For anyone passionate about libraries and the value they bring to our communities, the Arrowhead Library System (ALS) Governing Board is accepting applications for an upcoming vacancy for a Cook County representative starting in 2026.

The Arrowhead Library System (ALS) enhances the value of libraries to their communities by cultivating collaboration, technological innovation, and professional development. It strives to enrich the quality of life by providing direct services for those without a public library and access to electronic resources for all people in northeastern Minnesota.

The ALS Governing Board is responsible for fiscal oversight and policy-setting. It consists of thirteen representatives from the region. As per Minnesota Statutes, terms of office are three years, with a limit of three consecutive terms.

ALS Governing Board meetings are held at 10 a.m. on the second Tuesday of the month in Mountain Iron. Regular board members meet six times each year (February, April, June, August, October, December). Board members annually elected to the Executive Committee meet an additional four times per year. Actual mileage to attend in-person meetings will be reimbursed at the federally approved rate in effect on the date of travel, and for those who must travel 200 miles or more (round trip), ALS reimburses for one night's stay at a hotel.

The term for the vacant Cook County ALS representative is January 1, 2026 - December 31, 2028, with the first meeting on Thursday, February 12 at 10 a.m. To submit an online application, visit the Cook County MN website (cookcountymn.gov) and type “board application” in the search bar or use the following link:  https://cocookmn.civicweb.net/Portal/BoardApplication/

For more information or assistance, contact Jana Kokemiller-Berka in the Cook County Administration office at 218-387-3602 or [email protected].

-30-