Library reports rising program demand, donations and new outreach for new Americans

The Grand Forks Public Library presented its annual report to the City Council on June 16, listing community programs, volunteer recognition and plans for expanded services.

Library presenter Miss Winter told council members the library received multiple donations that primarily fund programming and materials; the library was recognized as Group Volunteer of the Year by the North Dakota Long Term Care Association and a children’s assistant director was selected as an American Library Association Emerging Leader.

Highlights included expanded summer programming (a filled 3‑D printing camp and a Shakespeare youth camp), community outreach events such as a monthly Coffee and Conversation that connects nonprofit organizations with residents, and a program page the library maintains for "new Americans." Winter said the new Americans page lists language resources, GED and driving test prep and other databases — many provided by the State Library — and that the library intends these resources to be available to everyone, not restricted to any single group.

Council members asked about program budgets and verification for age‑restricted activities. Winter said many programs are free because volunteers or outside speakers donate time or the Friends of the Library fund event costs; the proposed volunteer‑led English practice program for new Americans was described as costing "nothing of our budget." Winter said age checks for small programs rely on participant self‑selection and parental accompaniment for younger children; unaccompanied children under 8 must have a guardian or staff will contact police if the child cannot be reunited.

Quote: "Our most important mission is to make sure that people can read," Winter said, describing the library’s summer reading focus.

The council thanked library staff for the report and asked staff to follow up on questions about program spending breakdowns. No council action was required.