The Grand Marais Public Library proudly joins libraries nationwide in celebrating National Friends of the Library Week (October 20–26, 2025) by recognizing the Library Friends of Cook County for their innovative spirit, generous support, and deep commitment to literacy and lifelong learning. 

“This summer, thanks to the Friends’ support, our community truly leveled up with reading, learning, and fun at the library,” said Library Director Elektra Branwen. “Together, we share the same goal—to increase literacy and inspire a love of reading—and the Friends’ partnership makes that vision real.”

In 2025, the Library Friends contributed $2,500 to the Summer Reading Program, which reached 209 children and teens, with 70 completing their reading logs—a clear increase over last year. With their sponsorship and volunteer help, 82 community members enjoyed a lively program finale with lunch, bubble fun, games, and live entertainment.

Beyond the Summer Reading Program, the Friends provided $4,400 to support all-ages programs including our LGBTQIA+ Pride activities, Indigenous Peoples Day stone-carving workshop, beginning knitting classes, poetry workshops, author talks, and the Winter Reading Book Bingo program. They also invested $11,377.71 to replace aging staff computers—strengthening both staff efficiency and service quality.

The Library Friends of Cook County serve not only the public library but the school libraries as well. It’s their mission to promote excellence in library services by working with the Library Board and the staffs of the public and school libraries to support these agencies, their services, and programs through advocacy, public relations, fundraising, and volunteer service.

As National Friends of the Library Week highlights the vital role Friends groups play across the nation, the Grand Marais Public Library extends heartfelt thanks to our local Friends for their dedication, creativity, and generosity.

Thank you, Friends, for making a lasting difference for readers of all ages!