conducted more than 2,900 reference transactions, and hosted 129 programs attended by more than 3,000 individuals. The library collection includes more than 23,000 items, plus access to nearly 50,000 ebooks and downloadable audiobooks via the Arrowhead Library System shared collections. 

Meanwhile, statewide InterLibrary Loan infrastructure makes it easy to obtain materials that are not owned locally.

The summary report for the entire state of Minnesota follows:

Data rules because taxpayers and purse-string holders have always demanded accountability, and public libraries have always employed data analysis to help make their case. As quality control and continuous improvement guru William Edwards Deming said, “Without data you’re just another person with an opinion.”  

Public libraries are mandated by statute to submit annual reports to the Department of Education each year. A portion of the annual data is also submitted to the Institute of Museums and Library Services for the Public Libraries in the United States Survey. Thanks to all the library directors and filers who submitted their 2017 Public Library Reports. State Library Services greatly appreciates your time and expertise. 

Seventy percent or nearly seven out of every 10 Minnesotans has a public library card. In 2017, library users made over 23 million visits to Minnesota’s 355 public library locations. They borrowed or downloaded 49 million library materials, asked 3.4 million reference questions and connected to the Internet during 10.9 million sessions. Over 1.6 million visitors attended library programs. Reports include other data for services, staffing, facilities, and community engagement as well as detailed financial information.

Individual reports for each of Minnesota’s 141 libraries are available from Public Library Reports on the Minnesota Department of Education website. Select the first letter of the library’s name to view an alphabetical list of libraries. The directory includes annual reports from 2010 to 2017.

Contact: Steve Harsin, Director =, the Grand Marais Public library

(218) 387-1140 - [email protected]