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Great River Regional Library presents annual report; Todd County backs Minitex with board resolution
Summary
Library officials updated the board on regional services and sought Todd County's support for Minitex, a University of Minnesota program that manages interlibrary loan and statewide digital resources; the county approved a resolution of support.
Representatives of Great River Regional Library briefed the Todd County Board May 6 on regional operations and sought county support for Minitex, the University of Minnesota-based consortium that manages interlibrary loan and shared electronic resources for Minnesota libraries.
Presenters Karen Ponsack (executive director), Amanda Wirzbon (library services coordinator), and Kathy Parrish (local branch staff) described systemwide usage data: about 98,000 cardholders regionwide, growing digital circulation, and a record 13,414 participants in the summer reading program for ages 0–18. Staff said the digital library has grown and now exceeds circulation at the system’s busiest physical location. They also highlighted local services such as “print‑to‑go” at Long Prairie, new children’s shelving and programming at Eagle Bend, park pass circulation, and author visits.
Ponsack outlined why the board was being asked to support Minitex: federal grant uncertainty has threatened services that Minitex coordinates, including interlibrary loan and statewide database subscriptions. She said Great River Regional Library residents borrowed roughly 14,500 items through interlibrary loan in 2024, and about 900 patron “suggested title” requests were filled via interlibrary loan in recent months — saving the system purchase costs.
County commissioners moved to adopt a resolution supporting Minitex; the motion passed with no recorded opposition. Commissioners and library staff discussed strategic planning and local programming; several commissioners thanked staff for outreach and local services that benefit residents, including the park pass program that waives state park entry fees for short-term family outings.
Library staff said they will return in the fall during budget review to discuss the county’s ongoing support, and they encouraged residents to participate in regional strategic planning.
