Carnegie Regional Library reduces 2026 county request, urges continued Walsh County support

Gaye Riske, a member of the Carnegie Regional Library board, told the Walsh County Commission that the library reduced its 2026 funding request to Walsh County and is using reserve funds to cover part of next year’s operating costs so as not to increase pressure on the county budget.

Riske said the reduced request “is a proactive gesture of goodwill not an indication of reduced need” and emphasized the library’s regional role serving rural residents, schools and seniors in Walsh County. She told commissioners the city of Grafton provides the library building rent-free.

The briefing was intended to explain why the library board trimmed its request and to ask the commission to continue funding the countywide service. “Walsh County’s continued investment will ensure the Carnegie Regional Library remains a strong, accessible, and vital resource for all residents,” Riske said.

Board and staff described outreach services to small towns and rural areas as a core part of the library’s mission. Katrina (library staff) said the library historically ran a staffed mini-library in Adams located in the First United Bank basement; it currently operates on an honor system after the part‑time staff person retired. Katrina said the mini-library and other partnerships reached rural residents but that “the rural outreach has been less at the moment” while staff changes are addressed.

Commissioners asked for more detail about outreach, board membership and usage. Katrina said the Carnegie Regional Library board has six members—three representing Grafton and three representing Walsh County—and she listed the county members as herself, Gaye Riske and Tina Anderson; city members she named included Lark, Hoyhose, Susan Sloop and Heather McMillan. She told the commission that meeting minutes and membership lists are kept at the library and that the board intends to post more information on the library website.

Commissioners also discussed an annual $25 library-card fee that county officials had heard was charged to out‑of‑county patrons. Katrina said the $25 fee predated current staff, is often waived as a judgment call, and that some out‑of‑county patrons (for example from Pembina County) do pay it; she said copying/printing fees and some fines bring in about $300 a year. Katrina said state aid and grant funding are also part of the library’s revenue mix; she estimated state aid at about $12,000 annually.

Several commissioners expressed support for fully funding the library’s request. Commissioner Paul said he wanted to “support the full request of the library board” and described county support for public services as a civic responsibility. No formal vote on the library appropriation was taken during this session; commissioners asked staff to accept an itemized follow-up request and to include the library in budget discussions at the September budget meeting.

The library representatives offered to send the commission the board’s strategic plan and an itemized list of funding requests and services.

If the county reduces or cuts funding, Riske warned of potential impacts including reduced hours, fewer staff to assist patrons, loss of outreach to underserved communities and fewer programs for children, teens and seniors. She said the library uses reserved funds to limit the 2026 county request while continuing services.

Ending: The commission requested an itemized follow-up from the library and said the reduced request would be considered during upcoming budget discussions.